COPING
WITH
COLD
Winter brings its own
risks – especially for
those who spend time
outdoors. Stuck in the
snow on your way to
the skirmish site? Toes
dropping off in the safe
zone? Well it’s too late
for you – you should’ve
used Airsoft Action’s
cold survival guide...
R
ight, first things first:
there’s little chance of your
toes dropping off with
frostbite after a morning
playing airsoft. But it’s
still important to understand the risks
associated with cold weather and how to
avoid problems.
The US Army Centre for Health
Promotion and Preventative Medicine
published guidelines for preventing cold
weather injuries. They suggest the typical
victim of these injuries in Afghanistan
is a 20-something male from a warm
climate who neglects proper foot care and
smokes, drinks or both. Sound familiar?
Granted, the report refers to soldiers
serving in Afghanistan where winters are
fiercely cold and soldiers will be exposed
to harsh conditions for months at a time.
But anyone can get cold weather injuries if
they’re not properly prepared or fail to take
steps to prevent them.
080
December 2011