First Aid for Hypothermia and Freezing
Hypothermia and frostbite are serious conditions that can occur when a person is exposed to very low temperatures. It is vital to know how to respond correctly to these situations to avoid serious or even fatal complications.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when a person's body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F). This usually happens when someone is exposed to severe cold without adequate protection, but it can also occur in cooler temperatures if the person is wet or windy.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Fatigue or weakness
- Confusion or memory problems
- Slurred or slow speech
- Loss of consciousness
First Aid for Hypothermia
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, follow these steps:
- Call emergency immediately. Hypothermia is an emergency medical condition.
- Move the person to a warm place if possible.
- Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry, warm clothing.
- Cover the person with blankets or any other available insulating material.
- If the person is conscious, offer warm (non-alcoholic) drinks to help raise body temperature.
- Do not try to warm the person too quickly, such as by immersion in hot water. This can cause heart complications.
Freezing
Freezing occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to cold. The most commonly affected areas are the hands, feet, nose and ears.
Symptoms of Freezing
- Pale, gray, or bluish skin
- Pain or tingling in the affected area
- Pain that disappears as the condition worsens
- Affected area feeling hard or waxy
- Fluid- or blood-filled blisters after rewarming
First Aid for Freezing
If you suspect someone has frostbite, follow these steps:
- Call emergency immediately. Frostbite is an emergency medical condition.
- Do not try to heat the affected area if you think it may freeze again before getting medical help. This can cause further tissue damage.
- If possible, move the person to a warm, dry place.
- Remove any wet or tight clothing that may restrict circulation to the affected area.
- Do not rub or massage the affected area as this may cause further tissue damage.
- If medical help is delayed, you can try to rewarm the affected area by immersing it in warm (not hot) water for 15 to 30 minutes. The water should feel comfortable to the touch on unaffected areas of the body.
It is important to remember that both hypothermia and frostbite are serious medical conditions that require immediate medical attention. The best way to prevent these conditions is to dress appropriately for cold weather, avoid prolonged exposure to the cold, and stay dry.
