Frostbite and Hypothermia

Tips for Prevention

• Pay attention to weather forecasts.
• Dress in several layers of loose warm clothing.
• Wear hats that fully cover the ears, warm boots, & mittens.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid alcohol & caffeine.
• Avoid or limit outdoor activities when the temperature nears or dips below 5°F (-15°C). (CDC 2013).
• Take frequent breaks indoors from the cold.

What is Frostbite/Hypothermia

• Frostbite is freezing of exposed body parts such as the fingers, toes, nose, or earlobes.
• The affected area is cold to touch, may appear cherry- red, mottled, very pale, or even white.
• The skin may have a feeling of numbness, “pins & needles,” or is very painful especially when re-warming.
• Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature cools to a life-threatening level and sometimes accompanies frostbite injury.

The Facts (CDC 2013)

• Hypothermia is a medical emergency.
• In the U.S., an average of 1,300 deaths per year is associated with cold exposure
• 67% of hypothermia-related deaths were men.
• Alcohol and drug use increases the chances of suffering a frostbite injury and/or hypothermia.
• Those who suffer from diabetes, heart conditions, as well as infants and the elderly, are at greater risk of sustaining hypothermia in cold weather.
• Signs of hypothermia include slurred speech, shivering, weakness, confusion, drowsiness and/or loss of consciousness.

Transfer to a verified Burn Center within 12 hours of exposure for a frostbitten limb offers the best chance of preserving fingers and toes.

The Fix

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible!
• Don’t ignore shivering – it’s the first sign that the body is losing heat. Get indoors!
• Remove wet clothing and wrap in warm dry clothing.
• Warm the center of the body first using blankets & warm beverages, if alert.
• If blisters form, leave them intact.