Most of us know what to do in the event of burns, but the knowledge of first aid in the event of frostbite seems to have been forgotten. This is largely due to the fact that cars have been exceptionally kind to us in recent years, but we cannot count on this always being the case.

Frostbite is the result of skin damage caused by exposure to low temperatures. The severity and extent of this damage depend on the ambient temperature and the time the skin has been exposed to cooling. Additionally, wind and high air humidity have an impact on the severity of the effects of frostbite. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can lead to changes in blood vessels, which in turn increases the risk of serious frostbite, which can lead to excessive cooling of the body and, consequently, death.

The nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes are most susceptible to frostbite. The severity of frostbite is graded in degrees, similar to burns.

First degree frostbite is characterized by temporary disturbances in blood circulation in the skin, pain, often severe, pale or blue-red skin, swelling, burning and itching of the skin. The second degree of frostbite involves blisters containing serous fluid appearing on the skin, the third degree – superficial skin necrosis, and the fourth degree – deep necrosis, which affects, for example, the fingers, ears or nose. In such a case, spontaneous amputation of the frostbitten body part may occur.

Frostbite of specific parts of the body usually results in general cooling of the body. Therefore, when rescuing the injured person, it is necessary to move him to a warm room, remembering to avoid too hot an environment. Immediately remove damp and cold clothing from the injured person and remove any jewelry from the fingers. If your fingers are frostbitten, it is recommended to immerse them in lukewarm water, initially at 30°C, and then gradually raise it to 36°C.

In the case of frostbitten cheeks, nose or ears, it is recommended to apply warm (but not hot) and clean dressings. If blisters, blue-red or pale spots are visible on the skin, the use of dry and clean dressings, preferably made of sterile gauze, is advisable. Due to the general cooling of the injured person’s body, he or she should be given warm (not hot) drinks.

After warming the frostbitten parts of the body, it is recommended to place them slightly higher and cover them. If the victim is conscious and well and a heated car is available, he or she can be transported to a doctor. Otherwise, call an ambulance immediately.

In each case of frostbite, the victim’s condition should be assessed by a doctor. In case of frostbite above the second degree, it is recommended to administer anti-tetanus serum to the injured person. It is important to avoid popping blisters, massaging or rubbing anything on areas of skin affected by frostbite. In addition, avoid rapid heating of frostbitten parts of the body, as the skin in these areas is extremely delicate.

Source: CIOP and PIB materials

Source:https://www.seka.pl/piersza-pomoc-odmrozenia/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.