If You Can't Stand the Heat Than Get Out of the Kitchen or at Least Drink Water and Rest [Image 1 of 2]

LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA HOPE, HAITI

03.21.2010

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Jo Bridgwater 

7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary)

Master Sgt. Frederick Williams, medical operations non-commissioned officer in charge, 7th Sustainment Brigade, stands outside the brigade Tactical Operations Center at LSA Hope in Haiti, March 21, to check the heat category that is used to gage the work and rest cycle for Soldiers. The cycle is one method used to determine heat category level. The Heat Cat, as it is commonly called, is broken down into five categories. Heat Cat I equates 50 minutes of work and ten minutes of rest. On the opposite extreme is Heat Cat V, the most intense level of heat. Heat Cat V mandates that Soldiers work for ten minutes and rest for 50 minutes. Troops deployed to Haiti have endured, on average, Heat Cat IV and V nearly every day. Williams has this advice for troops living and working in such challenging conditions. "Drink plenty of water, preferably eight bottles a day," he said. "If a Soldier is out working in the heat they need to drink more water and adhere to the work and rest cycle. If you're taking anti-Malaria pills it increases the dehydration and sunburn factor," explained Williams. "Soldiers need to have battle buddies and watch out for each other and know the signs and symptoms of all heat injuries."

• Date Taken: 03.21.2010
• Date Posted: 03.25.2010 10:49
• Photo ID: 262977
• VIRIN: 100325-A-9296B-001
• Resolution: 3102x2054
• Size: 759.16 KB
• Location: LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA HOPE, HT