Summer sizzle: Heat injuries a threat to IET Soldiers, cadre

By CRYSTAL LEWIS BROWN, Fort Jackson LeaderJune 24, 2009

Summer sizzle: Heat injuries a threat to IET Soldiers, cadre
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Summer sizzle: Heat injuries a threat to IET Soldiers, cadre
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Although heat is one of the biggest threats to IET Soldiers, civilians should also take care when working during the hot summer months.

Aca,!A"The same general principles apply to civilians as to Soldiers,Aca,!A? said Sean OAca,!a,,cBrian, head of the Fort Jackson Safety Center.

Civilians who must work in the heat should Aca,!A"stay hydrated, stay out of the sun and seek shelter,Aca,!A? OAca,!a,,cBrian said.

Civilians who typically work in an air-conditioned environment should also take care when they are outdoors. Civilians may not be acclimated to being out in the heat like Soldiers who work outside daily.

Like Soldiers, OAca,!a,,cBrian said civilians should watch their co-workers for any signs and symptoms of a heat injury, including a mental status change.

Aca,!A"If youAca,!a,,cre talking to me and 15 minutes from now ... IAca,!a,,cm babbling, thatAca,!a,,cs a mental status change,Aca,!A? he said.

If that happens, contact emergency personnel immediately, he said. The worst thing to do, he added, is for civilians to be careful not to push themselves too far and to continue working if they feel ill.