With winter right around the corner, it’s important to refresh your first aid knowledge for frostbite. Knowing the basics for frostbite treatment can make a real difference, potentially preventing hypothermia or the need for amputation.
Frostbite occurs when skin or other tissues become frozen when exposed to low temperatures. After experiencing a loss of sensation, tissue death can occur. Prolonged exposure to the cold heightens the risk of developing frostbite.
If you live in a colder climate, it’s crucial to know first aid for frostbite to know the symptoms and how to care for friends and family. The extremities, such as the ears, fingers, toes, and nose, are the most at risk of frostbite. Anyone can be susceptible to frostbite, even if you’ve grown up in cold climates.
We’re sharing our top tips for first aid for hypothermia and frostbite to help you prepare for the winter season.
Frostbite Signs and Symptoms
When the temperatures drop, it’s important to pay attention to your extremities, from the tip of your nose to your toes. Signs and symptoms of frostbite to look for include:
· Paleness and numbness in the affected area
· ‘Pins and needles’ sensation
· Hard and stiffened skin
· Skin changes color, usually progressing from white to blue. The skin may become black when gangrene develops due to a loss of blood supply.
First Aid for Frostbite
Immediately seek medical attention if you or someone else develops frostbite. The most important part of first aid for frostbite is to call a doctor. While you wait, move the person to a warm area and ensure the affected area is elevated to prevent swelling. Give them warm fluids to help raise their body temperature.
Most people who experience frostbite also develop hypothermia. First aid for frostbite – and medical treatment afterward – should always prioritize saving the person’s life over preserving an extremity.
Remove anything restricting blood flow, including constrictive clothing and jewelry. Apply a sterile bandage between any affected extremities and avoid trying to rewarm any area that is at risk of freeing again.
If you are bringing the person to a medical facility, avoid a gradual thaw by keeping the affected area away from any heat sources until rewarming can occur correctly. Avoid rubbing the area as the friction can result in tissue damage. It’s crucial to get the person to the hospital or a medical facility as quickly as possible to minimize tissue damage.
Medical Treatment for Frostbite
Rewarming is the priority when treating frostbite, usually with a heated water bath to completely thaw. Pain medication will be given with a focus on preventing dehydration. Preventing infection is the focus after thawing with small and clear blisters being left undisturbed, while larger blisters may be removed, and non-clear blisters being drained.
Aloe vera should be applied every 6 hours with the area kept elevated. Antibiotics and ibuprofen can help prevent infection and inflammation. Daily water treatments can also help remove any dead tissue.
Book Your First Aid Training in Pennsylvania and Georgia
At Reeves Training, you can develop your first aid training to manage most medical emergencies, from severe choking to external bleeding, broken bones, or bites until professional medical staff arrive. Explore our website to learn more about our first aid courses and our CPR training in Pennsylvania and Georgia
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