Mountain Living

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(acetic) and water can be lightly applied with sterile gauze to alleviate burning. The tannic acid
in used tea bags can also be applied to alleviate burning. Administer pain medication if needed.
To prevent sunburn, skin should be covered with clothing or PABA-based sunscreens (at least
sun protection factor [SPF] 15) should be applied liberally to exposed skin during the peak hours
of UV exposure. The SPF means that you can stay exposed to the suns UV rays that many times
longer than without it. (For example, an SPF of 15 means that skin can be exposed to UV rays
15 times longer than without sunscreen.) During sustained activity, the sunscreen should be
regularly reapplied to maintain the SPF.

SNOWBLINDNESS
2-47. Snowblindness is sunburn of the cornea of the eye caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
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A contributing factor is the reflection of sunlight from all directions off the snow, ice, and water.
Ultraviolet rays can cause vision problems even on cloudy days. They are less filtered at high
altitudes than at low altitudes.
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Symptoms of snowblindness are painful, red, watery eyes; a gritty feeling; blurred vision; and a
headache.
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To treat snowblindness, patch both eyes with cold compresses for 24 hours. Topical anesthetics
such as Tetracaine Ophthalmic can be used to relieve pain. Avoid rubbing the eyes. If still
painful, keep the victim’s eyes patched and administer oral pain medication. Snowblindness will
usually resolve in about 24 hours for mild to moderate cases. Victims are rarely in need of
evacuation unless the case is unusually severe.
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To prevent snow blindness, use quality sunglasses even on cloudy days in snow-covered terrain.
Proper sunglasses should provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection and have hoods on the
sides to prevent reflected light from entering the eye. (Currently, the U.S. Army does not have
these types of “glacier” sunglasses in their inventory, so they must be acquired from nonmilitary
sources.) In an emergency, improvise slit glasses from materials such as cardboard or birch bark.

COLD-WEATHER INJURIES
2-48. Cold-weather injuries can occur during any season of the year. Death has resulted in temperatures as
high as 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). A loss of body heat combined with shock produces
devastating results. However, most of these accidents can be prevented by proper planning to include—
timely requisition and receipt of supplies and proper clothing; thorough training of personnel with respect
to the hazards of cold weather; effective methods for the receipt, dissemination, and use of cold-weather
data; periodic inspections of clothing, personnel, and equipment; and personnel receiving a balance of
water, rest, and nutrition. Soldiers must be prepared to survive, move, and fight in winter conditions.
Intense cold affects the mind as well as the body. Simple tasks take longer to perform, and they take more
effort than in a temperate climate. When weather conditions become extreme, the problems of survival
become more significant. Warmth and comfort become the top priorities. The effects of extreme cold and
the probability of injury are magnified by a lack of proper diet and sleep. The most important measure in
the prevention of cold-weather injuries is the education of personnel and their leaders.

TYPES
2-49. Cold injuries may be divided into two types: freezing and nonfreezing. The freezing type is known as
frostbite. The nonfreezing type includes hypothermia, dehydration, and immersion foot. Cold injuries result
from impaired circulation and the action of ice formation and cold upon the tissues of the body.
Temperature alone is not a reliable guide as to whether a cold injury can occur. Low temperatures are
needed for cold injuries to occur, but freezing temperatures are not. Wind speed can accelerate body heat
loss under both wet and cold conditions. All commanders and subordinate leaders/instructors must be
familiar with and carry GTA 05-08-12, which includes a wind chill equivalent temperature chart
(Figure 2-1).

26 July 2012

TC 3-97.61

2-11