 |  |  |  |  |
| COLD WEATHER HEALTH RISKS |
TRENCH FOOT
Trench foot is injury to the tissues of the foot, from prolonged exposure of feet to cold, wet
conditions. Freezing temperature is not a prerequisite if feet remain wet for extended periods
Symptoms
· Numbness · Tingling pain with itching · Burning pain · Itching · Swelling · Initial color change to
pale and mottled · Final color change to dark purple, gray, or blue · Sometimes blisters
Prevention
1. Keep your body, feet and legs dry and warm (waterproof footwear)
2. Dry wet feet as soon as possible, warm with hands, apply foot powder, put on dry socks
3. The whole body, not just the feet, needs to be kept warm
4. If Wet boots or socks unavoidable, continually exercise legs, feet and toes (never wear tight
boots)
First Aid Care
1. Handle feet gently, should not be rubbed or massaged
2. Cleanse with soap and water
3. Dry feet as soon as possible, warm with hands, apply foot powder, put on dry sock
4. Elevate feet slightly
5. Stay With The Victim until medical help arrives
6. Seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible
Trench foot is injury to the tissues of the foot, from prolonged exposure of feet to cold, wet
conditions. Freezing temperature is not a prerequisite if feet remain wet for extended periods
Symptoms
· Numbness · Tingling pain with itching · Burning pain · Itching · Swelling · Initial color change to
pale and mottled · Final color change to dark purple, gray, or blue · Sometimes blisters
Prevention
1. Keep your body, feet and legs dry and warm (waterproof footwear)
2. Dry wet feet as soon as possible, warm with hands, apply foot powder, put on dry socks
3. The whole body, not just the feet, needs to be kept warm
4. If Wet boots or socks unavoidable, continually exercise legs, feet and toes (never wear tight
boots)
First Aid Care
1. Handle feet gently, should not be rubbed or massaged
2. Cleanse with soap and water
3. Dry feet as soon as possible, warm with hands, apply foot powder, put on dry sock
4. Elevate feet slightly
5. Stay With The Victim until medical help arrives
6. Seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible
| ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please Note: All information on Troop17.com is for training and educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, treatment, and care consult your doctor or a medical professional Credits: Yahoo! Health Encyclopedia, Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M, Inc., Copyright 2002 Yahoo Inc. Boy Scout Handbook, Copyright 1998 by the Boy Scouts of America Field Book, Copyright 1967, 1984 by the Boy Scouts of America Okpik: Cold-Weather Camping, Copyright 1990 by the Boy Scouts of America OA Guide to Winter Camping, Copyright 1995 Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University |