In a tragic fire incident at Siachen Glacier, the nation lost a young Medical Officer, Captain Anshuman Singh and three soldiers got injured. The sacrifice and bravery of a captain in the line of duty are deeply appreciated, and the nation mourns the loss of a dedicated soldier. Soldiers stationed at Siachen Glacier encounter a host of unique challenges arising from the distinctive terrain and extreme weather conditions. The harsh weather conditions severely impact their physical capabilities, causing reduced efficiency.
The Siachen Glacier can truly be described as a place where extreme weather conditions require rifles to be thawed and machine guns to be primed with boiling water. For soldiers stationed here, the risk of hypothermia, frostbite, and chilblains is a constant concern. These hazards can strike unexpectedly, such as when a routine patrol loses its way during a sudden blizzard or when soldiers are engaged in active operations and cannot change their socks or replace damaged gloves due to the demands of duty. The weather conditions are so severe that even a soldier’s sweat can turn into ice in their gloves and shoes, further contributing to frostbite on their extremities. To counter these challenges, clothing is specially designed to protect soldiers from the cold while also regulating ventilation to prevent excessive sweating.
During their 3-4-month tenure on the glacier, all soldiers experience weight loss. The extremely cold climate demands a higher calorie intake to maintain their basal metabolic rate. Special rations are provided to the troops, tailored to cater to their specific needs and cultural preferences, and developed by the Defence Food Research Laboratory. They include chikki, precooked dal, chapatti, eggs, vegetables, rice, and other essential items. These foods are designed to be easily heated in regular vessels, considering that the boiling point of water is extremely low at such altitudes and conventional cooking methods may not be feasible. In the challenging conditions of the glacier, staying hydrated is crucial to avoid dehydration. Water is a luxury at Siachen.
With all these problems, one can understand the role and importance of the Medical Officer. For the past many decades, the Indian Armed Forces Medical Services has been dedicated to delivering medical care to the soldiers serving on Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield. The medical issues encountered in this extreme environment include high altitude pulmonary edema, acute mountain sickness, frostbite, chilblains, hypothermia, snow blindness, non-enemy-related injuries caused by avalanches, crevasses, and fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as difficulties in nightsoil disposal. Providing medical support in such conditions remains a formidable task. It demands innovative and improvised approaches, necessitating a high level of adaptability and mental agility from medical commanders and Regimental Medical Officers stationed at the forward posts. Coping with these medical challenges requires constant vigilance, resourcefulness, and the ability to swiftly respond to ever-changing situations on the unforgiving Siachen Glacier.
On the glacier, strict orders dictate that all heating devices must be turned off before sleeping in any enclosed space, regardless of the extreme cold. This safety measure is of paramount importance, as lives have been tragically lost in the past due to violations of these instructions. The risk of carbon monoxide poisoning or other potentially deadly incidents necessitates this stringent policy to safeguard the well-being of the soldiers stationed in such challenging conditions. Adhering to these regulations is essential to prevent loss of life.
Regrettably, it appears that someone ignored this crucial instruction, resulting in the loss of a highly trained Medical Officer who was an invaluable asset in harsh conditions. These officers serve as the backbone of the Army, ensuring that soldiers remain fit and capable of performing their duties under unimaginable circumstances. The passing of Captain Anshuman is an irreplaceable loss, and the nation is indebted to such supreme sacrifices made in the line of duty.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
