Ranger training includes strenuous physical activities and despite heat mitigations strategies, numerous cases of serious exertional heat illness (EHI) occur. We developed an Arm Immersion Cooling (AIC) system that is not logistically burdensome and may be easily employed in training environments. Purpose: To examine the effect of AIC on EHI incidence, severity, and treatment costs during Ranger School. Methods: The training program was standardized for physical exertion and heat stress factors throughout the study period. AIC was employed summer months of 2010-2012 (n = 3,930 Soldiers) and Control (CON; n = 6,650 Soldiers) data were obtained for summer months of 2007-2009. Descriptive characteristics of all EHI casualties were obtained, including hospitalization status (treated and released [Treat], evacuated [Evac] or admitted [Admit] to the hospital), which served as proxy indicator of illness/injury severity. Medical cost savings were calculated from hospital records. Results: Incidence rates were not different (CON 4.06 vs. AIC 4.00/1,000 person-days). Treat increased during AIC (18.43 vs. 4.84/1,000 person-days) accompanied by marked but non-significant decreases in Evac and Admit rates. AIC use was associated with a medical cost savings of $1,719 per casualty. Conclusions: AIC implementation during strenuous physical training in summer months can reduce EHI severity and associated medical treatment costs.
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机译：护林员训练包括剧烈的体育活动，尽管采取了缓解热量的策略，但仍发生许多严重的劳累性热病（EHI）。我们开发了一种臂式浸入式冷却（AIC）系统，该系统在逻辑上不会造成麻烦，并且可以轻松地在训练环境中使用。目的：研究流浪者学校期间AIC对EHI发生率，严重程度和治疗费用的影响。方法：在整个研究期间，针对体育锻炼和热应激因素对培训计划进行标准化。 AIC在2010-2012年夏季使用（n = 3,930士兵），获得了2007-2009夏季控制（con; n = 6,650士兵）数据。获得了所有EHI伤亡的描述性特征，包括住院状态（已治疗并已释放[Treat]，撤离[Evac]或入院[Admit]），这些指标可作为疾病/伤害严重程度的替代指标。从医院记录中计算出医疗费用节省。结果：发病率没有差异（CON 4.06 vs AIC 4.00 / 1,000人日）。在AIC期间，治疗增加（18.43 vs. 4.84 / 1,000人日），同时Evac和招生率显着但不显着下降。使用AIC可使每名伤员的医疗费用节省1,719美元。结论：夏季剧烈运动期间实施AIC可以降低EHI严重程度和相关的医疗费用。
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