Frostbite
What is frostbite?
When it is very, very cold outside the body, the body keeps heat in the middle of the body by making the blood vessels near the skin smaller. This means there is less heat towards the outside of the body, and the tissues of the toes and fingers literally freeze and the cells die. This is called frostbite.
How can you tell that someone has frostbite?
He or she may have:
- very cold fingers or toes
- fingers or toes that become painful and then numb (lose all feeling).
- Skin may become hard and stiff and may be pale and waxy.
- After a long period fingers or toes become discoloured (an unusual colour).
Your actions:
As always, assess D R A B, respond as needed, and treat any more urgent conditions or injuries.
Move the person to a warm place if possible
Take off any clothing, jewellery or shoes from the affected parts.
Warm the area up slowly by putting the hand or foot in warm water (just above body temperature) or in your armpits or groin. DO NOT rub the affected part.
Dry carefully and apply a light dressing of gauze bandage.
Raise and support the affected part to reduce swelling.
Try to get medical help.
DO NOT:
Do not put the affected part near direct heat.
Do not allow the casualty to smoke.
Your aims:
Warm the affected area slowly to prevent further tissue damage.
Try to get medical help.
