Cold Weather Field Study of Marine Corps Emergency Medical Treatment
Abstract
To assess the extent and sources of impairment due to cold weather field conditions, times to complete an emergency medical treatment scenario (EMTS) and a standardized test of manual dexterity were measured for 21 Navy corpsmen and Marines. The environmental testing conditions ranged from a snowstorm with temperatures near 22 F (-5.6 C) to clear weather around 47 F (8.3 C). Results showed that performance under the milder conditions was not seriously affected, but under the most severe cold conditions performance on the EMTS was substantially impaired. Practice significantly improves medical treatment performance, and that even a small amount of practice is beneficial. Better performance was found to be related to previous cold weather medical training and experience. These findings, and the comments of the subjects, have led to suggestions for continued field training, and for improved handwear and trousers with padded knees for corpsmen. Some inadequacies in the field medical kit were identified as causes of a decrement in medical treatment performance under cold weather field conditions. Recommendations were made for improved adhesive tape, more easily opened sterile plastic packages, and an alternate method of fastening splints. Observations were made of various means of medical evacuation, with a concluding recommendation for the development of a dedicated medically-equipped vehicle suitable for use in deep snow.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 19, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA115057
Entities
People
- George Moeller
- Kevin V. Laxar
- William Rogers
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory