Quick Action is Necessary when Treating Frostbite or Hypothermia
The more common injury caused by the cold is frostbite. When a person has frostbite their affected skin becomes white, waxy or grayish-yellow. Frostbite victims often note that their skin feels cold and numb.
The first step in treating frostbite is to bring the victim inside into a warmer temperature. Next, remove any tightly fitting clothing which may impede the normal flow of blood near the frostbitten area.
If possible, prepare to bring the victim to a hospital or doctor for treatment. Before departing, use dry gauze or other clean material and place them between frostbitten fingers or toes to absorb moisture and prevent them from sticking together.
Also, by slightly elevating the frostbitten area you will help to reduce the pain and swelling which accompanies frostbite.
If you are more than one hour from medical treatment, place the frostbitten area into warm water. You must first test the water, as you would when bathing an infant, to make sure the water is warm, not hot. Often, it takes twenty to forty minutes to warm frostbitten tissue and as the skin warms it will become softer.
More serious frostbite occurs when the skin not only looks waxy and pale but also develops blisters. Again, immediately move the victim indoors and quickly seek the assistance of the closest doctor or hospital emergency room.
Hypothermia, unlike frostbite, is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees F following prolonged exposure to the cold.
Observable symptoms may include a change in the victim’s mental status, uncontrollable shivering, rigid muscles and dark and puffy skin. More dangerous symptoms of hypothermia also include an irregular heart and respiratory rates.
As with frostbite, get the victim of hypothermia out of the cold. Remove all wet clothing from the victim and wrap him in anything which will retain heat. Blankets, pillows, towels or newspaper are suitable for this. Make sure to cover the victim’s head to help retain warmth.
As a victim of hypothermia is vulnerable to cardiac arrest, he or she must be handled very gently and kept in a horizontal position. If necessary, be prepared to perform CPR.
The winter season brings much beauty as well as its own dangers. Remaining calm, knowing what to do and acting quickly are the best ways to help a victim of frostbite or hypothermia.
