Cold weather injuries during peacetime military training

Demographic data on 220 cold weather injuries seen over a 52-month period at the 67th Evacuation Hospital in Wuerzburg, Germany, was reviewed. Data were collected at the time of presentation and all diagnoses were made by a general/vascular surgeon. Statistics on age, gender, race, rank, unit, prior injury, use of tobacco products, classes on prevention, and activity at the time of injury were reviewed. Previously identified risk factors were confirmed except for tobacco use. There appeared to be no risk associated with gender or rank. Most injuries were sustained by soldiers performing low-risk activities for which no clear predisposing event could be ascribed. Prevention and early detection appear critical since injuries were not necessarily associated with specific actions or events.