Medical After Action Report

File: 970207_aadcr_005.txt
Page: 005
Total Pages: 15


             Terminated 1 Jul 91
             Completed Repack: 1 Jul 91
             Redeployment by: 22 Jul 91            
             Arrival Home Station: 20 Aug 91

       6. Manpower:

                      Preplan: 101 Hours dedicated to Desert Shield/Storm
       preparations above normal 23rd functions.
                      Support: 122 Mandays used during the period of 1 Sep 90 -
       9 Jan 91 for Desert Shield/Storm purposes.  

       7. Patient workload: Data unavailable left in theater.

       8. ProfessionaI Intelligence:  

           a. The 31st TASF was situated in the basement of the
        uncompleted main terminal at King Fahd Internationa1 Airport (KFIA)
       about 40 miles northwest of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The desert
       climate, and flat terrain did not pose any significant problems.
       Our bunkers were above ground. Upon arrival at KFIA, one of our
       members required hospitalization for dehydration. This problem was
       not repeated as the commander enforced water breaks. Sand storms
       were rare but one tent did blow over in April. The low temperature
       (30's) in January caused problems with keeping patients warm as
       there was no heating available at that time and our location was
       such that we could not keep out drafts. Blankets were used to keep
       patients as warm as possible, but this was not adequate. A plywood
       room was constructed within the ASF that could be heated with an
       environmental control unit. This proved satisfactory.  
             b. There was no significant evidence of unusual disease or
       unexpected medical conditions. Two medical conditions appeared
       frequently were bladder problems, (due to pyridostiymine) and  
       sports injuries (due to leisure sports activities).

                   (1) Commnunity Environment and Sanitation

       a. Health Services - Medical care was primarily
       provided to members of the ASF by the 31st ATH. Two members were
       air evacuated out of the AOR for psoriatic arthritis and a
       shoulder injury. These services were considered very good.

       b. Water SuppLy - The base and ASF had potable water
       with extra bottles of drinking water available. This was not
      considered a problem.

       c. Sewage disposal was through established septic
       systems and not considered a problem.

       d. Local restaurants were not allowed to be used for
      the first two and one half months. Contract dining facilities were
      inspected by base environmental health officers. In April when off
      base travel  was allowed, briefings were given regarding the