Frostbite

What is frostbite?
1. Frostbite happens when the skin gets cold enough to freeze.
Signs and symptoms
1. Grayish-white patches on the skin.
2. Some victims will complain that their ears, nose, fingers, or feet feel painful and then numb. Others won’t notice anything.
Prevention
1. Stay warm and dry.
2. Wear warm gloves, socks, and a hat.
3. Wool and synthetic materials will keep you warm when they get wet; cotton won’t.
4. Dress in layers so you can regulate your body temperature by adding or removing articles of clothing.
Treatment
1. If you suspect frostbite, get the person out of the cold.
2. Gently warm the affected area and keep it warm.
3. If an ear or cheek is frozen, remove your glove, and warm the injury with the palm of your hand.
4. Slip a frostbitten hand under your clothing, and tuck it beneath an armpit.
5. Treat frozen toes by putting the victim’s bare feet against the warm skin of another person.
6. You can also warm a frozen part by holding it in warm—not hot—running water.
  1. Only do this if there is no chance of refreezing the area.
7. Have the patient exercise injured fingers or toes, and don’t let the injured area freeze again
8. Get the victim to a doctor.
9. DO NOT rub the frostbitten area. This can damage the skin.

Basic Aid Training Update