The Official Athletics Website of the Nassau Community College Lions

 Prevention and Risk Management Process for Cold Injuries

1. Before event

• Encourage proper hydration and nutrition, and discourage alcohol and drug use.
•  Ensure that athletes and coaches know the signs and symptoms of cold injury.
•  Identify participants at a high risk of cold injury. Risk factors include the following:

• Lean body composition
•  Females
• Older age
• Black race
• Lower fitness level
• Presence of comorbidity (eg, cardiac disease, anorexia, Raynaud syndrome, exercise-induced bronchospasm) 

• Encourage proper conditioning and appropriate equipment and clothing choices.

 

2. Environmental assessment
   • Evaluate immediate and projected weather information, including air temperature, wind, chance of precipitation or water immersion, and altitude.  
   • Identify activity intensity requirements and clothing requirements for each individual.  
   • Have alternate plans in place for deteriorating conditions and activities that must be adjusted or cancelled.  
   • The following guidelines can be used in planning activity depending on the wind-chill temperature. Conditions should be constantly reevaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation:
     • 30 degrees and below: Be aware of the potential for cold injury and notify appropriate personnel of the potential.
     • 25 degrees and below: Provide additional protective clothing, cover as much exposed skin as practical, and provide opportunities and facilities for rewarming.
     • 15 degrees and below: Consider modifying activity to limit exposure or to allow more frequent chances to rewarm.
     • 0 degrees and below: Consider terminating or rescheduling activity.

All of the information provided can be found on the NATA website.
 
 
Darwin Tavarez LAT, ATC
Head Athletic Trainer
Nassau Community College
Office:  (516) 572-7674 (direct)
Email:  darwin.tavarez@ncc.edu