Written question asked by Joan Humble (Labour) on Friday, 6 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Friday, 20 October 2006 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Exertional Heat Illness

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what advice is given to (a) soldiers, (b) officers, (c) trainers and (d) medics regarding the prevention, recognition and treatment of exertional heat illness.

Answer: Joint Service Publication (JSP) 539 contains the advice given to Service personnel regarding the prevention, recognition and treatment of exertional heat illness (EHI). The JSP aims to educate all Service personnel in the prevention and treatment of cases of heat and cold injury in order to minimise the risks of morbidity or mortality associated with these preventable conditions. It also sets out the procedures to minimise the risk of developing heat and cold illness and describes the immediate management of anyone who develops a thermal injury.The Annexes to chapter 2 of the JSP provide detailed guidance on the assessment of risk of heat illness and the water requirements for personnel during exercise in the heat. They also provide guidance for medical staff on the treatment of heat illness and a detailed schedule for heat acclimatisation prior to, and during deployment to hot climates.I have placed a copy of JSP 539 in the Library of the House.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 91726; 450 c1479W;450 c1485W
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP 06/1924
Wednesday, 1 November 2006
Deposited papers
House of Commons
Subjects: Armed forces Health Heatstroke
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk