Military Hygiene and Hygiene in Emergency Situations - K.O. Pashka 2005

Fundamentals of the organization of sanitary and hygienic measures in ground forces during peacetime emergencies and wartime. Hygiene of field quartering of troops and the population.
Sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance, its organization and reporting of results

Sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance (SER) is a crucial component of the military sanitary, hygienic, and anti-epidemic support system. It is aimed at the timely acquisition by military medical and sanitary-epidemiological services of data regarding potential sources of infection introduced into military formations from the civilian population, nearby military units and subunits, natural foci, and enemy forces (e.g., prisoners of war). It also involves the early identification of conditions that may facilitate the spread of infectious diseases among personnel due to an internal reservoir of infection sources. Sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance is conducted during troop redeployment and movement, in preparation for and during combat operations, and in their aftermath.

The core requirements for the Organization and conduct of SER are: 1) continuity; 2) reliability; 3) consistency; 4) focus; 5) timeliness; 6) effectiveness.

The MAIN OBJECTIVES OF SER are:

1. Timely detection, localization, and elimination of epidemic (epizootic) foci and Prevention of personnel contact with infectious patients.

2. Selection of safe Water supply sources for troops.

3. Collection and analysis of data regarding the deployment of medical service forces and assets in the interest of anti-epidemic protection of troops.

Sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance is carried out by medical personnel at all levels of the medical service and by specialists of the sanitary-epidemiological service. Every HEAD of the medical service organizes SER within the deployment or combat area of their respective military unit. At the company level, it is conducted by a combat medic (sanitary instructor); at the battalion level, by a paramedic (feldsher); and at the brigade (regiment) level, by a physician. The primary Methods of SER in such cases include patrolling, inspection, and examination with the collection (when necessary) of specific samples, such as water and soil, for analysis in sanitary-epidemiological facilities. Qualified SER measures that require specialized training and dedicated laboratory equipment are performed by sanitary-epidemiological service specialists.

During SER, personnel identify foci of infectious diseases among the local population, epizootics among domestic animals and synanthropic rodents, as well as the presence and activity of natural reservoirs of infectious diseases. They assess the sanitary condition of populated areas, the presence of disease carriers, and study the local public health anti-epidemic infrastructure, available resources, and related factors.

The main objects of SER may include populated areas, individual buildings, and territorial plots that pose an epidemic threat due to the potential Introduction of infection among troops and its spread under specific operational conditions. The most comprehensive and accurate information on these matters can be obtained from public health workers, veterinary service personnel, and local government representatives. In some cases, the local population may be the sole source of information. When organizing and conducting sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance, the area of troop deployment and operations is divided into zones assigned to specific sanitary-epidemiological and military-medical institutions (facilities).

The scope and content of SER measures are determined by the specific conditions of the combat and sanitary-epidemiological situation.

During the preparatory period for SER, the following measures are carried out:

- studying the sanitary and epidemiological situation in the combat zone based on medical-geographical and sanitary-epidemiological descriptions, overviews, reports, and other Materials;

- clarifying the operational and tactical situation and studying topographical maps.

During SER planning, the following actions are performed:

- determining the format of reconnaissance, assigning specific executors, and Setting their tasks;

- calculating material and transport requirements;

- selecting reconnaissance routes and targets;

- establishing communication methods, the timeline for the reconnaissance, and the reporting Procedure for the results obtained.

During the reconnaissance execution:

- local medical and veterinary specialists, authorities, and residents are interviewed; the sanitary conditions of populated areas, water sources, communal and food facilities are assessed; and the terrain is studied;

- biological material from identified patients and environmental samples (soil, water, etc.) are collected for laboratory testing;

- local anti-epidemic resources are identified;

- epidemiological contraindications for the deployment of troops and medical posts are determined;

- identified epidemic (epizootic) foci are thoroughly investigated, and initial anti-epidemic measures are implemented within them whenever possible.

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The results of the SES are documented on the sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance map and reported in person by the direct executors to the reconnaissance organizers.

The reverse side of the map features a sketch plan of the populated area, indicating water supply sources and their yield, medical and sanitary-epidemiological facilities, bathhouses, laundries, sanitary inspection stations, animal burial sites, and other relevant features.

During prolonged deployment of military formations in a single Location, sanitary and epidemiological reconnaissance transitions into sanitary and epidemiological surveillance, which involves the systematic collection of data on the sanitary and epidemiological condition of the deployment area. This surveillance also covers adjacent military units and subunits, as well as enemy forces. When organizing and conducting sanitary and epidemiological surveillance, the entire area of troop deployment and operations is divided into sectors assigned to sanitary and epidemiological institutions and medical service units. The heads of these facilities must regularly receive data on infectious morbidity from civil public health authorities, as well as emergency notifications in the event of epidemic outbreaks.

Various technical equipment is used to conduct sanitary-epidemiological and medical reconnaissance.