Military

NMCB 3 Seabees Learn About Heat Casualty Prevention

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080625-06
Release Date: 6/25/2008 4:17:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Coveny, Naval Mobile Construction Unit 3 Public Affairs

TAQADDUM, Iraq (NNS) -- Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3 learned the importance of staying hydrated during a heat casualty training class at Camp Taqaddum, Iraq.

The most common causes of heat injuries occur following prolonged exposure to hot temperatures, overexertion, not maintaining a proper diet, decreased fitness level and lack of sleep.

"Heat injury prevention is a mandatory training for us," said Chief Hospital Corpsman (SCW) Robert Bott. "But in this environment, it should be a daily talking point prior to starting the work day.

"It is important that every Seabee knows how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of heat stress, as well as the precautions to prevent it from happening."

During the two-hour training course, Seabees learned the importance of hydration, how to maintain a proper diet and the risks of using certain weight-loss supplements. Seabees also learned how to recognize signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke and how to provide treatment as first responders.

"The information was very useful," said Utilitiesman 2nd Class Joshua Quitmeyer. "We work under the hot sun every day. It is important we know how to recognize the signs of heat stress, so we don't lose one of our hard-charging Seabees to a heat injury when it can easily be prevented."

Seabees also practiced administering IVs to each other.

"I was very nervous," said Builder 3rd Class Vanessa Opina. "I had never stuck someone with a needle before, but when the fear was gone, I was quite proud of myself for [getting it right] the first time."

Heat injury training is one of several training courses Seabees from NMCB 3 must conduct annually to maintain mission readiness.

Seabees from NMCB 3 are on a six-month deployment to Iraq providing general engineering support to Multi National Forces-West in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb3/.