1. COLD INJURY PREVENTION Environmental Health 596-1062 596-1062

2. TYPES OF COLD WEATHER INJURIES n Chilblains n Immersion Foot n Trench Foot n Frost Bite n Hypothermia n Snow Blindness n Carbon Monoxide Poisoning n Dehydration n Heat Exhaustion

3. SUSCEPTIBILITY FACTORS 1. Previous Cold Weather Injury 2. Rank Below E-4 3. Fatigue 4. Race and Geographic Origin 5. Nutrition: 3000 to 4000 calories 6. Overactive or Immobile

4. SUSCEPTIBILITY FACTORS Cont. 7. Alcohol, Drugs, or Tobacco 8. Exposed Situation: Guard Duty, Sleeping Areas, Vehicles 9. Wind Velocity 10. Temperature of Exposure 11. Duration of Exposure

5. USE OF ACRONYM C.O.L.D. A. C = keep it clean B. O = avoid overheating C. L = wear it in loose layers. D. D = keep it dry.

6. CHILBLAINS Inflammatory swelling or sore, usually below 50 degrees F. with high humidity.

7. CHILBLAINS 1. Symptoms n Pale and colorless n Upon rewarming, red in color n Hot, tender, and itchy n Skin may blister

8. CHILBLAINS 2. First Aid n Mild Case: Warm and dry gently n Severe Case: Dry sterile dressing and protect from further exposure

9. CHILBLAINS 3. Prevention n Protect exposed areas with adequate clothing n Use the “Buddy System”

10. TRENCH/IMMERSION FOOT Results from prolonged exposure of skin to cold or wet conditions, usually at 50 degrees F or colder

11. TRENCH/IMMERSION FOOT 1. Symptoms n Cold toes and feet n Swollen n Discolored n Waxy and numb n Blisters may develop

12. TRENCH/IMMERSION FOOT 2. First Aid n Dry feet carefully n Apply foot powder n Clean and wrap loosely n Do Not break blisters n Evacuate to nearest medical facility

13. TRENCH/IMMERSION FOOT 3. Prevention n Keep feet dry n Avoid tight boots n Exercise feet and legs n Wear proper clothing

14. FROSTBITE Freezing of tissue or moisture in the skin due to exposure to temperatures below 32 degrees F

15. FROSTBITE 1. Symptoms n Loss of sensation or numb feeling n Sudden blanching of the skin, followed by tingling feeling n Redness of skin in light-skinned people Grayish color in dark-skinned people

16. FROSTBITE Symptoms cont. n Blisters may develop: 24-36 hours (superficial) 12-30 (deep) n Swelling or tender areas n Loss of previous sensation of pain in affected areas n Pale, yellowish, waxy looking skin n Frozen tissue, solid to the touch

17. FROSTBITE 2. First Aid n Protect injury from further cold n Move casualty to warm area n Warm affected area evenly with body heat n Improve circulation by exercise n Remove constricting clothing and jewelry n Reassure the casualty

18. FROSTBITE First Aid cont. n Do Not rub the affected area with snow n Do Not rewarm the affected area by massaging or exposing to open flame n Do Not allow the casualty to walk if feet are frozen n Do Not attempt to thaw seriously frozen areas

19. FROSTBITE 3. Prevention n Eat properly and often n Wear clothing properly n Avoid direct skin exposure n Do Not stay inactive for long periods n Use the “buddy system” to check exposed areas

20. HYPOTHERMIA Medical term for lowered core body temperature, caused by exposure to cold. Aggravated by wet conditions.

21. HYPOTHERMIA 1. Symptoms n Pale skin n Dizziness n Drowsiness n Disoriented n Slurred speech n Stumbling n Mind dimmed

22. HYPOTHERMIA Symptoms cont. n Body slows down n Exercise tires you quicker n Casualty stops shivering n Person wants to lay down and sleep n Pulse is faint or undetectable n Unconsciousness n DEATH

23. HYPOTHERMIA 2. First Aid n Rewarm body evenly and without delay n Keep dry and protect from elements n Give food and warm liquids to produce body heat n Do not massage casualty n Do not give casualty alcohol

24. HYPOTHERMIA First Aid (Severe) n Evacuate immediately n Avoid further heat loss n Handle gently n Stabilize temperature

25. HYPOTHERMIA 3. Prevention n Eat properly and often n Dress in layers n Drink plenty of water n Stay physically fit n Keep active n Stay dry

26. SNOW BLINDNESS Inflammation and sensitivity caused by exposure of the eyes to ultraviolet light rays reflected by the snow or ice

27. SNOW BLINDNESS 1. Symptoms n Feeling of grit or sand in eyes n Pain in and over the eyes n Watering and redness of the eyes n Headache

28. SNOW BLINDNESS 2. First Aid n Instruct casualty not to move his/her eyes n Protect eyes with bandages or sunglasses n Seek medical attention

29. SNOW BLINDNESS 3. Prevention n Wear sunglasses n Use improvised sunglasses n Don’t wait until discomfort begins to wear sunglasses

30. CARBON MONOXIDE Colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. Created by incomplete combustion.

31. CARBON MONOXIDE 1. Symptoms n Headache, nausea, dimmed vision, dizziness, and chest pain n Symptoms may or may not give warning prior to collapse n Skin turns cherry red

32. CARBON MONOXIDE 2. First Aid n Move casualty to fresh air n Artificial respiration if necessary n Keep warm and allow the casualty to rest

33. CARBON MONOXIDE 3. Prevention n Assure proper ventilation n Don’t use unvented engines or equipment n Turn heaters off when not needed (during sleep) or provide fire guard

34. Heat Exhaustion 1. Symptoms n Mouth, tongue and throat become parched and dry. n A feeling of general tiredness and weakness sets in. n Muscle cramps n Sudden loss of consciousness.

35. Heat Exhaustion 2. First Aid n Keep the victim warm, but loosen clothing n Gradually feed the victim warm liquids n They will need plenty of rest n Get the victim to medical personnel as soon as possible

36. Heat Exhaustion 3. Prevention n Increase water intake n Take off clothing in layers when working

37. Dehydration 1. Symptoms n Fatigue n Dark urine

38. Dehydration 2. First Aid n Take casualty to cool, shaded area n Have casualty drink water in small sips

39. Dehydration 3. Prevention n Increase water intake n If urine is dark, more water is needed

40. UNIFORM WEAR Military Cold-Weather System Principles n INSULATE n LAYER n VENTILATE

41. UNIFORM WEAR Extended Cold-Weather Clothing System n First Layer-Polypropylene undershirt and shorts n Second Layer-Synthetic Fiber Pile shirt and polyester trouser liners n Third Layer-Polyester field jacket liner and field trousers

42. UNIFORM WEAR Cont. n Fourth Layer-Windproof, waterproof parka and trousers n Fifth Layer-Camouflage over whites

43. REFERENCE MATERIAL n AR 40-5 n TB MED 508 n TC 21-3 n FM 21-10 n FM 21-11