IT MAY not reduce the number of people killed when climbing at high altitude, but a simple test could help reduce the number of climbers who lose limbs to frostbite.
The test used by Hein Daanen of the Dutch research organisation TNO Defence, Security and Safety, called the Resistance Index for Frostbite (RIF), measures the speed at which the body responds to low temperatures. The index essentially measures blood flow through a fingertip immersed in icy water for 30 minutes. People who maintain their blood flow at low temperature are less likely to suffer frostbite.
“People who maintain blood flow at low temperature are less…
