Sotilas+kuumassa+loppuraportti

SOLDIER IN HOT CONDITIONS – SUSTAINING FUNCTIONAL ABILITY
AND DEVELOPMENT OF SCREENING METHODS
Final report
PREFACE
Sustaining the physiological and psychological functional
ability of soldiers in all climatic conditions
is crucial for the implementation of an operative
mission. The physical load of a soldier varies from
physically light tasks as supervision, observation
and guarding duties requiring constant vigilance to
physically strenuous scouting, fortification or combat
duties. During the mission, the body of a soldier must
adapt to the demands caused by both heat and cold
conditions. Sleep deprivation attenuates the process
of recovery. In addition, the intake of fluid and nutrition
may be irregular. Prevention of dehydration
and the depletion of the body’s energy resources are
essential, as they quickly reduce functional capacity
even among soldiers with good physical performance.
Good physical fitness strengthens the body’s
adaptive mechanisms, increases functional ability
to manage sudden peak loads and enhances body
recovery process.
Crisis management and peace-keeping operations take
place in environments vastly different from Finland,
often in hot conditions. The operations include the
possibility of ending up in combat situations, even
though their main objective is to maintain safe living
conditions and prevent conflict. The functional ability
of a group of soldiers depends on the capability
of each solder to manage their own duties. For this
reason, when selecting soldiers to take part in different
operations, requirements set for the duties and the
operative environment should be taken into account.
The purpose of the present research project has been
to explore factors associated with Finnish soldiers affected
by heat load. The project consisted of several
subprojects. In the literature review, a large number
of articles was examined on the work of soldiers in
hot conditions. In addition, practical measures and
applications used in other countries were collected.
In the experimental part of the project, soldiers
participating in a crisis management operation in
Chad were monitored in detail. In particular, the
research targeted for heat strain, physical performance,
nutrition and stress balance. A separate subproject
consisted of the analysis of questionnaire based on
surveys that were used regularly to chart the personal
experiences of soldiers who have served in crisis
management operations.
A central aspect of the project has been the production
of training methods and material for the use of
the Finnish Defence Forces. The material has been
prepared in such a way that it can be used as a tool
in all military training provided to soldiers. The most
central information from the training material has
been summarised into a hand booklet distributed
to all soldiers entitled “Soldier in Hot Conditions”.
All information produced in the project has been
compiled into the final report. Conclusions and
recommended measures are intended to secure the
functional ability of each soldier and unit in hot
conditions.
The project has been implemented in a close collaboration
between the Finnish Institute of Occupational
Health, the Finnish Defence Forces and the
University of Jyväskylä. The Deputy Chief of Staff
of the Finnish Defence Forces, Rear Admiral Antero
Karumaa has acted as chair of the steering group.
SOTILAS KUUMASSA
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