Distribution of risk factors for heat illness reported by 250 British soldiers in the hot CTE, according to Intrinsic and Extrinsic risk factors
| Number of personnel with risk factor (%) | Number of personnel without risk factor (%) | Number of personnel making no response (%) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intrinsic risk factor | |||
| Low level of physical fitness | 18 (7.2) | 232 (92.8) | 0 (0.0) |
| Low frequency of physical exercise | 28 (11.2) | 222 (88.8) | 0 (0.0) |
| 1.5 mile run time >12 min* | 9 (3.6) | 240 (96.0) | 1 (0.4) |
| Elevated health risk from BCM | 34 (13.6) | 172 (68.8) | 44 (17.6) |
| Previous heat illness | 16 (6.4) | 230 (92.0) | 4 (1.6) |
| Possible intercurrent illness | 16 (6.4) | 233 (93.2) | 1 (0.4) |
| Regular use of risk-associated medications (eg, NSAIDs, antihistamines, β-blockers) | 12 (4.8) | 231 (92.4) | 7 (2.8) |
| Extrinsic risk factor | |||
| Upon arrival to the hot CTE | |||
| Acclimatisation programme <7 days | 208 (83.2) | 34 (13.6) | 8 (3.2) |
| No acclimatisation programme | 106 (42.4) | 136 (54.4) | 8 (3.2) |
| During training in the hot CTE | |||
| Feelings of dehydration | 45 (18.0) | 205 (82.0) | 0 (0.0) |
| Hunger | 53 (21.2) | 197 (78.8) | 0 (0.0) |
| Sleep deprivation | 83 (33.2) | 166 (66.4) | 1 (0.4) |
| Trained while feeling unwell | 98 (39.2) | 148 (59.2)) | 4 (1.6) |
*Within preceding 3 months.
BCM, body composition measurement; CTE, Collective Training Environment.