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Questions and Answers
Trench foot can occur at temperatures as low as 32°F if the feet are constantly wet.
Trench foot can occur at temperatures as low as 32°F if the feet are constantly wet.
False
To prevent immersion foot, it is advisable to walk on your feet frequently.
To prevent immersion foot, it is advisable to walk on your feet frequently.
False
Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure of skin to temperatures above freezing.
Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure of skin to temperatures above freezing.
True
The symptoms of trench foot include numbness and swelling.
The symptoms of trench foot include numbness and swelling.
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Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature.
Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature.
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Drying your feet and changing wet socks is an effective prevention method for trench foot.
Drying your feet and changing wet socks is an effective prevention method for trench foot.
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Frostbite only occurs in the arms and legs, and never affects the feet and hands.
Frostbite only occurs in the arms and legs, and never affects the feet and hands.
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Drinking warm sweetened fluids that do not contain alcohol is recommended in cold conditions.
Drinking warm sweetened fluids that do not contain alcohol is recommended in cold conditions.
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Cold stress symptoms are not a cause for concern and do not require monitoring.
Cold stress symptoms are not a cause for concern and do not require monitoring.
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Trench foot is a common cold-induced illness that occurs in warm conditions.
Trench foot is a common cold-induced illness that occurs in warm conditions.
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Hypothermia can result from prolonged exposure to cold conditions.
Hypothermia can result from prolonged exposure to cold conditions.
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Wearing waterproof shoes can help prevent trench foot.
Wearing waterproof shoes can help prevent trench foot.
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If a person is suffering from frostbite, rubbing the affected area is advisable to warm it up.
If a person is suffering from frostbite, rubbing the affected area is advisable to warm it up.
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The body shifts blood flow from the core to the extremities in cold environments.
The body shifts blood flow from the core to the extremities in cold environments.
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Medical help should be sought immediately for frostbite but it is not necessary for mild hypothermia.
Medical help should be sought immediately for frostbite but it is not necessary for mild hypothermia.
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Warm sweetened drinks can help increase the body temperature of a person suffering from hypothermia if they are alert.
Warm sweetened drinks can help increase the body temperature of a person suffering from hypothermia if they are alert.
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Study Notes
Cold Stress
- Cold stress occurs when skin temperature drops, leading to a decrease in core body temperature.
- This can lead to serious health issues and tissue damage, potentially resulting in death.
- Factors affecting cold stress include air temperature, body temperature, air movement around the body, body movement, and exposure time.
How the Body Reacts to Cold
- In cold environments, the body prioritizes maintaining core temperature.
- Blood flow shifts away from extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin towards the core (chest and abdomen).
- This rapid cooling of exposed areas increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Common Cold-Induced Illnesses/Injuries
- Hypothermia
- Frostbite
- Trench foot
- Chilblains
Hypothermia: Warning Signs
- Confusion
- Shivering
- Difficulty speaking
- Sleepiness
- Stiff muscles
Treating Hypothermia
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- Move the affected person to a warm place.
- Remove wet clothes and replace with dry layers, including head and neck. Use blankets or a vapor barrier.
- Give warm, sweetened drinks (not alcohol) if conscious.
- Apply warm bottles/hot packs to armpits, sides of chest, and groin.
Frostbite
- Frostbite is tissue damage caused by freezing skin and underlying tissues.
- Lower temperatures accelerate frostbite risk.
- Commonly affects extremities (feet and hands).
- Severe cases may require amputation.
Frostbite: Symptoms
- Numbness in affected area
- Tingling or stinging
- Aching
- Pale or bluish, waxy-looking skin
- Blisters (in severe cases)
Treating Frostbite
- Do not rub the affected area. Doing so can cause further damage.
- Do not apply snow or water.
- Cover and protect frostbitten areas from contact.
- Do not try to rewarm frostbite at home; seek immediate medical help, rather than attempting home remedies.
- Medical professionals should rewarm the area.
- Give warm sweetened drinks (not alcohol) if conscious.
Frostbite First Aid Stages
- Get out of the cold
- Remove wet clothes
- Rewarm in warm water (30-40°C)
- Take pain relievers
- Drink warm liquids
If No Breathing or Pulse
- In an emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until the person responds or medical help arrives.
Trench Foot
- Trench foot is a non-freezing injury.
- Caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold temperatures (even moderately warm).
- Wet feet lose heat drastically faster than dry feet.
- To prevent heat loss, the body constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrients, and leading to tissue death.
Trench Foot: Prevention
- Keep feet dry.
- Change wet socks frequently.
- Wear waterproof shoes.
- Warm up cold feet.
Trench Foot: Symptoms
- Redness of skin
- Numbness
- Leg cramps
- Swelling
- Blisters or ulcers
- Bleeding under skin
- Gangrene (dark purple, blue, or grayish discoloration)
Diabetic Foot Ulcers Classification
- The progression is depicted from Grade 0, intact skin, to Grade 5, gangrene of the entire foot.
Immersion Foot
- Seek immediate medical help.
- Remove wet shoes/boots/socks.
- Dry the feet.
- Avoid walking on them.
Chilblains
- Painful inflammation of small blood vessels, caused by repeated exposure to above-freezing temperatures (near freezing).
- Symptoms include redness, itching, possible blistering, inflammation (possible ulceration in severe cases).
Treating Chilblains
- Avoid scratching.
- Slowly warm the affected skin.
- Use corticosteroid creams for itching and swelling.
- Keep blisters/ulcers clean and covered.
Safety Tips for Workers
- Know the symptoms of cold stress.
- Monitor your physical and coworkers' conditions.
- Take frequent breaks to warm up.
- Dress appropriately for cold conditions.
- Stay dry to help prevent heat loss. (e.g., from sweating)
- Keep extra clothes/underwear as a precaution in case clothing gets wet.
- Drink warm sweetened beverages; avoid alcohol.
- Avoid contact with bare skin to cold metal/wet surfaces.
- Use protective equipment (PPE).
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Description
This quiz covers essential information about cold stress and its effects on the body, including hypothermia and frostbite. Learn how to identify symptoms, treat cold-induced illnesses, and understand the body's reaction to extreme cold conditions. Stay informed to ensure safety in cold environments.
