CHAPTER 3
COLD STRESS MANAGEMENT
3-1. General
a. Cold stress is imposed by the combination of environmental, mission, and individual risk factors. Environmental risk factors include temperature, wind, rain, immersion, and altitude. Mission risk factors include the work intensity (metabolic rates expressed as metabolic equivalent or MET levels); duration of cold exposure; and the availability of adequate shelter, clothing, and food. Individual risk factors include physical fitness, body composition, fatigue, race, gender, and health (including prior history of cold injury, use of medications, alcohol, nicotine, drugs of abuse, and poor nutrition). Soldiers can operate in cold environments if they are appropriately clothed, have adequate shelter and protection, consume adequate food and water, and have sufficient rest. Successful management during cold exposure results in sustained work capabilities and avoidance of casualties. Appendix C contains risk management steps for preventing cold casualties.
b. Successful management of cold stress depends on proper education and experience of leaders and troops exposed to cold. Leaders must have knowledge and understanding of problems associated with working in cold environments in order to minimize each risk factor. Risk management is the process of identifying potential hazards before conducting cold-weather operations/training and taking the steps necessary to control these hazards. Figure 3-1 outlines the cold strain risk management process for preventing cold injuries. An important aspect of this is recognizing changes in weather conditions so that troops can be alerted to potential modifications that may be necessary to reduce exposure and susceptibility to cold injuries. Therefore, the risk management process must continually be reevaluated as input changes. Finally, being alert to signs of soldier distress in the cold is critical so that management procedures and interventions can be adjusted accordingly.
3-2. Hypothermia avoidance guidance
a. Core temperature during cold exposure reflects a balance between heat production (physical activity, shivering) and heat loss. Increasing heat production and decreasing heat loss will reduce the risk for hypothermia, defined as a core temperature less than 95 OF (35 OC). The environmental conditions (whether cold-dry or cold-wet) will determine the