Environmental and thermal injury.

The environment can have a profound impact on human performance. Over the past decade there has been considerable interest in the scientific study of the human ability of to protect oneself against heat and cold. This new knowledge has led to a better understanding of physiology and resulted in better prevention, recognition, and treatment of hyperthermia, hypothermia, and frostbite. This article reviews the pathophysiology of extreme environmental exposure and discusses current strategies for prevention and treatment.