Military Cold Injury During the War in The Falkland Islands 1982: An Evaluation of Possible Risk Factors

Non-freezing cold injury, lessons from history for future prevention

Living, operating and training in adverse and exposed environmental situations place humans at risk of climatic injury including non-freezing cold injury. Non-freezing cold injury has caused, and continues to cause, significant problems to both civilians and military personnel exposed to cold. This article reviews the impact of this condition through history and identifies lessons that can be drawn for prevention based on historical and contemporary evidence.

Nonfreezing cold-induced injuries

Non-freezing cold injury (NFCI) is the Cinderella of thermal injuries and is a clinical syndrome that occurs when tissues are exposed to cold temperatures close to freezing point for sustained periods. NFCI is insidious in onset, often difficult to recognize and problematic to treat, and yet the condition accounts for significant morbidity in both military and civilians who work in cold conditions. Consequently recognition of those at risk, limiting their exposure and the appropriate and timely use of suitable protective equipment are essential steps in trying to reduce the impact of the condition. This review addresses the issues surrounding NFCI.