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Frostbite and Hypothermia
Frostbite and hypothermal are
the most dangerous cold-related conditions. Due to cold exposure,
a victim with frostbite frequently has hypothermia. When encountering
frostbite the First Aid Provider should always check for hypothermia
and treat those symptoms first. If the victim Is unresponsive
or has an altered mental status, alert EMS or your Emergency
Action Plan immediately.
Illness/condition
Description
Signs and symptoms
First aid
Frostbite
Develops when skin freezes. Body parts that are exposed to
the cold are the most likely to be affected (fingers, toes,
earlobes, cheeks, nose)
Early
Pins and needles sensation
Throbbing
Late
Frozen (no feeling)
Hard, pale, cold, numb skin
Assess, Alert, and Attend the
ABCs
If EMS or medical attention is available:
Move the victim to a warmer place
Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing.
Illness/Condition
Description
Signs and Symptoms
First Aid
Frostbite may lead to amputation of affected parts.
Place a sterile dressing between frostbitten
fingers and toes.
Wrap the frostbitten area with sterile dressings.
Comfort, calm, and reassure the victim.
If EMS or medical attention is not available:
Move the victim to a warmer place.
Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing.
Immerse the frostbitten area, areas in warm water (not hot)
for 20-30 minutes.
Recommended water temperature is 100 degrees F to 105 degrees
F. ( 38-40 C)
Severe burning pain, swelling, and color changes may occur.
DO NOT rewarm if there is
a chance refreezing may occur.
DO NOT rub or massage the
affected area
DO NOT disturb blisters
or frostbitten skin.
DO NOT give alcoholic beverages.
They do not help and may be harmful.
Basic First Aid for the Community and
Workplace
Hypothermia
Body temperature decreased to 95 degrees
F (35C) or less.
Hypothermia is a true, life-threatening medical emergency.
Body temperature drops significantly
below normal.
Main risk factors:
Age greater than 65
Mental impairment
Alcohol/drug abuse
Early
Frostbite
Pale, cold skin
Weakness, loss of coordination
Altered mental status
Uncontrollable shivering
Late
No shivering
Slow (or absent) breathing or heartbeat)
Assess, Alert and Attend the ABCs
Get inside or out of the wind.
Remove any wet or constricting clothes.
Replace with dry.
Cover with warm blankets
Cover the head and neck to help retain body heat
Place the victim near a heat source and place containers of
warm, but not hot, water in contact with the skin.
Comfort, calm and reassure until EMS arrives.
Prevention
All deaths from exposure to extreme cold are preventable.
Early recognition of the signs and symptoms along with awareness
of risk factors can help minimize both injury and death.
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