News / Information Details   

December 7, 2011

Prevent Frostbite

 

Because frostbite can lead to such serious consequences, prevention is important. If you're planning outdoor activities, check weather forecasts frequently and heed warnings about cold temperatures and possible storms that might strand you in dangerous conditions. Avoid risky situations -- such as hikes or camping trips in cold weather -- that may be beyond your experience level. It's also wise to consult with local park rangers about the weather, terrain, avalanche danger, and other conditions that may interfere with your ability to obtain shelter or emergency help.

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas.  It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.  Frostbite can permanently damage the body and severe cases can lead to amputation.  The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

To reduce your risk of frostbite, dress properly in cold temperatures. This includes protecting your hands, feet, nose, and ears. Bundle in warm, layered, and loose-fitting clothes, a hat and scarf (or a ski mask), warm socks, and mittens (not gloves), and make sure children are properly bundled, too. Spend time inside periodically to warm up. Wet clothing or damp skin can increase your risk of frostbite.

 

Recognizing Frostbite

At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin - frostbite may be beginning.  Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:

·         A white or grayish-yellow skin area

·         Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy

·         Numbness

 

 

What to Do

 

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care.  Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia.  Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance.

 

If there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:

·           Get into a warm room as soon as possible.

·           Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes-this increases the damage.

·           Immerse the affected area in warm-not hot-water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).

·           Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.

·           Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.

·           Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care.  Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider.  It is a good idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) course to prepare for cold-weather health problems.  Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions.  By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.