LEARNINGOBJECTIVE: Determine the steps needed to prevent heat exposure injuries.

The prevention of heat exposure injuries is a command responsibility, but the medical department plays a role in it by educating all hands about the medical dangers, monitoring environmental health, and advising the commanding officer.

On the individual level, prevention centers on water and salt replacement. Sweat must be replaced ounce for ounce; in a hot environment, water consumption must be drastically increased. Salt should be replaced by eating well-balanced meals, three times a day, salted to taste. In the field, "C" rations contain enough salt to sustain a person in most situations. DO NOT use salt tablets unless specified by a physician. DO NOT consume alcoholic beverages.

At the command level, prevention centers on an awareness of the environment. The Wet Bulb Globe

Figure 4-50.-Heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Temperature (WBGT) must be monitored regularly, and the results interpreted with the Physiological Heat Exposure Limit (PHEL) chart before work assign- ments are made. In addition, unnecessary heat sources, especially steam leaks, must be eliminated, and vents and exhaust blowers must be checked for adequate circulation. The results will be a happier, healthier, and more productive crew.