Chapter 2

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elevation and thinner air. A conditioning program must be set up on site and integrated in
gradual stages where acclimatization, conditioning, and mountaineering skills are realized.
Conditioning should begin with basic climbing. It is equally important to instill the will to climb.
Confidence goes hand in hand with physical conditioning and skill development. Repetitive
practice, to the point of instinctive reaction, is key to learning and maintaining climbing
proficiency and technical skills. There are no quick and easy methods to becoming acclimatized
and conditioned. Training should gradually challenge the Soldier over an extended period and
reinforce learning skills.

SECTION III. MEDICAL CONSIDERATIONS
2-42. Improper acclimatization poses many problems for medical personnel. Facilities and supplies may be
inadequate to treat all victims. After acclimatization, personnel can still sustain injuries such as sprains,
strains, fractures, frostbite, hypothermia, and trench foot. Mountain sickness and other illnesses may also
occur. Evacuation of the sick and wounded is compounded by the terrain and weather.

ILLNESS AND INJURY
2-43. Units operating in mountainous regions are exposed to varied types of injuries and illnesses not
associated with other areas. Medical considerations are like those for other environments; however, there
are some unique aspects of mountain operations to be considered if effective support is to be provided.
Most injuries in the mountain environment are soft tissue injuries. These include sprains, strains, abrasions,
contusions, and fractures. As with any other injuries, the most life threatening are treated first with the
emphasis on airway control, breathing management, and circulatory support. Skills in basic first aid are
essential to the mountain leader and should be reinforced with regular sustainment training.

TREATMENT AND EVACUATION
2-44. In harsh mountain weather, the most important course of action is to provide injured Soldiers with
medical aid as soon as possible. Immediate first aid is given on site. Due to rough terrain, medical units can
seldom reach unit aid stations by vehicle to evacuate casualties. Litter bearers are required to move
casualties to the rear where they can be evacuated by ground or air to clearing stations. The victim is
protected from the weather and shock during transportation. Rendezvous points are coordinated with
medical units as far forward as possible. Training on evacuation techniques and first aid must be
accomplished with all litter bearers. Lightly wounded personnel may need assistance to move over rough
terrain.

SOLAR INJURIES
2-45. Solar injuries can happen in warm weather or in cold weather. These types of injuries can be just as
incapacitating as most other injuries but usually are not fatal. The peak hours of ultraviolet (UV) radiation
are between the hours of 1100 and 1500. Due to the long wavelengths of ultraviolet light, cloudy days can
be more dangerous than sunny days. On sunny days the Soldier takes more care due to the bright
conditions. On cloudy days the Soldier tends not to wear sunglasses or sunscreen.

SUNBURN
2-46. Sunburn is the burning of exposed skin surfaces by ultraviolet radiation.
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Contributing factors include fair skin, improper use of para-amino benzoic acid (PABA)-based
sunscreens, and exposure to intense ultraviolet rays for extended periods.
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Symptoms of sunburn are painful, burning, red, or blistered skin with a slight swelling. The skin
may be warm to the touch. In severe cases, chills, fever, and headaches may occur.
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To treat sunburn, apply cool saline dressings to alleviate pain and swelling. Do not pop blisters.
If blisters do break, wash thoroughly, bandage, and seek medical attention. A solution of vinegar

2-10

TC 3-97.61

26 July 2012