Cold Injury
One of the most common medical problems encountered by survivors in liferafts is acute cold injury. Exposure to cold environments, especially when combined with damp conditions and strong winds, can rapidly lower body temperature and result in serious injury.
Cold injuries are generally classified into freezing and non-freezing types.
Freezing Cold Injury (Frostbite)
Frostbite occurs when body tissues freeze due to prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures. The areas most commonly affected include the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and face because they are more exposed to cold weather.
If left untreated, frostbite may lead to tissue destruction, ulcer formation, permanent damage, or even loss of the affected body part.
Causes
Frostbite is caused by prolonged exposure of unprotected skin to low temperatures, particularly when accompanied by cold winds and high humidity. Personnel acting as lookouts in open lifeboats or liferafts are especially vulnerable. For this reason, watchkeeping periods should be carefully controlled to limit exposure.
Early Signs and Symptoms
The earliest indications of frostbite include:
- An unusually pale, wax-like appearance of the skin.
- Tingling sensations followed by stiffness, making it difficult to move the fingers, toes, or facial muscles.
- Complete loss of sensation together with hardening of the affected tissues due to freezing.
Every survivor should remain alert for these warning signs, both in themselves and in fellow survivors.