The Army Training System - AskTOP

FROSTBITEFrostbite is the freezing of bodytissue. It commonly occurs in bodyparts located away from the core andexposed to the cold such as the nose,ears, feet, hands, and skin. Severecases of frostbite may require amputation.Factors which lead to frostbite arecold temperatures combined with windyconditions. The wind has a greatcooling effect because it causes rapidconvective heat transfer from the body.For a given temperature, the higher thewind speed, the greater the coolingeffect. Figure 12-2 shows how thewind can affect cooling by providinginformation on windchill factors.A person’s movement through theair creates an effect similar to thatcaused by wind. Riding a bicycle at 15mph is the same as standing in a 15-mph wind. If, in addition, there is a5-mph headwind, the overall effect isequivalent to a 20-mph wind. Therefore,an exercising soldier must bevery cautious to avoid getting frostbite.Covering exposed parts of thebody will substantially reduce therisks.DEHYDRATIONDehydration can result from losingbody fluids faster than they are replaced.Cold environments are oftendry, and water may be limited. As aresult, soldiers may in time becomedehydrated. While operating in extremelycold climates, trainers shouldcheck the body weights of the soldiersregularly and encourage them to drinkliquids whenever possible.Figure 12-212-3