US Army mountaineering techniques (basic)

Radiation. The direct heat loss from the body to its surrounding
atmosphere is called radiation heat loss.
Conduction. The direct transfer of heat from one object in contact with
another (being rained on or sitting in snow) is called conduction.
Convection. Convection is the loss of heat due to moving air or water in
contact with the skin. The layer of warm air next to the skin must be
controlled by clothing that ventilates, insulates, and protects.
Evaporation. The evaporation of perspiration causes heat loss. Dressing in
layers allows removal or adding of clothing as needed.
Respiration. Respiration also cools the body. Placing a wool scarf or mask
over the mouth and nose warms inhaled air and assists in keeping the body
warm.
Some of the most common cold-weather injuries are shock; dehydration;
hypothermia; immersion or trenchfoot; blisters; frostbite; constipation; carbon
monoxide poisoning; and snow blindness.
Shock. Shock is a symptom or the result of other injuries, and is the depressed state of
vital organs due to the cardiovascular (heart) system not providing enough blood. Initial
signs of shock include apprehension, shortness of breath, sweating, cold skin, rapid and
faint pulse, and excessive thirst. Provide immediate and adequate first aid because even
minor injuries can produce shock resulting in incoherence, slower heart beat,
unconsciousness, and possibly death. When treating a patient you should make him as
comfortable as possible and try to relieve the pain. If needed provide artificial respiration
or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Keep the patient warm but do not overheat him. If there
are no abdominal injuries, and the patient is conscious, you may administer water. Obtain
proper medical attention as soon as possible.
Dehydration. Dehydration is the loss of your body fluids. It precedes all cold-weather
injuries and is a major symptom in acute mountain sickness. Cold weather requirements
for water are no different than in the desert. You need about 6 liters of water each day to
prevent dehydration when living and performing physical labor in a cold or mountainous
environment. You should avoid drinking large quantities of coffee and tea since they
cause excessive urination.
The contributing factors for dehydration are:
The thirst mechanism does not function properly in cold weather.
Water is often inconvenient to obtain and purify.
There is a lack of moisture in the air in cold climates and at high altitudes.
Cold causes frequent urination.
The signs of dehydration include darkening urine, decreased amounts of urine being
produced, dry mouth, tiredness, mental sluggishness, lack of appetite, headache, fainting,
rapid heart- beat, dizziness, higher temperature, upset stomach, unconscious- ness and
diarrhea. The symptoms of dehydration are similar to those of hypothermia. To