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Bainbridge A, Wolfe A, Hartley M. Complications with hot, cold and altitude environments in disaster management. BMJ Mil Health 2022; 168:462-466. [PMID: 36109067 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disaster management is the process of preparing, responding and recovering to an emergency whether that be natural or man-made. It is a time-consuming, resource-heavy process with the aim of reducing the risk of certain events and, where not possible, reducing the impact of said disaster, ensuring that the risks have been identified and appropriate rescue and recovery plan is in place. METHODS We carried out a thorough literature search on the complications of hot, cold and altitude environments in disaster management and distilled the learnings into this article. RESULTS The incidence of disasters of natural, man-made and complex origin is likely to continue increasing as global temperatures continue to rise. CONCLUSION Disaster management in the extreme environments of hot, cold and high altitude is fraught with unique challenges, especially around the physiological response of rescuers, resource constraints and logistics. Recognising these challenges is an important aspect of planning and preparation for disaster management in these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - A Wolfe
- AMS Support Unit, British Army, London, UK
| | - M Hartley
- GDMO, Army Medical Service 3 Medical Regiment, Preston, UK
- DPHC, Army Medical Service 3 Medical Regiment, Kent, UK
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Ramesh B, Jagger MA, Zaitchik BF, Kolivras KN, Swarup S, Yang B, Corpuz BG, Gohlke JM. Estimating changes in emergency department visits associated with floods caused by Tropical Storm Imelda using satellite observations and syndromic surveillance. Health Place 2022; 74:102757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Ramesh B, Jagger MA, Zaitchik B, Kolivras KN, Swarup S, Deanes L, Gohlke JM. Emergency department visits associated with satellite observed flooding during and following Hurricane Harvey. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:832-841. [PMID: 34267308 PMCID: PMC8448911 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00361-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flooding following heavy rains precipitated by hurricanes has been shown to impact the health of people. Earth observations can be used to identify inundation extents for subsequent analysis of health risks associated with flooding at a fine spatio-temporal scale. OBJECTIVE To evaluate emergency department (ED) visits before, during, and following flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 in Texas. METHODS A controlled before and after design was employed using 2016-2018 ED visits from flooded and non-flooded census tracts. ED visits between landfall of the hurricane and receding of flood waters were considered within the flood period and post-flood periods extending up to 4 months were also evaluated. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted rate ratios for total and cause specific ED visits. RESULTS Flooding was associated with increased ED visits for carbon monoxide poisoning, insect bite, dehydration, hypothermia, intestinal infectious diseases, and pregnancy complications. During the month following the flood period, the risk for pregnancy complications and insect bite was still elevated in the flooded tracts. SIGNIFICANCE Earth observations coupled with ED visits increase our understanding of the short-term health risks during and following flooding, which can be used to inform preparedness measures to mitigate adverse health outcomes and identify localities with increased health risks during and following flooding events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balaji Ramesh
- Department of Geography, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Benjamin Zaitchik
- Morton K. Blaustein Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Korine N Kolivras
- Department of Geography, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Samarth Swarup
- Biocomplexity Institute and Initiative, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Lauren Deanes
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julia M Gohlke
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA.
