Dealing With Frostbite and Cold Injuries
Frostbite is a condition caused when an extremity (such as a finger or an ear) is subject to extremely cold conditions. The cells of the limb become frozen. Ice crystals form in the cells, which causes them to rupture and die.
Frostbite may also be accompanied by hypothermia, which should also be treated. Serious frostbite can result in the complete IOS5 of a limb, particularly fingers or toes.
Possible signs and symptoms of Frostbite
- Pins and needles, followed by numbness.
- Hardening and stiffening of the skin.
- Skin colour change – first white, then blue tinges, then eventually black.
- On recovery, the injury will become hot, red, blistered and very painful.
Treatment
- Gently remove rings and watches.
- Stop the freezing becoming worse if the casualty is still outdoors, place the limb under their arm or hold it with your hands.
- Don1t rub the injury, this will cause damage.
- Don’t re-warm the injury if there is a risk of it refreezing.
- ove the patient indoors before you treat them.
- Place the injury in warm water (test the temperature with your elbow as you would for a baby’s bath, not with a frozen hand!)
- An adult casualty can take two paracetamol tablets for intense pain.
- Take the casualty to hospital as soon as possible.
Trench Foot
Trench Foot is caused by prolonged exposure to wet, cold conditions. The cells do not freeze, so full recovery is usual. The symptoms and treatment are similar to frostbite.
Chilblains
The most common cold injury, caused by exposure to dry cold. Again the cells do not freeze. There may be itching, reddish-blue skin and swelling. With time, blisters may form.
Treat as frostbite.
- NEVER rub the affected area.
- NEVER use direct or dry heat to warm the injury.
- NEVER re-warm the injury if there is a danger of it refreezing.
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These lessons and information do not replace actual attendance on a first aid course, getting hands on practice with your first aid skills is the best way to ensure you are a competant and capable first aider.
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