COLD WEATHER INJURIES IN AN ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT

The cases of eight Special Forces soldiers who sustained cold weather- related injuries while conducting winter training as part of Operation Arctic Saber in the Northwest Territories and Arctic Circle are repor ted. Environmentally related injuries can represent difficult diagnost ic and treatment challenges in the field. Moreover, they may compromis e the overall mission if they are not identified and treated early. Co ld weather injuries can also result in long-term disfigurement and dis ability that may limit a soldier's future worldwide deployability. Mis sion requirements, equipment utilization, and environmental exposure p lace soldiers at particular risk for cold weather-related injuries in such austere settings. Nonetheless, with appropriate education and saf ety precautions, these potentially life-threatening risks can be great ly minimized.