Frostbite

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Frostbite
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Frost bite

• Frostbite localized freezing of skin
• Freezing ? dehydration damage
• Similar to a mild burn repairable
• Blood clot formation ? tissue death
• Usually NOT repairable
• Possible gangrene complication

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Frostbite Symptoms

• Progressive, painful loss of feeling leading to
  numbness
• White or blue appearance of the skin
• Progressing to black or purple
• Firmness of the skin to the touch
• Progressing to hard (frozen)
• Loss of function

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Symptoms and actions

• Area pale, cool feels uncomfortable
• Dry and warm - internal and external (gentle
  heat)
• Burning sensation, (50o-60o) pale, loss of
  elasticity
• STOP! Dry and warm externally warm up
• Near 32o numbness sets in, goes from pale to
  purple or black as tissue dies.
• EVACUATE! Rewarmed in hospital
• Extremities toes, fingers, nose (cheeks and
  ears)

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Conditions that cause

• Freezing temperatures required
• Direct contact with ice/snow can cause
• Exposure of skin is direct cause
• Wind may speed up process (wind chill)

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Degrees of Frostbite
Frost Nip discomfort, pale, tingling, stings
when rewarmed 1st degree Superficial skin
injury, no blistering. Heals in 7-10 days. 2nd
degree Blistering occurs. Heals in 3-4
weeks. 3rd degree Permanent tissue loss may
occur. Hemorrhagic blistering. 4th degree
Significant permanent damage is typical
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Frost bite and Wind Chill
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Frostbite
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Frostbite
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Frostbite Treatment

• Do not expose frostbitten skin to the intense
  heat of a stove, radiator, open fire, or heating
  pad.
• If a hot beverage such as coffee or tea is
  available, offer it if the person is fully awake.
  Do not allow the person to drink alcoholic
  beverages.
• Apply dry, sterile gauze for protection.
• During travel to the hospital or indoors avoid
  refreezing of the frostbitten part.
• Treat hypothermia before treating frostbite.

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Mild Frostbite Treatment

• Outside a hospital, bring the person indoors and
  begin warming the frostbitten parts immediately
  by immersing in warm water at a temperature of
  about 105F. Rewarming may take 45 minutes to an
  hour.
• Successful rewarming leads to progressive return
  of function, color, and sensations and may result
  in blistering. Do not break the blisters. This
  process may be very painful.
• Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area with
  anything, particularly not with snow as some home
  remedies suggest. Rubbing increases the risk of
  tissue damage. Snow merely adds to the danger of
  freezing.

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Severe Frostbite Treatment

• Do not try to rewarm the affected parts. Gently
  wrap the affected parts in a blanket, dry
  clothing, or several layers of newspaper and
  transport the person to a hospital as soon as
  possible.

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Prevention is Vital!
Preparation!
Shelter!
Clothing!
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Next

• Pick up test 1 Due on Monday at start of
  class.
• Ch. 4 Humidity and Stability