Biology behind
What happens to the water inside a skin cell when it reaches freezing temperatures?
It forms ice crystals that pierce the cell membrane
This mildest form of cold injury causes redness and tingling but no permanent damage.
Frostnip
Why should you never rub a frozen hand with snow?
It causes mechanical damage
Which fruit is the only one to have its seeds on the outside?
Strawberry
What is the term for blood vessels shrinking to keep warm blood near the heart?
Vasoconstriction
If a patient has clear, fluid-filled blisters, what degree of frostbite do they likely have?
Superficial
What is the "Thaw-Refreeze Rule"?
Do not rewarm a limb if there is a risk it might freeze again
How many bones does an adult human have?
206
Why does skin often turn red during "frostnip" before it turns white?
The body is sending a final "flush" of warm blood to the area to prevent freezing (vasodilation) before it eventually shuts down flow
Dark, blood-filled blisters (hemorrhagic blisters) indicate which level of tissue damage?
Deep
What is the ideal temperature range for a rewarming water bath?
37C to 39C
Which metal is the only one that is liquid at room temperature?
Mercury
What is repulsion injury?
Damage caused when blood flow returns to thawed tissue, releasing inflammatory chemicals and causing swelling.
What is the medical term for the black, "mummified" tissue seen in 4th-degree frostbite?
Dry Gangrene.
In a rescue situation, why does a patient's shivering take priority over their frozen toes?
Because they could have hypothermia and must prioritize saving the life before the limb
Seals have a thick layer of vascularized fat that can make up to 50% of their body mass. What is the medical/biological name for this layer that prevents frostbite and hypothermia?
Blubbler