The Treatment of Shock from Prolonged Exposure to Cold, Especially in Water

Abstract

This report details human and animal experimentation conducted to test methods of treatment for shock brought on by prolonged exposure to cold performed by German doctors during World War II. It includes information about previous data collected on human experimentation as well as reports on German experiments. The impetus for this study was due to a Professor Weltz developing an interest in resuscitation from exposure to cold after immersion in water. This interest stemmed from the loss of pilots during the Battle of Britain in 1940-41, who died due to exposure after being left in the British Channel.