First Aid

 
Hypothermia and Frostbite

Important!
bulletCall 911 or your emergency number.
bulletIf the victim has symptoms of both hypothermia and frostbite, treat for hypothermia first.

 

Hypothermia Symptoms
bulletShivering
bulletUncoordinated movements
bulletDrowsiness, weakness
bulletUnconsciousness
bulletCardiac arrest

 

Frostbite Symptoms
bulletNumb, cold skin
bulletPink skin that becomes pale, and then later becomes blackened or hard and frozen
bulletBlisters

 

First Aid for Hypothermia

CAUTION: Do you suspect a head, neck or back injury?
  1. Check the victim's ABCs. If the victim is not breathing or does not have a pulse or heartbeat, begin CPR. CAUTION: Hypothermic victims often have very slow and weak pulses. Take a little extra time and care to check for the pulse.
  2. Gently take or lead the victim to shelter. Change the victim into dry clothing.
  3. If medical help is unavailable, slowly re-warm the victim. Cover the head and neck. Use your own body heat to warm the victim, or wrap the victim in blankets or aluminum foil. Place warm compresses on the neck, chest and groin. If the victim is conscious and can swallow, give warm, sweetened, nonalcoholic beverages to sip. CAUTION: Do not use any form of direct heat, such as an electric blanket, to warm the victim.

 

First Aid for Frostbite

CAUTION: If there is any chance of the skin refreezing, do not thaw it. Move the victim out of the cold and wait for emergency help.
  1. Move the victim to a nearby shelter. Remove any tight clothing or jewelry.
  2. If you can keep the frostbitten skin warm and help will not arrive soon, slowly thaw the skin. Place frostbitten hands or feet in a bowl of warm, not hot, water for at least 30 minutes. Gently stir the water, and add warm water as it cools. Or soak a cotton cloth in warm water; re-soak the cloth to keep it warm. If water is not available, use your own skin, blankets or newspaper to warm the skin. CAUTION: Frostbitten skin may be permanently damaged if warmed too quickly; do not use direct heat, such as an electric blanket. Do not massage the skin.
  3. Dry the thawed skin, and keep it warm. Once the damaged skin is soft and sensation returns, place a clean, dry cloth over the skin. Place clean, dry cloths between frostbitten toes and fingers. Wrap the skin with dry cloths in order to keep it warm.
  4. Do not let the victim smoke or drink alcohol while you wait for medical help.

 

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