Medical Alerts

With 1st Manassas quickly approaching we need to think in terms of the safety and well being of our soldiers and civilians. The heat is going to be the biggest obstacle we face during this event. Col Miller has been making provisions for extra canvas to provide shade for our members and those units falling in under us for this event.

We will be relying on our civilians to help with the task of keeping all of our members cool and hydrated. I will be working this issue with the civilian coordinators Maggie Burke and Sue Langley. Col Miller has made arrangements to have a fly specifically for MEDICAL Triage and we will have ice and other items to cool down individuals. The ladies who help with this task will do so under the direction of the medical department.

There are several items that I need to stress with you and in turn ask that you get this info out to your members.;

1. I am asking you to have each member of your company to bring at least 2-4 gallons of drinking water per person with them to the event. This can be purchased locally if you do NOT have enough space in your vehicle with all of your gear. It would also be good to bring a sports drink that replenishes electrolytes. Remember to dilute it half and half with water.

We do not know if or when the water buffalo's will run out of water or how safe that water will be to drink after sitting in the heat of the sun in a metal/plastic tank during the weekend. It is potable water but I am always concerned about the heating of water to a warm temperature and the growth of bacteria that might be present in the tank or the water itself.

2. Proper water consumption will vary depending on many factors but the bottom line is IF your member is NOT urinating equal to or more than they normally would they are NOT drinking enough fluids (water) for the conditions they are living in for the weekend. And remind them that Soft drinks DO NOT hydrate the body.

3. Please stress that if they or someone around them STOPS SWEATING and are not aware that they are thirsty IT IS TOO LATE!!!! THEY ARE ALREADY IN A COMPROMISED STATE!!!!!. They need IMMEDIATE medical attention.

Also pass along to each member to watch those around them. If a person appears confused, delirious, or exhibits irrational behavior; has red, hot, dry skin, and/or complains of muscle cramps, has dilated pupils, shallow breathing, and rapid weak pulse-------THESE ARE SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE

4. Please remind members NOT to consume large quantities of caffeine as this will dehydrate them and NOT to consume large quantities of alcohol the night before the battle. This will do the same.

5. Ladies and children are held to this same standard of fluid intake. Please remember that children can dehydrate at a faster rate than an adult so moms please PUSH FLUIDS with your children.

6. We will be needing extra storage for ice for medical purposes. If you have an extra cooler and have the room to bring it please email me so that I can plan accordingly.

I will pass along any information that may come down from division as it becomes available. If you have any suggestions, questions, or concerns, please let me know. We have a small window of opportunity to make preparations so please let's take advantage of it.