The Navy SEAL Physical Fitness Guide 193
How to avoid freezing injuries
" Dress appropriately and keep hands and feet as dry as possible." Do not touch metal with bare hands/skin. Tape frequently touched metals to
reduce this risk." Wear protective goggles when exposed to high wind speeds such as in snow-
mobiles, aircraft, skiers." Use the “buddy system” to check each other for unprotected skin.
Immersion Foot
Also known as “trench foot”, this nonfreezing foot injury results in tissue and nerve
damage after prolonged exposure of wet feet to the cold (32 to 50° F). Immersion foot can
be prevented by keeping feet as dry as possible and by avoiding tight fitting boots.
Nutritional Requirements
Special attention should be paid to nutritional requirements in cold environments.
Energy requirements may increase several fold because of the increased work associated
with performing physical tasks in cold weather and the caloric losses to shivering which
can rapidly deplete glycogen stores. Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy for
replenishing depleted glycogen. Refer to the U.S. Navy SEAL Nutrition Guide for specific
nutritional needs during cold weather operations.
Summary for a Cold Environment
" Check weather conditions and dress appropriately.
" Allow for a longer warm up.
" Avoid profuse sweating.
" Replenish body fuel (carbohydrates) during endurance events.
" Maintain hydration.
" Avoid drugs that cause dehydration: alcohol, caffeine.
" Be aware of the signs of cold injury.
" Use gentle rewarming for hypothermia victims.