Effects of Nerve Agent Antidote and Heat Exposure on Soldier Performance in the BDU and MOPP-IV Ensembles

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of nerve agent antidote (atropine/2-PAM chloride versus saline placebo) and heat-humidity (95 degrees F/60% RH versus 70 degrees F/30% RH) on repeated performance of militarily relevant psychological tasks while wearing the battle dress uniform (BDU) and while wearing chemical protective clothing (MOPP-IV). All BDU heat sessions (6 hours) were completed, but with some task impairments and a few subjective reactions. MOPP-IV heat sessions could not be continued beyond 2 hours; all tasks were impaired and subjective reactions were numerous and severe. Atropine/2-PAM significantly shortened endurance time for heat sessions in MOPP-IV.

The Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire (ESQ): Development and Application

“…This new form, ESQ-IV, has been used successfully in several studies of cold exposure, heat exposure, and the limitations of personal protective clothing and equipment (22,23,24,28,29).…”

“…An alternative general method of scoring factor scores without using weights (22,23,24,29) is presented in Appendix B. A factor for Heat Stress, not derived from factor analysis using this method, is also presented in Appendix B.…”

“…(29,30) in a large-scale study of ambient heat, chemical protective clothing and the administration of nerve agent antidote.…”

Environmental conditions and physical stressors.

“…Here, we discuss exposures to heat and cold that do not have such extreme effects yet may still affect human performance. Performance decrements resulting from psychological changes due to temperature exposure, such as a decline in cognitive abilities or psychomotor performance, often precede the onset of physiological impairment (Kobrick & Johnson, 1991). Additionally, physical responses to temperature exposure may influence performance without posing a significant health risk, such as sweating in the heat or joint stiffening in the cold.…”

“…Cognitive impairments due to heat exposure can encompass more complex skills, such as decision making. Nonetheless, psychomotor tasks-to include aiming, visual tracking, manual dexterity, and general body coordination (Kobrick & Johnson, 1991)-may succumb to heat-stressor-induced vulnerability quicker than will other cognitive functions (Hancock & Vasmatzidis, 2003). For example, heat-related tissue edema can cause swelling of the hands and feet, causing discomfort, minor injuries (e.g., blistering of feet), and reduced joint mobility and manual dexterity.…”