Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Water … is it in you?

    Water … is it in you?

    Photo By Sgt. Dani Salvatore | Pfc. Chyanne Ward, medic, 566th Area Support Medical Company, Fort Hood, Texas, Task...... read more read more

    CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, UNITED STATES

    08.05.2014

    Story by Sgt. Dani Salvatore 

    27th Public Affairs Detachment

    CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. - Water is essential for the successful completion of any mission. During Vibrant Response 14, July 21, through Aug. 7, at Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Indiana, Soldiers are conducting various training to improve their mission essential skills.

    Vibrant Response is a U.S. Northern Command-sponsored, U.S. Army North led, field training exercise for chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and high-yield explosive consequence management forces designed to improve their ability to respond to catastrophic incidents.

    The weather is warm, and the training events simulate real-world scenarios thus requiring full gear, physically demanding tasks and extended hours of operation, all of which make water consumption a primary concern.

    Tonya R. Kiel, Registered Nurse, team leader, Camp Atterbury Joint Maneuver Training Center, Indiana, said heat injuries could have serious consequences.

    “You can die from it and your organs can begin to shut down,” said Kiel.

    According to Kiel, Soldiers who are participating in Vibrant Response should consume between one and one and one-half gallons of water per day. She said that while it may seem like a large amount of water, with the physical activity and weather conditions Soldiers need their the water to perform.

    “Even if Soldiers are not thirsty, they should continue to drink water,” said Carrie Manion, Licensed Practical Nurse at Medical Health Services, Camp Atterbury, Indiana.

    For Soldiers who don’t drink enough water there are signs of potential heat injuries to take note of.

    “You know your body better than anyone else,” said Manion, “If you don’t feel right, it is probably time for you to take a break.”

    According to Carrie Manion, dizziness, stomach cramps, chills, and excessive sweating are all symptoms of a heat injury.

    Manion said that a serious sign of heat injury that requires emergency medical attention is an altered mental status. This stage is marked by confusion, fear, and inappropriate responses to questions.

    Kiel offers a tip for how to respond to a potential heat injury.
    “Get MADE in the shade,” said Kiel.

    The acronym MADE stands for move, assess, decide, evacuate. Move the Soldier to a cooler area, assess their physical condition, decide what needs to be done for the Soldier’s safety and evacuate the Soldier for medical treatment.

    There are some things to keep in mind when caring for a Soldier with a potential heat injury.

    “Never leave them alone,” said Manion. She explained that a Soldier’s medical state could change quickly thus it is critical that someone stays with them.

    “A common misconception is that you want to cool the body rapidly, and that is not true at all, because you can send them into shock,” said Manion.

    Kiel said that if a Soldier is presenting with any heat injury symptoms, they should be checked out by a medical professional.

    According to Manion and Pfc. Chyanne Ward, 566th Area Support Medical Company, Fort Hood, Texas, there are ways Soldiers can prevent heat injuries.

    “Make sure everyone is drinking enough water and utilizing the work/rest cycle,” said Ward.

    The work-rest cycle is a timetable in which Soldiers get the proper time to cool off and rehydrate throughout a mission.

    “The most common thing that goes wrong is that they are not drinking enough water for the weather conditions and activities they are participating in,” said Manion.

    If a Soldier is had a previous heat injury, they are more susceptible to one in the future.

    “Tell your chain of command you were a former heat casualty so they can take proper precautions.” said Ward.

    According to Ward, if a Soldier had a previous heat injury, they should maintain awareness of their physical state, drink plenty of water and ensure they are taking enough breaks.

    Kiel suggested that Soldiers with a history of heat injury, be identified with some sort of marker, such as red beads or a bracelet so that others will know to monitor them.

    The medical professionals agree that information about heat injuries should be incorporated into a unit’s safety briefs.

    “Soldiers need to speak up when they are not feeling right, because if they get in the shade, take a break, and rehydrate, they can avoid a heat injury,” said Manion.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 08.05.2014
    Date Posted: 08.06.2014 17:28
    Story ID: 138517
    Location: CAMP ATTERBURY, IN, US

    Web Views: 32
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN