infections, but disorders of the sweat glands which have suddenly been
called upon to function at a much higher level of activity. They are
really an exaggerated form of what is usually referred to as prickly
heat. The development of this type of skin disorder can be discouraged
by avoiding undue physical exertion during the first few days in a warm
humid environment, permitting gradual acclimatization. Cleanliness and
careful drying of the skin after bathing is of considerable help. The
ear canals of course are impossible to dry, and individuals who have had
"fungus" infections (really bacterial infections) of the ear canals
should use every precaution to keep water out of the ear canals during
sWimming or bathing (Note:
be careful about wearing ear plugs in free
diving more than about 20 feet because of interference with pressure
adjustment. )
Feet should be kept clean and dry and socks changed frequently. Mediumweight cotton socks are preferable; color is unimportant. For those
individuals with a history of difficulty with "athlete's foot", any flare-
up should be reported to the dispensary.
Except for extraordinarily
serious medical cases, there is no reason to believe that the wearing of
a stout shoe during working hours contributes significantly to any diffi-
culties from "athlete's foot".
There are a number of commercially avail-
able antifungal foot powders which are of considerable value in prophylaxis.
Contrary to the usual impression, abrasions from coral are not slower to
heal than any dirty wound. Prompt dispensary care will hasten healing.
Salt depletion from profuse sweating has not been a problem in the past;
normal salt intake in one's diet has been sufficient.
Although salt depletion difficulty is unlikely, the intake of salt and
water should be stressed by those who are prone to constipation troubles.
All injuries and illnesses, however minor, should be reported to the dispensary.
Avoid self-medication or treatment proffered by your associates.
Recovery will be quicker.
There are venomous fish and shells in the area, as well as fish which are
poisonous when eaten.
If you engage in shell-hunting, skin diving, or
fishing, you should be familiar with these.
SAFETY
In a statistical fashion, the accident experience of past operations in the
Pacific has not been appreciably different than it is at the laboratories,
research institutions, and industries from which personnel are drawn to make
up the scientific task group.
The accident types are similar to those
usually associated with what might be termed "light" construction work,
although there are certain specific exceptions.
Transportation by boat imposes on test personnel a unique problem and
accident control in this phase of the work relies substantially on the
agility and the care of the people using these boats as well as the skill
of the boat crew.