Training leaders on Fort Leonard Wood learn more about the prevention, mitigation, recognition, and treatment of heat injuries

Training leaders at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence on Fort Leonard Wood came together on Monday to learn more about the prevention, mitigation, recognition, and treatment of heat injuries. Noted heat injuries, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other related illnesses, have been on the decline over the past couple of years, but mid-Missouri still sees an average of 63 days throughout the summer that reach the high end of the Army’s heat categorization system. Leaders heard from some of Fort Leonard Wood’s medical experts, who explained basics such as heat load, the physiological strain on a person’s body as they attempt to compensate for the stress produced in the body by high environmental temperatures. They also explained ways to reduce the adverse impact of high environmental temperatures, such as drinking enough water, getting proper nutrition, wearing proper clothing, maintaining a high level of fitness, and resting after exposure to heat. After receiving the information, battalion commanders were invited to explain some of their lessons learned and best practices concerning heat injury prevention. More information on preventing heat injuries is available on the Defense Centers for Public Health website.