081-831-1053 (SL1) - Practice Individual Preventive Medicine Countermeasures
Standards: Applied preventive medicine countermeasures to protect, as appropriate, against cold, heat, biting insects, diarrhea and dysentery, hearing loss, skin infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and foot problems. Practiced oral hygiene, proper disposal of waste, and Army tobacco use rules.

1.   Apply proper preventive medicine measures (PMMs) for protection against cold injuries.

a. Wear layers of loose clothing.

Note.  Minimize sweating.  When clothing becomes wet or dirty, it loses its ability to provide warmth.

(1)  Remove layers of clothing before doing strenuous work.

WARNING: Do not remove protective clothing in a chemical environment

(2)  Replace layers of clothing when your strenuous work is completed.

(3)  Launder clothing regularly.

b. Exercise to increase blood circulation.

(1)  Tighten and relax arm and leg muscles, fingers, and toes.

(2)  Use hands to massage and warm the face.

(3)  Refrain from smoking because it restricts blood flow to the skin.

WARNING: Physical and mental weariness contribute to inactivity, reduced heat, and increased chance for cold injury

c. Change socks.

(1)  Put on dry socks during rest breaks to reduce the risk of frostbite and trench foot.

WARNING: Severe frostbite and trench foot can result in the loss of hands or feet.

(2)  Put damp socks inside the shirt to dry.

d. Prevent dehydration.

(1)  Drink sufficient fluids (potable water, juices, and warm nonalcoholic beverages).

Note.  Drinking a sufficient amount of potable water in cold weather is as important as it is in hot weather.  In cold weather, you may not realize that your body is losing fluids and salt.  Sweat evaporates rapidly or is absorbed so completely by the layers of clothing that it is seldom visible on the skin.

(2)  Rest when possible.

e. Pair with a buddy.

(1)  Remind each other to do warming exercises often.

(2)  Watch for signs of cold injury such as frostbite, trench foot, and hypothermia.

2.   Apply proper PMMs for protection against heat injuries.

a. Drink sufficient amounts of water.

Note.  Your body needs a minimum amount of water for cooling, waste elimination, and metabolism.  Any attempt to train the body to use less water can be harmful and may lead to heat injuries.

(1)  Hourly fluid intake should not exceed 1 ½ quarts of water every hour. Daily fluid intake should not exceed 12 quarts.  If your urine is dark yellow, you are not drinking enough water.

(2)  Fluid intake needs will vary depending on type of work and temperature (see table 081-831-1053-1 and figure 081-831-1053-1).

Table 081-831-1053-1. *Fluid Replacement Policy for Warm Weather
*(Average acclimated soldier wearing BDU, Hot Weather)

Heat Category

WBGT Index ° F

Easy Work

Moderate Work

Hard Work

Work/ Rest

Water intake
Qt/hr

Work Rest

Water Intake, Qt/hr

Work Rest

Water Intake, Qt/hr

1*

78 – 81.9

NL

½

NL

¾

40/20 min

¾

2
(green)

82 – 84.9

NL

½

50/10 min

¾

30/30 min

1

3  (yellow)

85 – 87.9

NL

¾

40/20 min

¾

30/30 min

1

4
(red)

88 – 89.9

NL

¾

30/30 min

¾

20/40 min

1

5** (black)

>90

50/10 min

1

20/40 min

1

10/50 min

1

*Work/rest times and fluid replacement volumes will sustain performance and hydration for at least 4 hours of work in the specified heat category. Individual water needs will vary ± ¼ quarts per hour.
*NL = no limit to work time per hour. Rest means minimal physical activity (sitting or standing) and should be accomplished in shade if possible.
Wearing body armor adds 5 degrees Fahrenheit to WBGT Index.

*Wearing all MOPP overgarments adds 10 degrees Fahrenheit to WBGT Index.

**Suspend physical training and strenuous activity. If an operational (nontraining) mission requires strenuous activity, enforce water intake to minimize expected heat injuries.