EFFECTS OF HIGH TEMPERATURE ON PERSONNEL AND RATION STORAGE

File: aaalm_10.txt
Page: 10
Total Pages: 21
11.  Troops arriving from CONUS by air are often partially dehydrated and should
be provided fresh drinking water as soon as possible.

12.  Soldiers are impacted by the switch from garrison food and drink to field
water and field rations and often dramatically reduce intake. Failure to consume
adequate rations leads to depletion of essential nutrients, especially salt.
Dehydration secondary to salt depletion is common within 3-5 days and has been
observed in all prior conflicts.

13.  When water is not available, it is advisable to avoid eating food or taking salt
in order to preserve retention of body water. If water is available, but not food, it is
advisable to lightly salt the water (1/2 mess kit spoon table salt per quart, 0.2-0.3%
by weight, will prevent acute salt depletion dehydration). Man can live for longer
periods of time without food, than without water.

14.  Command personnel should insist on mid-day urine checks to enhance
individual awareness and responsibility for avoiding voluntary dehydration. If urine
is more colored than diluted lemonade or the last urination cannot be remembered,
there is insufficient fluid intake. Collect urine samples in field expedient containers
and spot check the color as a guide to insuring proper hydration.

15.  Diseases, especially diarrhea diseases, complicate and often prevent
maintenance of proper hydration.

    a.   Water supplies with insufficient (<5 ppm) chlorine residuals (including
ice from all sources), native water supplies and native food and drink are common
sources of infective organisms.

    b.   Ticks, flies, mosquitoes and other insect vectors should be suppressed
with insecticides. Personal insect repellents are helpful.

    c.   Sick soldiers who do not report nausea, vomiting, stomach or leg
cramps, fevers, headache etc., go on to become more serious casualties and
should be treated as early as possible. This is especially important to avoid
epidemics (Weak Link Rule - one heat casualty is usually followed by others) of
heat illness or gastroenteritis. Early intervention is important.

    d.   In the event of an outbreak of diarrhea or vomiting, and, if medical
attention is not readily available, a substitute oral rehydration solution to counteract
the loss of body fluids can be prepared and consumed:

    Add 40 grams of table sugar (8 individual 5 gram packages) and 6
    grams of table salt (1 level dinner teaspoon) to 1 qt of water.
    Continue therapy until diarrhea or vomiting ceases or until medical
    attention is available. These quantities can be scaled up to make 5
    gallons (20 quarts) at a time.




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