Non Freezing Cold Injuries (NFCI)

Immersion FootNFCI is a significant injury and can lead to serious discomfort for the sufferer. The key symptom is that the cold extremity, most often the hands and feet become numb and stay numb. The main cause is allowing wet hands and feet to remain wet and cold for long periods.

Causes

To prevent NFCI individuals have to understand its causes.

Wellbeing
In cold climates, hungry, thirsty and tired individuals will succumb more quickly to developing a NFCI. Well fed, hydrated and rested individuals will not be so prone to NFCI.

Smoking
Individuals who smoke are at further risk, as smoking reduces blood circulation.

Environment
Be aware of your environment. How wet and cold is it and are you likely to be exposed to this environment for long periods of time? It does not have to be freezing condition for a NFCI to set in.

Previous NFCI
Individuals who have suffered past NFCI are more at risk than those who have not

Prevention

If your hands and feet get wet: Dry them quickly

  • Change your socks as often as possible
  • Use foot powder
  • Do not let your hands and feet get cold and wet.
  • If you have to stand still for long periods of time, wriggle your toes and fingers. This will help the blood to circulate and warm the exposed areas up
  • Make sure that you eat and drink as often as possible. A full stomach produces heat. Dehydration and smoking can make NFCI worse.

Skills & Drills
The easiest way to prevent NFCI is to stay warm and dry, although this is not always possible there are things that you can do to to reduce the risk.

  • Wear clean and dry socks.
  • Use foot powder.
  • Ensure that your boots are a proper fit and don't lace too tight.
  • Keep your hands dry and use gloves where possible.

NFCI Immediate action

If you or any of you group are experiencing numbness/pins & needles or become numb and stay numb.

  • Wriggle your toes and fingers or even march on the spot. You may look stupid doing it but it will start to heat up your hands and feet.
  • Take off your wet boots and socks.
  • Gently re-warm your hands and feet.
  • Put your feet into a dry sleeping bag then massage gently.
  • Get into dry kit as soon as possible.
  • DO NOT use any artificial heat like hot water or stoves. This will make the injury much worse.
  • Seek medical advice at the earliest opportunity should the numbness/pins & needles continue for more than a day.

Test your knowledge Now that you have learnt about the symptoms NFCI, how to treat it and hown to prevent the onset of NFCI why not take the short multiple choice test.

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