Safety Rant

[JOHN42768]

Good to know somebody has common sense

 

[UCVRelics]

Heat exhaustion/stroke is no joke

I'm surprised this happened. People die from this. The first 3 months in Iraq we suffered many cases of Heat Prostration. I had all my men form up ever 2 hours and I watched as everyone of them downed a quart of water Hydration, Hydration, Hydration. (nasty stuff made in Egypt by reverse osmosis but we put crystal light in it). The main thing the US Army taught me was to take care of your troops!!!!!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Attended a fairly large event this weekend. Overall, it was a fun time, but I saw something that infuriated me.

The host unit of the event, a fairly large Union infantry company, advanced on the field during the afternoon battle. In their wake, they left a fairly young soldier (late teens) sitting against a tree in obvious distress (it was a hot day in the 90's, and his canteen was empty.) No one from this battalion went to his aid, and when they marched off, they went right past him and left him. Finally, one of the members of another unit got the kid off the field and to a medic for aid. He was in rough shape.

I am for authenticity as much as the next person, but come on. Heat exhaustion/stroke is no joke. Safety is no joke. This unit, which apparently prides itself on authenticity and drill, failed in my opinion. There're plenty of ways to keep the impression going while still keeping everyone safe. I don't know, I love this hobby, did it as a kid and back into it now, but this discouraged me.

Which event was this??....My unit is based out of Davenport, and we usually go to events that are close, but we were not at an event this past weekend.
Thanks!

 

[Cpl. Smith]

Not a very good way to recruit or retain young people for the hobby either.

No it is not!

 

[Tailor Pete]

A Confederate unit to which I once belonged, required two soldiers to take on the impression of Ambulance Corps, and straggle a bit behind the regiment as they marched into the fray. Their job? Look after the well being of the reenactors by checking on those who 'took hits,' making sure they were, in fact, OK.

They would always take extra canteens, and cold packs in their haversacks. On more than one occasion, these folks made the difference. Perhaps ALL units should be following similar protocol.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

A Confederate unit to which I once belonged, required two soldiers to take on the impression of Ambulance Corps, and straggle a bit behind the regiment as they marched into the fray. Their job? Look after the well being of the reenactors by checking on those who 'took hits,' making sure they were, in fact, OK.

They would always take extra canteens, and cold packs in their haversacks. On more than one occasion, these folks made the difference. Perhaps ALL units should be following similar protocol.

Problem is when you only have a 5 or 6 man company it doesn't really work, but a battalion could volunteer 5 or 6 guys to do it.

 

[Tailor Pete]

Problem is when you only have a 5 or 6 man company it doesn't really work, but a battalion could volunteer 5 or 6 guys to do it.

Really only need two... at the start of The Late Unpleasantness, every Regiment was required to have two volunteers to fill the Ambulance Corps duties. For small companies, simply pool your strength with the others nearby, and it can be easily done.

In our case, my son isn't quite old enough to carry a rifle, but looks the part of a soldier in both size and build. He volunteers to do it, and will continue to until he's old enough to carry a rifle. This is a great way to involve younger folks not quite old enough to be on the front line. He even has his own two-man litter to really get into the impression.

 

[Cpl. Smith]

Really only need two... at the start of The Late Unpleasantness, every Regiment was required to have two volunteers to fill the Ambulance Corps duties. For small companies, simply pool your strength with the others nearby, and it can be easily done.

In our case, my son isn't quite old enough to carry a rifle, but looks the part of a soldier in both size and build. He volunteers to do it, and will continue to until he's old enough to carry a rifle. This is a great way to involve younger folks not quite old enough to be on the front line. He even has his own two-man litter to really get into the impression.

That's the spirit. He will be a great reenactor.