How to Treat Frostbite

Frostbite is a serious medical condition which always requires medical intervention. Frostbite is a medical emergency. Frostbite occurs from prolonged exposure to cold conditions. Frostbite is literally frozen tissue on the body.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. 
    

   When dealing with frostbite call 911 or go to the Emergency Room.

2. 
    

   Get inside or bring the frostbite victim inside a house or other shelter.

3. 
    

   If frostbite is suspected remove clothes and jewelry from the area that is affected.

4. 
    

   Do not rub the skin or try to warm the area quickly. By rubbing or quickly warming frostbitten skin you can damage the skin and tissue further.

5. 
    

   To warm the frostbitten area use your skin to warn the other person’s skin. For example if a person’s hand is affected, have them put their hand on a warm area of your body such as your stomach, back, arm pit or other warm area.

6. 
    

   Make sure to keep whatever part of your body or the victim’s body part above his or her heart.

7. 
    

   When dealing with frostbite soak the affected area in luke warm water to slowly warm the affected area. Be careful with this remedy because you don’t want the skin to refreeze or the water to freeze on the skin. After the affected area has been submerged in water it has a greater chance of freezing and causing further harm. This is not the best method, use with care.

[cajunc]

on 8/6/2009 Interesting information on frostbite treatment. Thanks! Linda cajunC

[sullysee]

on 7/27/2009 I like step 5 on treating frostbite.

[jenng]

on 7/26/2009 Great article on How to Treat Frostbite 5*

[rockymtngrma]

on 7/22/2009 Excellent information. Thank you!

[2besure]

on 7/20/2009 Thanks for this important information.