First Aid For
Frostbite

If you spend time in cold climates it is good to familiarize with first aid for frostbite.

Did you know that frostbite is actually a type of burn? Frostbite occurs when extreme cold, wet and/or windy weather freezes areas of the body that are poorly protected from the elements.

This page is available as a PDF download.

You will need Adobe Reader to view this file. You can get it free here.

Signs and Stages of Frostbite

• Stage One: Tingling, burning and itchy are early warning signs. Please note that because of the numbness associated with frostbite people may not be aware they have frostbite until some else points it out to them.
• Stage Two: Numbness. At this point, frostbite has begun to set it.
• Stage Three: Skin may appear pale or white and cold to the touch.
• Stage Four: The final stage, there is swelling and bleeding, and blisters may form after the skin thaws. The skin will be hard to the touch, wooden like. The skin may be black and blistered.

First Aid for Frostbite

• Bring the patient inside or remove from the cold.
• Remove wet clothing and wrap the body in blanket to reheat the body.
• Thaw frostbite limbs in warm water (104°F - 108°F). DO NOT use hot water.
• If you do not have warm water, hold the affected area against a warm body part (e.g., under an armpit) or warm by breathing out with your mouth on the area.
• Reheat the frostbite limb using water. DO NOT reheat the limb in front of a fire or heater. This can lead to burns. The skin is frozen and cannot feel when it is burning. This also tends to dry out the skin tissue.
• If they are conscious and not vomiting drink nonalcoholic, warm liquids.
• DO NOT rub snow on the frostbite limb. This can damage the tissue frostbitten skin is delicate and should be handled gently.
• Thawing a frostbitten limb can be very painful. Use ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Elevate the affected area.
• If the frostbite is on the feet, keep your feet up and do not walk around.
• DO NOT remove the affected area from the water once sensation is returning to the affected area.
• DO NOT allow the thawed limb to become frozen again. This causes further damage to the tissue.