First aid for Frostbite

When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are your hands, feet, nose and ears.

You can identify frostbite by the hard, pale and cold quality of skin that has been exposed to the cold. As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful.

If your fingers, ears or other areas suffer frostbite:

* Get out of the cold.

* Warm your hands by tucking them under your arms. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands.

* Don't rub the affected area. Never rub snow on frostbitten skin.

* If there's any chance of refreezing, don't thaw out the affected areas. If they're already thawed out, wrap them up so they don't refreeze.

* Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm — not hot — water. You can warm other frostbitten areas, such as your nose, cheeks or ears, by covering them with your warm hands or by applying warm cloths.

The Disclaimer:

This information was collected and confirmed by Sinoaid First Aid and CPR Training instructor in Shanghai. It’s not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, emergency treatment or formal first aid training. Do not use this information to diagnose or develop a treatment plan for a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified health care provider. Please seek medical assistance immediately by call 120 to get help from Shanghai Medical Emergency Center at anytime if you are in emergency medical situation.