c. Change Socks. Keep your socks clean and dry. Change wet or damp socks
as soon as practical, usually during a rest break.
(1) Wet or damp socks can be dried by placing them inside your shirt. The
heat from your body will dry the socks.
(2)
Wash your feet daily and use foot powder.
d. Prevent Dehydration. Drink sufficient fluids (potable water, juices, and
warm, nonalcoholic beverages). Eat meals to replace salt lost during perspiration. In
cold weather, you may not realize that your body is losing fluids and salt since they are
absorbed by the layers of clothing and are seldom visible on the skin. When possible,
rest when performing hard work.
e. Pair With a Buddy. Many times it is easier to notice the first signs of
frostbite, immersion syndrome, and hypothermia on someone else rather than on
yourself. Because of this, soldiers should watch one another for signs of cold injury,
especially frostbite of the face. If you notice signs of frostbite, have the person
massage his face, put his hands under his arms for warmth, or take some other
measure to counteract the frostbite. Remind each other to do warming exercises often.
9-8.
TREATING COLD INJURIES
a. Chilblains. Chilblain is treated by warming the injured body part and
protecting it from further injury.
(1) Apply rewarming (body heat) techniques to the affected area(s). This
includes putting bare hands over the affected area on the face, putting affected hands
inside the uniform under the armpits, putting bare feet against the abdomen of another
soldier, etc.). If available, blow warm air on the affected area.
CAUTION:
Do not rub or massage area. Rubbing or massaging the area may
cause tissue damage.
NOTE:
If the condition does not respond to simple care, begin treatment for frostbite.
(2)
Protect lesions (if present) with dry sterile dressing.
(3)
Seek medical aid for the casualty.
b. Dehydration.
(1)
Keep the casualty warm.
(2)
Loosen the casualty's clothes to improve circulation.
IS0877
9-15
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