DISEASE AND NON-BATTLE INJURY RATES DURING DESERT SHIELD/STORM

File: 110196_aacev_01.txt
Page: 01
Total Pages: 6

SUBJECT: DISEASE AND NON-BATTLE INJURY RATES DURING DESERT SHIELD/STORM

DESCRIPTION: DESCRIBES DATA COLLECTION /REPORTING PROCEDURES, PROVIDES CASE DEFINITIONS FOR SYNDROMES REPORTED, SUMMARIZES PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED.
DTG: 1 JUL 91
DISEASE AND NON-BATTLE INJURY (DNBI) RATES REPORTED BY USCENTAF MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES DURING OPERATIONS DESERT SHIELD/DESERT STORM

I. INTRODUCTION. This document provides a chronology of the
DNBI reporting system as it was developed and directed by
USCENTAF, describes the data collection and reporting procedures
employed, provides case definitions for the syndromes reported.
lists and interprets the actual data reported summarizes
problems encountered, and recommends corrective action for future
deployments.

II. REPORTING SYSTEM.

1. USCENTAF/SG desired theater-wide DNBI reporting to detect
disease outbreaks and make prompt medical intervention possible.
Such data was also recognized as invaluable for future medical
mobility planning and for medical intelligence uses.

2. When USAF medical treatment facilities (MTFs) deployed
under Operation DESERT SHIELD in early August 1990 no DNBI
reporting requirement, system or guidance was in place. Needed
was specific guidance on the desired data, the rate calculation
method, and the report format and frequency.

3. USCENTAF/SG desired a reporting system that would be
compatible with that used by the U.S. Army and Navy forces in the
same theater of operations. However, since no joint service
system was in places USCENTAF/SG elected to mirror the U.S. Navy
list of reportable DNBI syndromes.

4. On 7 September 1990, USCENTAF/SG issued instructions for
the collection of DNBI data to all USAF MTFs deployed in Oman,
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates ((UAE), and Qatar.
The USAF squadron medical elements (SMEs) at Cairo West and Diego
Garcia received this message and also participated. Weekly
reporting by message to USCENTAF/SG and HQ TAC/SG began as of 10
September 1990.

5. The list of reportable syndromes was modified on 18
September 1990 by USCENTAF/SG. "Miscellaneous medical
conditions" was replaced with sexually transmitted diseases", a
syndrome not included in the U.S. Navy list. This modification
was sent to USAF MTFs by message.

6. On 15 November 1990, another modification was made.
USCENTCOM/CCSG issued instructions for a uniform reporting system
for use by all U.S. forces. This new and final format included
case definitions and is reflected in the attached data charts.