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FIELD SANITATION TEAM CERTIFICATION COURSE

LESSON 12 - COLD INJURY

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Lesson Objectives

Define the types of cold injury. Select the factors that

influence cold injury. Select the measures to

prevent cold injuries. Determine the windchill

temperature.

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Introduction to Cold Injury

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Categories of Cold Injury

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Frostbite

Freezing Frostbite – Produced by exposure to freezing temperatures

•High Altitude Frostbite

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High Altitude Frostbite

Freezing • Frostbite

• High Altitude

Frostbite – Produced by exposure to temperatures between -20ºF and –80ºF at high altitudes

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Chilblain

Non-Freezing Chilblain (frostnip) • Hypothermia • Trench Foot • Immersion Foot • Snowblindness

Results from exposure to temperatures between 60ºF and 32ºF with high humidity

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Hypothermia

The body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

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Fatigue and Hypothermia

Caution: Exhaustion makes a soldier more prone to hypothermia

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Trench Foot

Non-Freezing Chilblain

(frostnip) • Hypothermia • Trench Foot • Immersion

Foot • Snowblindess

Results when the feet remain cold and wet in temperatures below

50ºF for three days or more

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Immersion Foot

Non-Freezing Chilblain

(frostnip) • Hypothermia • Trench Foot • Immersion

Foot • Snowblindess

Results from exposure to cold water at temperatures below 50ºF in excess

at 12 hours

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Snow Blindness Non-Freezing Chilblain

(frostnip) • Hypothermia • Trench Foot • Immersion

Foot • Snowblindess

Results from reflection of the sun off a snow covered surface

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Dehydration

Dehydration is a significant factor for heavy exertion missions (e.g. dismounted patrols)

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Factors That Influence Cold Injury

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Agent Factors

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Environmental Factors

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Effects of Weather

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Combat Action

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Clothing Principles

• Adequate clothing properly worn is essential to survival.

• Clothing for cold weather

is designed to accommodate a variety of weather conditions and activity levels.

• Avoid skin contact with metal objects and liquid

fuels.

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Host Factors

•Rank •Previous cold injury •Fatigue •Discipline, training and experience •Psychosocial factors •Age

•Race •Geographic origin •Nutrition •Activity level •Drugs and medications Dehydration

Host Factors

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Rank

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History of Cold Injury

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Fatigue

Host Factors Fatigue

Causes soldiers to

abandon normal personal hygiene practices

Can be reduced with rotation of duties and personnel

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Discipline, Training and Experience

Host Factors Discipline, training, and experience

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Age and Dehydration

Host Factor Age and Dehydration

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Psychosocial Factors

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Geographic Origin

Host Factor Geographic Origin

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Race

Host Factor Race

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Nutrition

Poor nutrition puts a soldier at higher risk.

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Nutrition

Soldiers can exist on military rations.

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Activity Level

Host Factor

Activity Level

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Drugs and Medications

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FST Role in Prevention

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Using Meteorological Data

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The Cold Injury Officer

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The Buddy System

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WARNING

Pay attention to the warning sings of frostbite:

You cease to feel the sensation or cold followed by a pleasant feeling

of warmth.

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Clothing

Clothing should be layered. Clothing should be loose-fitting. Clothing should be clean, dry and in good

condition.

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IPMM

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Wear or Carry Adequate Clothing

Wear or carry clothes that are appropriate for the anticipated weather conditions.

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Benefits of Layering

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Protect Your Hands

Choose mittens over gloves.

Never touch cold objects with your bare hands.

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Avoid Immobility

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Protect Soldiers “At Risk”

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Understand the Effects of Windchill

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The Windchill Chart

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Data Along the Top of the Chart

The windchill factor is based on air temperature and wind speed.

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The Body of the Chart

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Determine the Windchill

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FIELD SANITATION TEAM CERTIFICATION COURSE

SUMMARY