Frostbite and Hypothermia

Frostbite and Hypothermia (prolonged and extreme exposure to cold causing freezing, injury and destruction to the tissue of exposed areas and a lowering of body temperature well below normal)

Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

Body temperature below 95 degrees with any of the following: slow, weak heart beat, shallow or no breathing, shivering, weakness or drowsiness
Cold, frozen, white and waxy looking skin
Hard, blue, icy to touch and wooden looking skin

Yes No

Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening.

treat hypothermia before treating frostbite (both frostbite and hypothermia require medical attention)

do not apply direct heat (electric blanket, fire) to the body, warming must be gradual

prevent frostbite by dressing in layers, wearing waterproof and wind tolerant outer clothing

wear a hat to keep head warm and minimize heat loss

avoid drinking alcohol or smoking when exposed to very cold temperatures

Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?

while awaiting medical care do the following:
move to shelter (note: if alone, be sure to construct a signal which can be seen)
remove wet clothing and change into dry clothes
to warm the body: cover the head and neck, apply warm blankets or get into a sleeping bag, give warm fluids to drink if conscious, apply warm compresses to the neck, chest and groin
to warm an affected area: place exposed part in warm water (105 degrees) for about 20-30 minutes, dry and wrap in warm material, elevate affected area, do not rub, massage the skin or break blisters that may develop

Yes No

Contact Your Health Care Provider.

Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:

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Call Your Health Care Provider If:

You do not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions.