When the heat is on. (Digest).

Monitoring the environment and advising troops on optimum work/rest cycles and water consumption to prevent casualties is an obvious life saver. Since 1956, the monitoring method has been some combination of wet bulb and globe temperature (WBGT) device, but the US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine has developed a hand-sized monitor that uses a database of the past 25 years' research to predict the amount of heat strain soldiers will experience, depending on their work rate, environment and clothing. The square-shaped unit weighs 13 ounces, is powered by four AA alkaline batteries and is housed in an injection-moulded plastic case, the back of which opens to allow rotation of the sensor module and replacement of batteries. Programmed with a heat strain model, the user selects from a menu of clothing items and enters the work/task category; choosing from rest, very light, light, moderate or heavy work. The monitor asks if the group is acclimated to the heat. After two minutes the unit displays the hourly water consumption requirements, optimal work/ rest cycle limits and other data. The miniature heat stress monitor includes two sensors not found on a WBGT unit, wind speed, which is accurate even at low speeds, and atmospheric pressure, adjustable to various altitudes. (USASSC)

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