HSO report

March 30, 2008
Jan Gruber

I spent most of the day on a supply-run back to Salt Lake City. No
major health and safety issues to report. One crewmember has reported a
slight muscle strain from repetitive use of the ladder between lab and
habitation sections. No treatment was required as yet but we will
monitor.

The air at the MDRS is very dry and it is my impression that we have
not been drinking enough. Crew experiences some minor effect of the dry
environment such as dry eyes, throat and lips. I will monitor water
intake, look out for signs of dehydration and I have reminded the crew
to drink plenty of fluid. We have also bought copious amounts of
Gatorade, which I will keep available for easy access.

On our supply run we have picked up replacement medication for some of
the more depleted items in the HSO cabinet. I will inventory this
tomorrow and send an updated list of its content.

After enquiring about crew experience in terms of first aid, it appears
that there is a relatively limited level of skill in this respect.
After confirming with the commander I will therefore schedule a short
first aid (refresher) training with the crew to ensure that each
crewmember has at least a basic level of knowledge about airway
maintenance, bleeding control and casualty transport.

Finally, we have found that it is possible to run into the edge floor
(above) when using the staircase between lab and habitat section. We will therefore attach some padding to avoid injury by this mechanism.

I will test the telemedical support system tonight and report on this
tomorrow.