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