Frostbite in Ski Boots for Marines

摘要

Previous research have showed that cold injuries of feet occur more often than cold injuries of hands. Recently, an unexpectedly large number of cold injuries were observed during military training in Norway and a relationship between cold injuries and the use of the Alico ski boot was suspected. The Marine Corps and the Defence Clothing agency asked TNO to investigate whether the Alico ski boot, in combination with the Berghaus gaiter, and the arctic sock would lead to an increased risk for cold injuries. Tests with several ski boot combinations were performed to measure the water vapour transport and the water tightness. Both worn and unworn ski boots were tested with and without a gaiter. The results were compared with the results of the Meindl climbing boot. Tests with several ski boot combinations were performed to measure the water vapour transport and the water tightness. Both worn and unworn ski boots were tested with and without a gaiter. The results were compared with the results of the Meindl climbing boot. The water vapour transport was measured using a thermal sweating foot model which was placed in a boot combination during three days for a couple of hours a day. The water tightness was measured using a walking simulator where boots walked in a water tank. Both worn ski and climbing boots were tested by 8 marines in a climatic chamber of -18 C. The subjects rested on a chair in the climatic chamber for the first half hour, walked on a treadmill for the second half hour and stood still for the last half hour. Several skin temperatures of the feet were measured. The subjects also provided regular information about their thermal sensations and comfort.