Prevention And Management Of Cold-Weather Injuries (2005)

At a glance..

This bulletin provides guidance to military and civilian health care providers, allied medical personnel, and unit commanders and leaders to— a.Develop an evidence-based prevention program to protect military personnel from cold stress and associated adverse health effects; b.Understand the physiologic responses and adaptations to cold; c.Implement procedures for managing cold stress.

The details..

'Prevention and Management of Cold-Weather Injuries' is a technical bulletin that aims at providing evidence-based prevention programs for protecting military personnel from cold stress. This book is an essential guide for all healthcare providers, allied medical professionals, unit leaders, and commanders who are responsible for ensuring the safety of their troops in harsh weather conditions.

The first chapter introduces readers to the purpose behind this publication while also explaining abbreviations used throughout the book. The second chapter delves into physiological responses to exercise-cold stress as well as individual factors modifying these responses. Chapter three discusses cold strain management with specific guidelines provided on hypothermia avoidance guidance; frostbite avoidance guidance; non-freezing cold injury avoidance guidance; NBC clothing decontamination; food & fluid requirements among others.

Chapter four covers identification & treatment procedures related to different types of injuries caused by exposure to extreme temperatures such as hypothermia or frostbite. Additionally, it includes predisposing factors that can lead up to these injuries along with profiles & medical board recommendations based on surveillance data collected over time.

Lastly, there are several appendices included which provide further information about adaptations needed during extended periods spent in colder climates alongside tips for deployment planning purposes.