The Effects of Chemical / Biological Protective Patient Wraps on Simulated Physiological Responses of Soldiers

http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA524741&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf

The Effects of Chemical/Biological Protective Patient Wraps on Simulated Physiological Responses of Soldiers


This study used a thermoregulatory model to examine the thermal burden imposed by a new U.S. Army protective patient wrap (PPW) design. The model simulations were conducted for typical desert, jungle, and temperate conditions with and without direct sun. Five PPW configurations (the current baseline, and laminated and non-laminated versions of the PPW with and without fan ventilation) were tested. The results suggested that soldiers would be likely to experience heat illness in < 6 hours when exposed to direct sun light in all simulated environments. Shade is effective in delaying or preventing soldiers from becoming heat casualties.