Heat Stroke: Is Total Prevention Possible?

Occupational heat illness in Washington State, 1995–2005

“…Observations also varied among those investigating the incidence of exertional heat stroke among military populations. Bartley [1977] found that incidence of exertional heat stroke occurred at various times of day under all types of weather conditions, while O'Donnell [1975] found a higher incidence during the hotter parts of the day or concurrently with or immediately after strenuous exercise. These data suggest that high exertion levels, alone or in conjunction with high ambient temperatures, increase the risk for HRI.…”

“…Medical conditions or use of medications illicit drugs or alcohol was present in 22.1% of claims. Exertional HRI risk factors among military recruit populations include infectious disease, sleep loss, generalized fatigue, sudden increase in physical training, prolonged heat stress exposure [Armstrong et al, 1990], obesity, lack of physical fitness, dehydration [Bartley, 1977], and, significant heat exposure the day prior to injury . Military populations are likely to be at relatively low risk for co-morbid HRI medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes due to both the reduced incidence of these conditions among younger populations and medical selection/exclusion criteria for military recruits.…”

“…Exertional heat stroke occurs sporadically in individuals with high metabolic output rates [Mehta and Jaswah, 2003]. Exertional heat stroke may occur under any weather conditions but is most prevalent during hot and humid weather [Bartley, 1977;ACGIH, 2006]. Exertional HRI results from high metabolic demands often in combination with hot environmental conditions.…”

Heat Illness - A Review of Military Experience (Part 2)

“…b. When the WGBT rises to 80°F, field exercises for new trainees should be limited to two hours in the morning and one hour in the afternoon during their first few days of training; to between two and three hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon in the second week, and to not more than six hours per day for the remaining part of the program, with the usual 10 (19). A further analysis of all heatstroke reports 1ll the US Army for 1975 found 10 out of 14 cases occurred at temperatures below that recommended for action.…”