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         TOPIC AREA: EQUIPMENT STANDARDIZATION / AE KITS, etc.
 
         SUBMITTED BY: HQ AFRES/SGXO

         ISSUE: Environmental control capability must be available in
         aeromedical evacuation warehouses used to store medical items.

        OBSERVATION: Sufficient warehouse space was made available in
         aircraft hangars at RAF Upper Heyford; however, total control of
         the environment was not possible.

         DISCUSSION: The warehouse made available to store medical
         supplies was cold, sometimes damp, and had little to no
         environmental control capability. Heat was provided by using
         aerospace ground equipment (AGE). The AGE units, sufficient for
         moderate temperatures, had to be turned off when the warehouse
         was unmanned. Due to the limited number of medical supply
         personnel assigned it was not practical to staff the medical,
         supply section on a 24 hour basis. It was necessary to check the
         warehouse on cold nights periodically and start the heating units
         as required so that some liquid items did not freeze.

         IMPACT: The life expectancy of supplies and equipment may be
         altered due to extreme changes in temperature and humidity. This
         causes unnecessary expenditure of funds for early replacement and
         restocking.

         RECOMMENDATION: Although the warehouse proved adequate most of
         the time, it is essential that the ability to control the climate
         in the warehouse be considered as a requirement before a facility
         is approved.

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