House J R, Lunt H, Magness A, Lyons J
Environmental Medicine Unit, Institute of Naval Medicine, Alverstoke, Gosport, PO12 2DL.
J R Nav Med Serv. 2003;89(1):27-34.
Nine personnel simulating the work of an NBC cleansing station (CS) in conditions expected in Middle Eastern waters had a limited work duration due to incapacitating heat strain. When the subjects were allowed five minutes rest periods after every 10 minutes of work, the endurance of seven of the subjects was limited to between 75-105 minutes due to heat strain and heat illness. By the point of withdrawal mean (SD) rectal temperature (Tre) had risen by 1.8 degrees C (0.4 degree C). The other two subjects were withdrawn earlier because they reached cardiac safety limits. When the hands were immersed (HI) in 10 degrees C water during the five minute rest periods heat strain was significantly lower (P < 0.01) and work endurance times were increased. One subject was withdrawn early on reaching cardiac safety limits, two on reaching Tre limits (39 degrees C) at 105 minutes, and six subjects completed the 180 minute exposure with a final Tre of 38.4 degrees C (0.3 degree C). Using 'iced' (0 degree C) rather than 10 degrees C water for HI further reduced heat strain (P < 0.01) and increased endurance times. Three subjects were withdrawn early on reaching cardiac safety limits, the remaining six completing the 180 minute exposure, with a final Tre of 38.3 degrees C (0.5 degree C). Using an ice-vest (IV) in conjunction with HI further reduced heat strain (P < 0.01) and increased endurance times. Two subjects were withdrawn early on reaching cardiac safety limits, the remaining seven completing the 180 minute exposure, with a final Tre of 38.2 degrees C (0.8 degree C) when 10 degrees C HI water was used, and Tre 38.0 degrees C (0.4 degree C) when 0 degree C HI water was used. There were no reports of finger numbness or loss of dexterity due to HI, and all personnel were able to remove their own individual Protective Equipment (IPE) without difficulty. It is expected that using HI will not reduce the ability to decontaminate or undress others. The HI technique and IV equipment should be introduced into the Fleet. 'Iced' water should be used in preference to 10 degrees C, although any water colder than 25 degrees C will provide some benefit. The IVs increased torso girth and personnel should try them on (with frozen ice packs inserted) prior to their use and ensure that their protective clothing still fits, or obtain a larger size.
九名模拟核生化洗消站（CS）在中东海域预期条件下工作的人员，因使人丧失能力的热应激而工作时长有限。当受试者每工作10分钟后有5分钟休息时间时，由于热应激和热疾病，7名受试者的耐力限制在75至105分钟之间。到退出时，平均（标准差）直肠温度（Tre）上升了1.8摄氏度（0.4摄氏度）。另外两名受试者因达到心脏安全极限而提前退出。当在5分钟休息期间将手浸入（HI）10摄氏度的水中时，热应激显著降低（P<0.01），工作耐力时间增加。一名受试者因达到心脏安全极限而提前退出，两名在105分钟时达到Tre极限（39摄氏度）而退出，六名受试者完成了180分钟的暴露，最终Tre为38.4摄氏度（0.3摄氏度）。使用“冰”（0摄氏度）而不是10摄氏度的水进行HI进一步降低了热应激（P<0.01）并增加了耐力时间。三名受试者因达到心脏安全极限而提前退出，其余六名完成了180分钟的暴露，最终Tre为38.3摄氏度（0.5摄氏度）。将冰背心（IV）与HI结合使用进一步降低了热应激（P<0.01）并增加了耐力时间。两名受试者因达到心脏安全极限而提前退出，其余七名完成了180分钟的暴露，当使用10摄氏度的HI水时最终Tre为38.2摄氏度（0.8摄氏度），当使用0摄氏度的HI水时Tre为38.0摄氏度（0.4摄氏度）。没有因HI导致手指麻木或灵活性丧失的报告，所有人员都能够毫无困难地脱下自己的个人防护装备（IPE）。预计使用HI不会降低对他人进行去污或脱衣的能力。HI技术和IV设备应引入舰队。应优先使用“冰”水而非10摄氏度的水，尽管任何低于25摄氏度的水都会有一定益处。IV增加了躯干周长，人员在使用前应试穿（插入冷冻冰袋），确保防护服仍然合身，否则应获取更大尺寸的。
