Frost Bite … from preventing to re-warming, presented by Howard J. Donner, MD, Wilderness Medicine Educator | Guide (see playlist index below/hover bottom of video for next/prev controls).
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing tissue. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas, and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin — frostbite is probably beginning to affect tissue. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
• a white or grayish-yellow skin area
• skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• numbness
Before medical attention or if medical attention is not available or refused …
Get into a warm room immediately
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes — walking can increase the damage.
• Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned because of lack of local detection of heat.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
PLAYLIST INDEX FROM VIDEO SEQUENCE (top of page)
View count as of Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. CST.
Preventing Frostbite
by MedWild 4,211 views
Dr. Donner explains many of the predisposing factors to frostbite.
Warming hands in the wilderness
by MedWild 918 views
Dr. Donner demonstrates his favorite technique for warming extremities in the wilderness.
Recognizing Frostbite
by MedWild 667 views
Dr. Howard Donner explains how to recognize frostbite in the wilderness.
Important Frostbite Considerations
by MedWild 327 views
Dr. Howard Donner discusses key considerations prior to treating frostbite in the wilderness.
Rewarming a Frostbitten Extremity
by MedWild 348 views
Dr. Howard Donner explains rewarming techniques for extremities with frostbite.
Treatment of Frostbite: Post-Warming
by MedWild 448 views
Explanation of post-warming treatment of frostbite.
Frostbite: When To Turn Around?
by MedWild 297 views
Dr. Donner addresses a crucial question for trekkers, climbers, and guides in cold environments.
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