FROSTBITE
CAUTION
IS IT AN EMERGENCY?
RECOMMENDED MODULES FOR TREATMENT
INJURIES
WOUNDS
ESSENTIALS
WHAT TO DO FIRST
CHECK FOR THE FOLLOWING SIGNS
There may be:
- At first, “pins-and-needles”
- Paleness (pallor) followed by numbnes
- Hardening and stiffening of the skin
- A color change of the skin of the affected area: first white, then mottled and blue.
- On recovery, the skin may be red, hot, painful, and blistered.
- Where gangrene occurs, the tissue may become black due to loss of blood supply.
how to treat it
TREATMENT OF FROSTBITE
1. Advise the casualty to put his hands, if affected, in his armpits.
Move the casualty into warmth before you thaw the affected
part further
2. Once inside, gently remove gloves, rings, and any other constrictions, such as boots. Warm the affected part with your hands, in your lap, or continue to warm them in the casualty’s armpits. Avoid rubbing the affected area because this can damage skin and other tissues.
3. Place the affected parts in tepid water, or lower than 104°F (40°C). Dry gently and apply a light dressing of dry gauze bandage.
4. Raise the affected limb to reduce swelling. An adult may take the recommended dose of acetaminophen, or her own pain medicine, and a child,
the recommended dose of acetaminophen syrup (not aspirin). Take or send the
casualty to the hospital.
CAUTION
- Do not put the affected part near direct heat.
- Do not attempt to thaw the affected part until there isno danger of it refreezing.
