Heat illness in the services

In spite of considerable progress in prevention, heat illness remains a significant occupational risk in the Services. A retrospective analysis of cases reported through the Defence Analytical Services Agency for the years 1981-91 shows higher numbers in the second part of this period, though this may be due to reporting differences. Overall, there was an average of 135 servicemen and women admitted to hospital each year for heat-related conditions though only 15.5 of them required sick leave for more than a week. Annual incidence was higher in the Army (73 per 100,000) than in the RN (14) and the RAF (5). Tri-service incidence was 42 per 100,000 for males and 11 for females. There were 11 deaths, all in the Army, but only 5 servicemen were discharged because of heat illness. Although the largest number of cases was reported from Great Britain, the incidence of cases in troops in Hong Kong and Cyprus was greater. In all locations, cases occurred in the coldest part of the year, but were commoner in the warmer months. Heat exhaustion (73.6%) seems more frequent than heat stroke (13%), but there are problems with definition and reporting. Current preventive measures are outlined and suggestions are made for more accurate monitoring of heat illness in the future. In the light of recent literature, recommendations are made for the grading and management of servicemen following heat illness.