Twenty percent of all British soldiers evacuated were due to cold injury. In recent history, American forces have not deployed to a hostile and cold environment. Balkan winters are cold and damp, and while spring is warmer, there is still potential for cold injury into June. This article was developed to keep you informed, alert, safe, and protected. Prevention is the key, through proper use of hygiene, clothing, and knowledge.
Treatment is an attempt to minimize injury and potential disability.
It cannot replace your preparation to prevent injury. Variations of Injury Cold environmental injuries exhibit a range of similar tissue damage, which is characterized by exposure to cold temperatures, wind speed, moisture, and time of exposure. Other conditions and habits have an influence on susceptibility for injury. These include medical problems, smoking and tobacco use, dehydration, alcohol and drug use, and other trauma injuries. 5,6 Frostbite, the definitive injury of this group, results from the formation of ice crystals in tissue.