Development of Second-degree Frostbite in Two Service Members Wearing Issued Cold Weather Footgear Traversing Sea Ice

• Published in: Military Medicine
• Main Author: Powell, Thomas
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2020
• Subjects: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health; General Medicine; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaa384; http://academic.oup.com/milmed/article-pdf/186/11-12/e1250/41067490/usaa384.pdf

ABSTRACT Frostbite, or the freezing of the tissues by exposure to conditions below the freezing point of water, is an unsettling and potentially dangerous condition that one can develop while living and working in cold environments below 0°C without proper protections. Civilians and military personnel operating in prolonged field conditions in temperatures below freezing rely on advanced fabrics and multiple layers to maintain body heat around the extremities to prevent frostbite. Here, we detail the situation and findings of frostbite in 2 American service members who were exposed to temperatures of approximately −19.5°C for 5 hours while hiking on frozen sea ice. Notably, these members were wearing their issued cold weather equipment at the time of their injury. The personnel presented with the classic signs and symptoms of second-degree frostbite with blistering and tingling but went on to have no lasting serious sequelae. We find these cases important as it documents the inadequacy of the footgear utilized, despite being operated in weather conditions within the range of the manufacturer’s safety recommendations. Sea ice and other very cold, conducting surfaces may require other gear considerations when operating in this unique terrain type.