Cold Exposure and Frost Bite

Cold exposure occurs when a person is exposed to abnormally low temperatures and wind. Symptoms include shivering, numbness, low body temperature, drowsiness and muscular weakness. First aid may include artificial respiration in addition to finding a warm environment, removing wet or frozen clothing, rewarming the person in blankets or placing the person in lukewarm water and giving hot liquids by mouth.

Frostbite occurs when skin tissue actually freezes. It most commonly affects the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers and toes. Frostbite can be very dangerous - even fatal. Frost-bitten skin is white or grey with slight pain, possible blistering and a feeling of intense cold and numbness. In more severe cases, mental confusion, staggering, blurry eyesight and/or shock may occur. First aid for a frostbite victim should include moving indoors, covering the frozen areas and providing the person with a warm drink. Rewarm the frozen area by quickly immersing or covering the affected area with lukewarm water (not HOT water). DO NOT rub the affected area or break the blisters. Be alert for shock. Seek medical consultation or treatment.