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Flouris AD, Dinas PC, Ioannou LG, Nybo L, Havenith G, Kenny GP, Kjellstrom T. Workers' health and productivity under occupational heat strain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Planet Health 2018; 2:e521-e531. [PMID: 30526938 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(18)30237-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 10/06/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational heat strain (ie, the effect of environmental heat stress on the body) directly threatens workers' ability to live healthy and productive lives. We estimated the effects of occupational heat strain on workers' health and productivity outcomes. METHODS Following PRISMA guidelines for this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed and Embase from database inception to Feb 5, 2018, for relevant studies in any labour environment and at any level of occupational heat strain. No restrictions on language, workers' health status, or study design were applied. Occupational heat strain was defined using international health and safety guidelines and standards. We excluded studies that calculated effects using simulations or statistical models instead of actual measurements, and any grey literature. Risk of bias, data extraction, and sensitivity analysis were performed by two independent investigators. Six random-effects meta-analyses estimated the prevalence of occupational heat strain, kidney disease or acute kidney injury, productivity loss, core temperature, change in urine specific gravity, and odds of occupational heat strain occurring during or at the end of a work shift in heat stress conditions. The review protocol is available on PROSPERO, registration number CRD42017083271. FINDINGS Of 958 reports identified through our systematic search, 111 studies done in 30 countries, including 447 million workers from more than 40 different occupations, were eligible for analysis. Our meta-analyses showed that individuals working a single work shift under heat stress (defined as wet-bulb globe temperature beyond 22·0 or 24·8°C depending on work intensity) were 4·01 times (95% CI 2·45-6·58; nine studies with 11 582 workers) more likely to experience occupational heat strain than an individual working in thermoneutral conditions, while their core temperature was increased by 0·7°C (0·4-1·0; 17 studies with 1090 workers) and their urine specific gravity was increased by 14·5% (0·0031, 0·0014-0·0048; 14 studies with 691 workers). During or at the end of a work shift under heat stress, 35% (31-39; 33 studies with 13 088 workers) of workers experienced occupational heat strain, while 30% (21-39; 11 studies with 8076 workers) reported productivity losses. Finally, 15% (11-19; ten studies with 21 721 workers) of individuals who typically or frequently worked under heat stress (minimum of 6 h per day, 5 days per week, for 2 months of the year) experienced kidney disease or acute kidney injury. Overall, this analysis include a variety of populations, exposures, and occupations to comply with a wider adoption of evidence synthesis, but resulted in large heterogeneity in our meta-analyses. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation analysis revealed moderate confidence for most results and very low confidence in two cases (average core temperature and change in urine specific gravity) due to studies being funded by industry. INTERPRETATION Occupational heat strain has important health and productivity outcomes and should be recognised as a public health problem. Concerted international action is needed to mitigate its effects in light of climate change and the anticipated rise in heat stress. FUNDING EU Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas D Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece; Human and Environmental Physiological Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottowa, ON, Canada.
| | - Petros C Dinas
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | - Leonidas G Ioannou
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece; Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Centre for Technology Research and Innovation, Lemesos, Cyprus
| | - Lars Nybo
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, August Krogh Building, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - George Havenith
- Environmental Ergonomics Research Centre, Loughborough Design School, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Glen P Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiological Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottowa, ON, Canada; Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Tord Kjellstrom
- Centre for Technology Research and Innovation, Lemesos, Cyprus
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Environmental Heat Exposure and Heat-Related Symptoms in United States Coast Guard Deepwater Horizon Disaster Responders. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2018; 13:561-569. [PMID: 30398128 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2018.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill was impacted by heat. We evaluated the association between environmental heat exposure and self-reported heat-related symptoms in US Coast Guard Deepwater Horizon disaster responders. METHODS Utilizing climate data and postdeployment survey responses from 3648 responders, we assigned heat exposure categories based on both wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and heat index (HI) measurements (median, mean, maximum). We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) via adjusted Poisson regression models with robust error variance to estimate associations with reported heat-related symptoms. We also evaluated the association between use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and heat-related symptoms. RESULTS Those in the highest WBGT median-based heat exposure category had increased prevalence of heat-related symptoms compared to those in the lowest category (PR=2.22 [95% CI: 1.61, 3.06]), and there was a significant exposure-response trend (P<.001). Results were similar for exposure categories based on WBGT and HI metrics. Analyses stratified by use of PPE found significantly stronger associations between environmental heat exposure and heat-related symptoms in those who did not use PPE (PR=2.23 [95% CI: 1.10, 4.51]) than in those who did (PR=1.64 [95% CI: 1.14, 2.36]). CONCLUSIONS US Coast Guard Deepwater Horizon disaster responders who experienced higher levels of environmental heat had higher prevalences of heat-related symptoms. These symptoms may impact health, safety, and mission effectiveness. As global climate change increases the frequency of disasters and weather extremes, actions must be taken to prevent heat-related health impacts among disaster responders. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:561-569).
