The ministry of national security wishes to advise on the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) policy governing the managing and monitoring of possible medical trauma to recruits who are in training.

It is unfortunate that the recent media reports give the impression that the JDF has allowed a situation to prevail, which would endanger the lives of their service persons. The officer who was quoted was making a point about military water bottles and not a lack of access to potable water by recruits.

The fact is, over the past three decades, two persons have died as a result of heat-related injuries, but not due to the lack of access to water.

Taking measures

It should be understood that military training is gruelling and there are inherent risks and since the first such case in 1983, the JDF has implemented measures to prevent and manage heat-related illnesses and injuries that may arise from military training.

Some of these measures are outlined below:

There is a stringent medical screening process through which all candidates who apply to the JDF are exposed. This is to ensure that recruits do not have pre-existing conditions which would make them susceptible to becoming ill during training. The conditions which are screened include sickle-cell anaemia (including the trait) and respiratory conditions, such as asthma and heart conditions.

Medics equipped with the appropriate skills are assigned to training groups to administer interim medical assistance. This is augmented by the presence of a comprehensive MEDIVAC plan via helicopter, at both the base and other training facilities.

Additionally, there are rigid systems in place to ensure rehydration of recruits in training.

Furthermore,

Instructors are sensitised to the causes and symptoms of dehydration.

Due care is also taken to ensure that, in addition to normal water supplies, recruits in training are provided with bottled water.

I trust that this will serve to clarify any misconceptions and allay any fears which this article may have triggered.

I am, etc.,

GILLIAN HAUGHTON

Director of Communications

and Public Affairs,

Ministry of National Security

Editor's note

The JDF's head of training, Major Murphy Pryce, was quoted in last Friday's edition commenting on a shortage of equipment as saying: "training here has resulted in the death of individuals due to heat-related illness .... so the lack of water is crucial."