Update: Heat injuries, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2013

Area of Science:

• Environmental Medicine
• Military Health Surveillance
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Heat-related illnesses pose a significant risk to active-duty military personnel.
• Understanding trends and risk factors is crucial for prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence and trends of heat stroke and other heat injuries among active component service members from 2009 to 2013.
• To identify demographic and occupational factors associated with increased risk.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of military health surveillance data from 2009-2013.
• Examination of heat stroke and "other heat injuries" treatment data, including incidence rates.
• Comparison of risk factors across different demographic groups, military branches, and occupations.

Main Results:

• The lowest number of heat stroke cases (n=324) was recorded in 2013, similar to 2010 (n=321).
• Higher heat stroke incidence was observed in males, individuals under 20, Asian/Pacific Islanders, Marines, Army members, recruits, and those in combat roles.
• Fewer "other heat injuries" (n=1,701) were treated in 2013, with higher incidence rates in females and recruit trainees.
• In Iraq/Afghanistan (2009-2013), 6.4% of 909 heat injury events were heat stroke.

Conclusions:

• While overall heat stroke cases decreased in 2013, specific subgroups remain at elevated risk.
• "Other heat injuries" also saw a decline, but recruit trainees demonstrated a significantly higher incidence.
• Targeted prevention strategies are needed for high-risk demographics and occupations to mitigate heat-related illnesses in the military.