In Reply:-We thank Dr. Bloomfield for his comments. We share his concern regarding the troublesome antichemical gear and discussed it in our article. 1 The psychological and performance effects of the protective gear have also been previously addressed. 2 Stressful exercise causes fluid shifts, dehydration, and heat stroke, which must be prevented or treated if encountered. 3,4 The antichemical suit further hampers adequate temperature regulation and is recognized as a cause of dehydration.In the Middle East, especially during the summer, dehydration and heat stroke are common, especially in the elderly and in civilians or army corps involved in outdoor strenuous exercise. 1 We agree with Dr. Bloomfield that the first step in preventing dehydration and heat stroke is training and education.It is important to note that according to chemical attack protocols, civilians are expected to wear only an antichemical facemask rather than the full protective gear. The problems mentioned are of major concern for those wearing the full protective suit, namely trained personnel, military and medical, who are required to treat and evacuate attack victims as well as perform other military operations while under such an attack.
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