Figure 6-5. — Frostbitten face. 



able to a severe sunburn results, with the formation of blisters. 

 An ointment should be applied, and the area covered with a sterile 

 dressing. Men should be constantly on the alert in detecting the 

 whitish or grayish discoloration of early frostbite on their com- 

 panions. As most frequently frostbitten parts are those of the 

 face, which can not be seen by the victim, it is a wise policy to work 

 in pairs. Thus, a man can warn his companion that his face is 

 frostbitten and first aid measures can be applied before the con- 

 dition becomes severe. 



In recent winter icebreaker operations, the faces of men wear- 

 ing sound powered telephones for long periods at exposed stations 

 became frostbitten. Such casualties can be avoided by wearing 

 phones over face masks. Face masks or circular nylon scarfs 

 should be worn by personnel ekposed to strong winds below 30° F., 

 as on the flight deck of aircraft carriers. 



Freezing of the feet or hands is one of the severest penalties that 

 a man can pay- for carelessness or accidents in the Arctic. When 

 a man's feet are frozen, he is through. Such freezing of extrem- 

 ities should npt normally occur if the man is careful and keeps 

 properly dressed in service-issued clothing, gloves, and footwear. 

 Unfortunately, it is possible for men to be placed in a situation 

 following a crash or fire, where proper clothing is not available. 



The frozen parts usually are very painful at first, with the pain 



184 



