Cold Injury First Aid

What to do for cold injury

If you notice any symptoms of frostbite:

• Get to a hospital as soon as you can!

• Protect the affected area from further injury by wrapping it in dry clothing, blankets, towels, or newspaper.

If you can't get to a hospital soon, or if symptoms are very mild, begin to rewarm the affected area. This can be done in two ways:

• Warm water. Place the affected part in warm water at 98° to 102°F (37° to 39°C). Use water that feels warm but comfortable on unaffected skin.

• Body heat. Hold the affected part under an armpit or in a warm hand.

To prevent making the injury worse:

• Don't rewarm the affected part if there's a chance of it refreezing before getting to a hospital. Refreezing leads to greater damage.

• Don't rub the affected part with hands, snow, or anything else. Friction increases damage to the tissues.

• Don't use a stove, radiator, open fire, or heating pad. The skin can easily burn.

• Don't smoke or drink alcohol. These affect blood vessels and circulation to the damaged area.

• Move to a warm environment. Splint or pad the affected area to minimize injury during the move.

• Don't walk on frostbitten feet. This can increase the damage.

As soon as possible, go to a hospital to be checked. Frostbite often causes dead areas of skin and tissue that may need surgery for removal and to prevent infection.

Preventing cold injury

To prevent tissue damage from the cold:

• Wear enough layers to keep you warm. Cover exposed body parts to protect them from cold weather.

• Eat enough food when you are out in the cold. Getting enough nutrition is important to help your body produce heat.

• Don't drink alcohol. Don't smoke. Either of these can make the skin more sensitive to cold.

• Don't get wet.

• Carry emergency supplies when you are out in the elements.

• If you use an ice pack for other reasons, wrap it in a thin towel so that the pack is not directly touching the skin. Use the ice pack no more than 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours.