Army offers tools, training to prevent cold-weather injury

By Sameria Amerson-Zavala (TRADOC Public Affairs)November 24, 2009

C.O.L.D.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT MONROE, Va. (Nov. 24, 2009) - Thirty-seven cold weather injuries last winter were reported by the Defense Medical Surveillance System. That's why U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command schools and centers train Soldiers to avoid cold-weather injury.

"Although TRADOC casualties associated with cold weather are relatively small in comparison to our annual heat injuries, any cold-weather injury is considered too many since these type of injuries are all preventable," said Col. Karen O'Brien, TRADOC surgeon. "It's the responsibility of all TRADOC leaders on all levels to educate the inexperienced Soldier in preventive methods to counter wintry weather."

Tools such as <a href=" http://www.tradoc.army.mil/surgeon/Pdf/Cold%20Weather%20Injury%20Prevention%20Training.pdf" target="_blank"> presentation slides</a>, the <a href=" http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/" target="_blank"> U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine Website </a> and CHPPM's <a href="http://www.tradoc.army.mil/surgeon/Pdf/Cold%20Risk%20Manual.pdf "target="_blank"> Cold Risk Manual </a> are available to help leaders in this effort.

According to the manual, a few possible outcomes of inadequate prevention lead to chilblain, hypothermia, dehydration and snow blindness. The manual stresses to Soldiers the acronym of COLD: keep it Clean, avoid Overheating, wear it in Loose layers, keep it Dry.

Chilblain is inflammation of the hands and feet caused by exposure to cold and moisture due to bare skin exposed to humid air.

TRADOC also requires annual safety training for Soldiers and civilians. "Civilians are encouraged to complete training for awareness," said Gerald Forest of the Command Surgeon's Office. "For Soldiers, the training addresses the 'physical' aspect of the Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Campaign."

The Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Campaign includes emotional, social, spiritual, family and physical aspects.

For more information on preventing cold-weather injury, visit the <a href=" http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/ " target="_blank"> CHPPM Website </a>. See TRADOC Regulation 385-2 for more information on the <a href=" http://www.tradoc.army.mil/TPUBS/regs/r385-2.pdf

" target="_blank"> Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Campaign</a>. Also see TRADOC memorandum "<a href=" http://www.tradoc.army.mil/pao/web_PDF/2009-2010_Cold_Weather_Injury_Prevention.pdf" target="_blank"> Cold Weather Injury Prevention for 2009-2010</a>," published Nov. 2, 2009.

Related Links:

Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Brochure