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Divine JG, Daggy MW, Dixon EE, LeBlanc DP, Okragly RA, Hasselfeld KA. Case Series of Exertional Heat Stroke in Runners During Early Spring: 2014 to 2016 Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. Curr Sports Med Rep 2018; 17:151-158. [DOI: 10.1249/jsr.0000000000000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Brearley MB, Norton IN, Trewin AS. The Case for Heat Acclimatization of Disaster Responders-An Australian Perspective. Front Public Health 2017; 5:98. [PMID: 28487852 PMCID: PMC5403816 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matt B Brearley
- Disaster Response and Preparedness, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Ian N Norton
- Emergency Risk Management and Humanitarian Response, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Abigail S Trewin
- Disaster Response and Preparedness, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Abstract
Introduction Disaster and humanitarian responders are at-risk of experiencing a wide range of physical and psychological health conditions, from minor injuries to chronic mental health problems and fatalities. This article reviews the current literature on the major health outcomes of responders to various disasters and conflicts in order to better inform individuals of the risks and to inform deploying agencies of the health care needs of responders. METHODS In March 2014, an EMBASE search was conducted using pre-defined search criteria. Two reviewers screened the resultant 2,849 abstracts and the 66 full-length manuscripts which are included in the review. RESULTS The majority of research on health outcomes of responders focused on mental health (57 of 66 articles). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression were the most studied diagnoses with prevalence of PTSD ranging from 0%-34% and depression from 21%-53%. Physical health outcomes were much less well-studied and included a wide range of environmental, infectious, and traumatic conditions such as heat stroke, insect bites, dermatologic, gastrointestinal, and respiratory diseases, as well as burns, fractures, falls, and other traumatic injuries. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of mental health disorders in responders may vary more and be higher than previously suggested. Overall health outcomes of responders are likely poorly monitored and under-reported. Improved surveillance systems and risk mitigation strategies should be employed in all disaster and conflict responses to better protect individual responders. Garbern SC , Ebbeling LG , Bartels SA . A systematic review of health outcomes among disaster and humanitarian responders. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2016;31(6):635-642.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Minimal preparation time is a feature of responding to sudden onset disasters. While equipment and supplies are prepared for deployment at short notice, less is known of the physical preparation of medical responders. With many disaster-prone areas classified as tropical regions, there is potential for responders to endure a combination of high ambient temperatures and relative humidity during deployment. Heat acclimatization, defined as the physiological and perceptual adaptations to frequent elevations of core body temperature (Tc), is a key strategy to improve tolerance of hot conditions by medical responders. METHODS Pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines were developed based upon the duration of physical training and the subjective rate of perceived exertion (session RPE). An objective of individual training sessions was the perception of body temperature as warm to hot. The guidelines were implemented for Team Bravo (2nd rotation) of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AusMAT) deployed to Tacloban, Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. The guidelines were distributed electronically five to seven days prior to deployment and were followed by a consultation. A group training session in hot conditions was undertaken prior to departure. RESULTS The AusMAT responders to utilize the guidelines were based in cool or temperate climates that required extra layers of clothing, training during warmer parts of the days, or warm indoor conditions to achieve session objectives. Responders reported the guidelines were simple to use, applicable to their varied training regimens, and had improved their confidence to work in the heat despite not completing the entire 14 day period. CONCLUSION The pre-deployment heat acclimatization guidelines provided AusMAT responders the ability to quantify their physical training and promoted physiological adaptations to maximize health, safety, and performance during deployment. While maintaining year-round heat acclimatization is considered essential for medical responders, these guidelines may facilitate beneficial adaptations once notified of deployment.
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Disaster-related exposures and health effects among US Coast Guard responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: a cross-sectional study. J Occup Environ Med 2015; 56:820-33. [PMID: 25099408 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Disaster responders work among poorly characterized physical and psychological hazards with little understood regarding health consequences of their work. METHODS A survey administered to 2834 US Coast Guard responders to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provided data on exposures and health effects. Prevalence odds ratios (PORs) evaluated associations between baseline characteristics, missions, exposures, and health effects. RESULTS Most frequent exposures were animal/insect vector (n = 1309; 46%) and floodwater (n = 817; 29%). Most frequent health effects were sunburn (n = 1119; 39%) and heat stress (n = 810; 30%). Significant positive associations were for mold exposure and sinus infection (POR = 10.39); carbon monoxide and confusion (POR = 6.27); lack of sleep and slips, trips, falls (POR = 3.34) and depression (POR = 3.01); being a Gulf-state responder and depression (POR = 3.22). CONCLUSIONS Increasing protection for disaster responders requires provisions for adequate sleep, personal protective equipment, and access to medical and psychological support.
