JSP539 - Heat and Cold

Heat Illness And Cold Injury

Heat illness and cold injury are serious issues for the Armed Forces, with cases regularly occuring in the temperate climate of the UK. The incidence of heat illness and cold injury depends on numbers exposed to the risk and how well that risk is managed. The overall incidence rate of heat illness and cold injury cases has not changed over the past 5 years and 3 soldiers died from heat illness on exercise in the UK in 2013.

The significant impact on life and health as a result of heat illness and cold injuries sustained in the UK and overseas is nearly all preventable, provided the risk factors are assessed properly and appropriately managed. This prevention requires greater awareness of the risk by Commanders and Defence Personnel at all levels, as well as training in assessment of the risk and putting in place the right control measures. Whilst
prevention is the primary means of reducing heat illness and cold injury, where cases do occur, their impact may be reduced if appropriate first aid measures and evacuation to effective medical care are carried out efficiantly and promptly.

The aim of this JSP is to educate all MOD personnel in the prevention and treatment of cases of heat illness and cold injury in order to minimise the risk of injury or death. The procedures minimse the risk of developing heat and cold casualties and the immediate management of anyone who develops a heat illness or cold injury.

JSP 539 v3.1 HEAT ILLNESS AND COLD INJURY:PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT PART 1: DIRECTIVE
JSP 539 v3.1 HEAT ILLNESS AND COLD INJURY:PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT PART 2: GUIDANCE