Citation

MSMR 2011; 18(10): 14-18.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, U.S. Armed Forces Surveillance Center)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

22060246

Abstract

From July 2010 through June 2011, the number of U.S. service members treated for cold injuries (n=557) was similar to recent prior years. The most frequently reported cold injury was hypothermia in the Marine Corps and frostbite in the other service branches. Cold injury rates were generally highest among service members who were less than 20 years old and of black, non-Hispanic race/ethnicity. Service members who train in wet and freezing conditions -- and their supervisors at all levels -- should know the signs of cold injury, ensure adequate hydration, and avoid tobacco, caffeine, and vasoconstrictive medications.

Language: en