1. Chapter 15 Cold Related Emergencies
First Aid
Chapter 15
Cold Related Emergencies

2. Frost nip Freezing limited to skin surface
Freezing of water on skin surface

3. Frost nip Skin red and swollen No further damage after re-warming
First sigh of impeding frost bite

4. Frost nip Gently warm by placing against a warm body part.
Can blow warm air on
Do not rub

5. Frost Bite
Freezing extending deeper into skin and flesh

6. Frost Bite Occurs when temp drops below freezing
Mainly effects feet, hands, ears, nose

7. Frost Bite
Severe consequences are gangrene and amputation

8. Frost Bite
Cannot judge extent of injury until after thawing occurs

9. Frost Bite
Can be classified as:
Superficial
Deep

10. Frost Bite Superficial Skin color white, waxy, or grayish yellow
Feels cold & numb
Tingling, stinging or aching sensation
Skin surface feels stiff or crusty but underlying tissue is soft.

11. Frost Bite Deep Feels cold, hard and solid. Cold pale, waxy skin color
Painful parts suddenly stops hurting
Blisters after
thawing

12. Frost Bite: What to Do Get out of cold & into warm place
Remove any clothing or items that could impair circulation
SMA

13. Frost Bite What to Do If more than 1 hour from a medical facility:
Re-warm by placing in warm, not hot water.
Control pain with analgesics

14. Frost Bite What to Do After thawing:
Will not be able to walk if feet are effected
Place gauze btw toes or fingers
Elevate effected part

15. Frost Bite What to Do DO NOT Rub or massage
Use heating pad or hot water bottles
Consume alcohol
Smoke
Re-warm if possibility of re-freezing

16. Hypothermia
Life threatening
Body core temp falls below 95

17. Hypothermia: What to Look For
Change in mental status
Shivering
Cool abdomen
Low core body temp

18. Hypothermia: Types Mild: Core temp above 90 Shivering Slurred speech
Memory lapse
Cold hands, feet and abdomens

19. Hypothermia: Types Severe: Core temp below 90. Shivering has stopped
Muscles stiff & rigid
Skin is ice cold
Pulse and breathing slow down
Pupils dilate
Appears dead

20. Hypothermia: What to Do
Stop further heat loss:
Get out of cold
Replace wet clothing
Insulate beneath and around victim
SMA

21. No Learning Activities 15 Frostbite
1. Rub or massage to re-warm frostbitten part. No

22. Yes Learning Activities 15 Frostbite
2. Frostbite damage becomes more severe if affected part is thawed and re-frozen.
Yes

23. Yes Learning Activities 15 Frostbite
3. It is best to re-warm a frostbitten part with warm water.
Yes

24. No Learning Activities 15 Frostbite
4. Placing frostbitten hands in another person’s armpits is the best re-warming method. No

25. Yes Learning Activities 15 Frostbite
5. When near a hospital, it is best to let medical personal thaw the frostbitten part.
Yes

26. Learning Activities 15 Get to warm place Remove constricting clothing
Scenerio: Subfreezing temps. Elderly man in stalled truck. Spilled gasoline on hands. Stranded for over 3 hours. Numb fingers. Cold feet What to do?
Get to warm place
Remove constricting clothing
SMA
Thaw with wam water if help is delayed

27. Yes Learning Activities 15 Hypothermia
1. Add insulation, (blankets) under and over victim.
Yes

28. Yes Learning Activities 15 Hypothermia
2. Replace wet clothing with dry clothing.
Yes

29. Yes Learning Activities 15 Hypothermia
3. Shivering is sufficient to re-warm a mild hypothermia victim.
Yes

30. No Learning Activities 15 Hypothermia
4. For mild hypothermia, heat packs, using a rescuer's body are preferred methods for re-warming No

31. Yes Learning Activities 15 Hypothermia
5. Severe hypothermia, should be transported to hospital for re-warming
Yes

32. Yes Learning Activities 15 Hypothermia
6. Check a severe hypothermia victim’s pulse for at least seconds
Yes

33. Learning Activities 15
Scenario: cold day. 80 y/o grandfather. Wrapped in blanket laying on top of bed. House very cold. He can only mumble. . What to do?
Handle gently
SMA
Add blankets under and over.