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°F/60% RH versus 70°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 (6hours) 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 inpaired and subjective reactions were numerous and severe. Atropine/2-PAM significantly shortened endurance time for heat sessions in MOPP-IV.