MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- The heat casualties have already started rolling in at Battalion Service Support Group 1’s aid station — and Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Tabura expects the influx of overheated Marines and sailors to continue increasing during the dog days of summer.
Tabura, assistant leading petty officer at the BSSG-1 aid station, says August is typically the worst month for heat injuries, with most patients succumbing during mandatory physical training or other forms of exertion.
Keeping hydrated is the No. 1 way to beat the heat, he said.
“Marines and sailors should stay away from supplements and caffeine because they cause dehydration,” Tabura said. “During this weather, you need to always be hydrating — it should be continual.”
The 31 Area Medical Clinic also has seen a slight increase in heat injuries in recent weeks. Petty Officer 1st Class Disa Lashomb, like Tabura, expects the upward trend will continue this month.
“It’s best to PT with a buddy at this time of year,” Lashomb said.
Signs of heat injury include chest pain, cramping and dizziness.
To avoid becoming a heat casualty, Tabura recommends exercising early in the morning or at night. Both medics recommend having PT sessions inside during black- and even red-flag weather.
Weather forecasters here determine the flag rating by using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, a measurement of heat-stress index. So far, black flag, a WBGT of 90 degrees or higher, has not been issued by the weather station, although individual units have hoisted the black flag using a different calculation, said Sgt. A.J. Coley, a weather forecaster.
“Temperatures have been so high lately because of Hurricane Emily,” Coley said. “It has taken temperatures higher than what they would normally be.”
High temperatures are hard not only on Marines and sailors — but also on the family pet.
“When you feel uncomfortable outside, then your pet is going to be uncomfortable too,” said Nicole Dixon, an assistant receptionist at the base veterinary clinic.
Dixon stressed that pets left outside during the day need shade and plenty of water. Owners who fail to take care of their pets can be cited. After three violations, the pet will be taken to the animal shelter and given a new home, she said,
Like people, pets shouldn’t be exercised in the heat of the day during hot weather, Dixon added.