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Gubernot DM, Anderson GB, Hunting KL. The epidemiology of occupational heat exposure in the United States: a review of the literature and assessment of research needs in a changing climate. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2014; 58:1779-88. [PMID: 24326903 PMCID: PMC4145032 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-013-0752-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the United States has experienced record-breaking summer heat. Climate change models forecast increasing US temperatures and more frequent heat wave events in the coming years. Exposure to environmental heat is a significant, but overlooked, workplace hazard that has not been well-characterized or studied. The working population is diverse; job function, age, fitness level, and risk factors to heat-related illnesses vary. Yet few studies have examined or characterized the incidence of occupational heat-related morbidity and mortality. There are no federal regulatory standards to protect workers from environmental heat exposure. With climate change as a driver for adaptation and prevention of heat disorders, crafting policy to characterize and prevent occupational heat stress for both indoor and outdoor workers is increasingly sensible, practical, and imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane M Gubernot
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, Washington, DC, USA,
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XIANG J, BI P, PISANIELLO D, HANSEN A. Health impacts of workplace heat exposure: an epidemiological review. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2013; 52:91-101. [PMID: 24366537 PMCID: PMC4202759 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2012-0145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
With predicted increasing frequency and intensity of extremely hot weather due to changing climate, workplace heat exposure is presenting an increasing challenge to occupational health and safety. This article aims to review the characteristics of workplace heat exposure in selected relatively high risk occupations, to summarize findings from published studies, and ultimately to provide suggestions for workplace heat exposure reduction, adaptations, and further research directions. All published epidemiological studies in the field of health impacts of workplace heat exposure for the period of January 1997 to April 2012 were reviewed. Finally, 55 original articles were identified. Manual workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress, especially those in low-middle income countries in tropical regions. At risk workers include farmers, construction workers, fire-fighters, miners, soldiers, and manufacturing workers working around process-generated heat. The potential impacts of workplace heat exposure are to some extent underestimated due to the underreporting of heat illnesses. More studies are needed to quantify the extent to which high-risk manual workers are physiologically and psychologically affected by or behaviourally adapt to workplace heat exposure exacerbated by climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun XIANG
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Population Health,
The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Peng BI
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Population Health,
The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Dino PISANIELLO
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Population Health,
The University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alana HANSEN
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Population Health,
The University of Adelaide, Australia
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Carter R, Cheuvront SN, Williams JO, Kolka MA, Stephenson LA, Sawka MN, Amoroso PJ. Epidemiology of hospitalizations and deaths from heat illness in soldiers. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005; 37:1338-44. [PMID: 16118581 DOI: 10.1249/01.mss.0000174895.19639.ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Serious heat illness has received considerable recent attention due to catastrophic heat waves in the United States and Europe, the deaths of high-profile athletes, and military deployments. METHODS This study documents heat illness hospitalizations and deaths for the U.S. Army from 1980 through 2002. Hospitalization data were obtained from the Total Army Injury Health Outcomes Database (TAIHOD) coded according to the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM). North Atlantic Treaty Organization Standardization Agreement codes were searched for heat injuries in an effort to detect cases that were not found during the ICD-9-CM search. RESULTS Five-thousand two-hundred forty-six soldiers were hospitalized, and 37 died due to heat illness. Our results indicate: 1) approximately 60% reduction in hospitalization rates (fewer heat exhaustion cases) over the 22-yr period; 2) fivefold increase in heat stroke hospitalization rates (1.8 per 100,000 in 1980 to 14.5 per 100,000 in 2001); 3) heat stroke cases were associated with dehydration (17%), rhabdomyolysis (25%), and acute renal failure (13%); 4) lower hospitalizations rates among African and Hispanic Americans compared with Caucasians (incidence density ratio, 0.76 [95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.82]; 5) greater rates of hospitalizations and heat strokes among recruits from northern than southern states (incidence density ratio, 1.69 [95% confidence interval, 1.42-1.90]; and 6) greater rates of hospitalizations and heat strokes among women than men (incidence density ratio, 1.18 [95% confidence interval, 1.09-1.27]). CONCLUSIONS Exertional heat illness continues to be a military problem during training and operations. Whereas the hospitalization rate of heat illness is declining, heat stroke has markedly increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Carter
- Thermal and Mountain Medicine Division, United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA 01760, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Ramphal
- BaylorWorx, Baylor Medical Center at Garland, Garland, Texas, USA
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