Managing the risk of heat illness on board type 23 frigates deploying to the Arabian Gulf

Temperature extremes are commonplace in the Middle East, varying between 30 degrees C and 50 degrees C. During the summer months, temperatures reach 50 degrees C consistently, with high humidity and sea temperatures rarely dropping below 33 degrees C. Sailing from the temperate climate of the U.K., Ship's crews are deploying to these extremes and working in spaces within the Ship where temperatures climb as high as 520C for at least 4 out of 6 months. Type 23 frigates (T23) were designed for anti-submarine warfare (anecdotally assumed to be North Sea based), yet now deploy continuously to hotter climates which subjects personnel to increased heat stress putting them at risk of heat injury. These risks can be minimised with simple measures such as maintaining hydration, rest periods outside of hot workspaces and finally cooling techniques such as inserting the arms up to the elbows in cool water for 10 minutes. During the 4 months spent in the Arabian Gulf of a 6 month tour, during the summer of 2010, personnel on board the T23 frigate HMS SOMERSET suffered no cases of heat illness despite the risks, due to employing these simple strategies.