Training videos to prevent cold weather injuries

Figures & data

Figure 1. Screenshots from the video “Risks”.

Figure 2. Screenshots from the video “Prevention”.

Figure 3. Screenshot from the video “Symptoms”.

Table 1. Summary of key points for communication.

Take care of yourself, your partner, and your fellow soldier

It is important to report when you or your fellow soldier are cold and/or wet

Correct use of clothing and equipment

Use shoes that are too big, preferably 1–2 sizes

Use overboots

Change to dry socks when resting

Always use a protective layer between skin and metal

Use mittens rather than gloves

Change clothing according to activity

Basic physiology

Cold hands and feet pose a risk of injury and loss of function

Sweating in cold environments poses a risk of injury

Understanding the danger signals

Eat and sleep whenever possible

Intake of proper nutrition

Table 2. How to dress properly in the cold.

General

Adjust clothing according to activity level and climate Use several thin layers of clothing rather than few and thick

Work wet, rest dry

Repair or change damaged clothes Cover head, neck, hands and feet from wind and precipitation

Head, neck and face

Headwear should cover forehead, ears, neck and partly the jaw and chin Use balaclava and full face mask

Use the hood

Turn the face from the wind when possible

Use googles

Feet

Use shoes that are too big, preferably 1–2 sizes

Use thick inner soles in boots and/or in overboots

Use overboots when needed

Hands

Always use a protective layer between skin and metal (e.g. weapons)

Mittens are warmer than gloves

Practise wearing gloves/mittens during practical tasks

Table 3. Risk of injury.

Danger signals

Reduced manual dexterity

Pain in hands and feet

Red skin, swelling, tingling and numbness White spots (and blisters) on nose, cheeks, ears and fingers

Risk factors

Low ambient temperature

Wind

Precipitation

Sudden weather changes

Long term cold exposure, especially combined with precipitation/water

Not sufficient clothing

Damaged clothing

Not changing to dry clothes at rest

Wet foot and hand garments with low insulation

Dehydration

Sleep deprivation

Snuff or smoking (nicotine)

When the damage has occurred

Notify a commander if you suspect injury on yourself or others

Prevent deterioration by seeking shelter or covering exposed skin

Use skin on skin, e.g. hands/feet on someone else’s stomach or your own hands under the armpits, but do not rub or massage the damaged skin.

Note that previous damage increases risk of new injury

Table 4. Advice on nutrition and sleep.

Nutrition

Avoid dehydration and energy deficiency Use the breaks well – eat and drink whenever possible Consume all the food/drink distributed

Eat more than you think is necessary

Sleep

Comfortable sleep requires proper equipment

Sleep whenever possible