1 Warm frozen part
Apply dressing
3Relieve pain
Frostbite
HYPOTHERMIA • FROSTBITE
55
Frostbite occurs when the body reacts to freezing conditions, particularly those accompanied by a high windchill factor, by shutting down blood vessels. As a result, extremities, such as fingers and toes, may freeze and if left untreated, could eventually become gangrenous. Hypothermia( p. 54) may also occur. The aims of first-aid treatment are to rewarm the frostbitten area gradually and to seek medical help.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Sensation of pins and needles
• Pale skin becoming numb and hard
• Skin is white, mottled blue, or black
TREATING FROSTBITE
1 Warm frozen part
• Get the victim to tuck her frozen hands into her armpits, or place the frostbitten part in your lap, between your hands to warm it.
• Move the victim out of the cold; help her if her feet are affected.
• Thaw the frostbitten part in a basin of warm water, then pat it dry.
2
Apply dressing
• Cover the affected part with a light dressing, wrapping the dressing between frostbitten fingers and toes, and cover the part with a loose gauze bandage.
• Support the part in a raised position to reduce the chance of swelling.
Use your body heat to thaw frostbitten toes
Cover with light dressing and bandage
! Important
• Do not place a source of direct heat against the frostbitten part.
• Do not warm the frostbitten part if it may refreeze.
• Do not rub the frostbitten part.
3Relieve pain
• As the area thaws, the skin will become hot, red, and painful.
• Give the victim the recommended dose of acetaminophen to help ease the pain.
• Take the victim to the hospital or arrange for transportation.