Warfighter Safety: The Heat Is On!

Photo by Maria Christina Yager
 

It’s that time of year again…time for vacations, travel and fun in the sun…but also working in hot conditions that can challenge the body.
        
Every Soldier, DA civilian and Warfighter should learn to recognize early signs and symptoms of heat stress illness in themselves and their coworkers or battle buddies. These symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, unsteady walk and muscle cramps.
 

Graphic by PO2 Brooke Macchietto
Click on image above to open PDF version
 

Heat stroke is the most serious of the heat-related illnesses. It can cause permanent disability or even death.

Immediate cooling and buddy aid improve the chance of heat illness survival with minimal lasting effects. Delay in cooling is the biggest factor leading to severe or fatal outcomes.
 
Units should monitor heat with a wet bulb globe thermometer (WBCT) when the temperature outdoors is 75 ^oF or greater. For info on the WBCT, see Soldier Safety: Web Bulb Checks Humidity.
 
Also see our comprehensive Be Prepared for Hot Weather: A List of Must-Read PS Articles.
 
For more prevention steps, as well as regulations and reporting requirements, see ALARACT 041/2022, Heat Illness Prevention for the 2022-2023 Heat Season, HERE.