Hypothermia
and Frostbite
Important!
 | Call 911 or your emergency number.
 | If the victim has symptoms of both hypothermia and
frostbite, treat for hypothermia first. |
|
Hypothermia
Symptoms
 | Shivering
 | Uncoordinated movements
 | Drowsiness, weakness
 | Unconsciousness
 | Cardiac arrest |
| | | |
Frostbite
Symptoms
 | Numb, cold skin
 | Pink skin that becomes pale, and then later becomes
blackened or hard and frozen
 | Blisters |
| |
First Aid for
Hypothermia
CAUTION: Do you suspect a head,
neck or back injury?
- 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.
- Gently take or lead the victim to shelter. Change
the victim into dry clothing.
- 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.
- Move the victim to a nearby shelter. Remove any
tight clothing or jewelry.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do not let the victim smoke or drink alcohol while
you wait for medical help.
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