Frostbites

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# What first aid is appropriate for frostbite or immersion foot? (cont.) ## What are the signs of hypothermia? (cont.) - Shivering - Increased blood pressure - Poor judgement and behaviour changes - Difficulty forming or pronouncing words - Loss of coordination - Fatigue Moderate hypothermia - Weak and intermittent shivering, or shivering that later stops - Dilated pupils - Unconsciousness - Irregular heartbeat ## Severe hypothermia - Shivering has stopped - Unresponsiveness; breathing has slowed down or stopped - Loss of reflexes - No response to pain - Dilated pupils - Blue skin ## What first aid is appropriate for hypothermia? Hypothermia is a medical emergency. At the first sign, find medical help immediately. The survival of the victim depends on the co-worker's ability to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia. The victim is generally not able to notice his or her own condition. First aid for hypothermia includes the following : - Seek medical help immediately. Hypothermia is a medical emergency. - Move the person out of the cold, and/or insulate the person (e.g., by applying a hypothermia wrap or layers of dry blankets or coats). - Check for ABC - Airway, breathing, and circulation. - Handle the person gently. Do not massage or rub the skin. Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid CCOHS

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# What first aid is appropriate for frostbite or immersion foot? First aid for frostbite, as well as immersion or trench foot, includes: - Never ignore numbness. If the area feels numb or tingly, take steps to warm the area immediately. (e.g., put hands under armpits, or pull arms into the inside of a jacket for more direct contact with the body) - If possible, move the victim to a warm area. - Remove wet clothing, and gently loosen or remove constricting clothing or jewellery that may restrict circulation. - Warm the person by wrapping them in blankets or by putting them in dry clothing. Cover the head and neck. Warm the person slowly. Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin. - Loosely cover the affected area with a sterile dressing. Place some gauze between fingers and toes to absorb moisture and prevent them from sticking together. - If the person is alert, give them warm liquids to drink to rehydrate. - Check for signs of hypothermia and seek medical attention. If necessary, quickly transport the victim to an emergency care facility. - Treat the person gently and monitor breathing - DO NOT attempt to rewarm a frostbitten area on site (but do try to stop the area from becoming any colder). Without the proper medical care, the tissue that has been warmed may refreeze and cause more damage. - DO NOT thaw the area if it may freeze again. - DO NOT rub the area or apply snow. - DO NOT allow the victim to drink alcohol or smoke. ## What are the signs of hypothermia? The levels of cold stress and hypothermia include: Cold stress (not hypothermic) - Shivering - Normal mental status - Able to care for self Mild hypothermia Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid CCOHS

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# What first aid is appropriate for frostbite or immersion foot? (cont.) ## What first aid is appropriate for hypothermia? (cont.) - Allow them to lay down. No standing or walking. - Warm by carefully applying warm water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets to the upper body (such as the armpits, chest, groin and upper back). Wrap items in towels or clothing if available. Body heat from another person can also help in an emergency. - DO NOT massage or rub the skin. - DO NOT rewarm the person too quickly (e.g., do not use a heating lamp or stove, or soak in a hot bath/shower). - Give food or warm drinks (caffeine-free, non-alcoholic) ONLY if the individual has mild hypothermia (e.g., when the person is conscious and responsive). - Perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if the victim stops breathing. Continue providing CPR until medical aid is available. The body slows when it is very cold and in some cases, hypothermia victims that have appeared "dead" have been successfully resuscitated. ## What is meant by a hypothermia wrap? Supplies to make a hypothermia wrap include: - a tarp or plastic sheet to act as a vapour barrier - an insulated ground pad - a hooded sleeping bag (or equivalent) to act as the insulation wrap - another plastic or foil sheet (2x3 metres) to act as a vapour barrier inside the sleeping bag - source of heat (e.g., warm water in a bottle or hydration bladder, chemical heating pads) When the person has dry or damp clothing, leave the clothing on. When the person has very wet clothing: - wrap the person immediately if shelter and transport are less than 30 minutes away - if shelter and transport are more than 30 minutes away, protect the person from the environment, remove wet clothing, and apply wrap To apply a hypothermia wrap: 1. Place an insulation pad (or pads) between the person and the ground. 2. Apply as much insulation as possible. Add extra clothing and wrap the person in blankets or sleeping bags…

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# Cold Environments - Health Effects and First Aid (cont.) ## What are examples of cold-related injuries and illnesses? (cont.) Frostnip is the mildest form of a freezing cold injury. It occurs when ears, noses, cheeks, fingers, or toes are exposed to the cold and the top layers of the skin freeze. The skin of the affected area turns paler than the area around it and you may feel pain or stinging, followed by numbness. The skin may also appear shiny and rosy, as well as hardened. The top layer of skin may feel hard but the deeper tissue still feels normal (soft). It is a warning that frostbite is beginning. Frostnip can be prevented by wearing warm clothing and footwear. Frostbite is a common injury caused by exposure to cold or by contact with cold objects (especially those made of conductive metal or stone) and happens when tissue temperature is below 0°C (32°F). It may also occur in normal temperatures from contact with cooled liquids such as oil, fuel, or antifreeze. The skin may look waxy and feel colder than the area around it. It may also be harder to the touch. Blood vessels may be severely and permanently damaged, and blood circulation may stop in the affected tissue. The first symptom is usually numbness in the affected body part. In mild cases, additional symptoms include inflammation of the skin in patches accompanied by pain. In severe cases, there could be tissue damage without pain, or there could be burning or prickling sensations resulting in blisters. Frostbitten skin is highly susceptible to infection, and gangrene (local death of soft tissues due to loss of blood supply) may develop. Hypothermia - In moderately cold environments, the body's core temperature does not usually fall more than 1°C to 2°C below the normal 37°C (98.6°F) because of the body's ability to adapt. However, when a person is exposed to very cold temperatures for long periods of time without adequate clothing, the body is unable to compensate for the heat loss and the body'…