Skin
Moist
Warm
Skin
Dry
Hot
Superficial
Hardened Skin
Skin that looks paler than the area around it
Pain or sting in the area followed by numbness
Cold Stressed-Not Hypothermic
Responsive
Movement Normal
Care for Mild Hypothermia
1. Handle Gently
2. Keep Horizantal
3. No standing/walking for at least 30 min
4. Insulate/vapour barrier
5. Apply heat to upper trunk
6. Provide high calorie food/drink
7. Monitor until improvement (at least 30 mins)
8. Call EMS/9-1-1 if no improvement
Physical Symptoms
Headache
Weakness
Exhaustion
Nausea
Vomiting
Fainting
Physical Symptoms
Seizures
Coma
Severe Headache
Deep Frostbite
Skin and underlying tissues that are hard and solid to touch.
Skin that is white, blue, black or mottled
Complete loss of feeling in the affected area
Mild Hypothermia
Responsive
Impaired Movement
Shivering
Alert
Care for Moderate Hypothermia
1. Handle Gently
2. Keep Horizontal
3. No standing/walking
4. No drink or food
5. Insulate/Vapour barrier
6. Apply heat to upper trunk
7. Call EMS/9-1-1
Mental Symptoms
Anxiety
Dizziness
Mental Symptoms
Altered Behaviour
Irritable
Aggressive
Bizzare
Frostbite Care
Remove anything that may restrict blood flow to the affected area
Thaw the area only if you are sure it will not freeze again
Use warm (not hot) water or body heat
Moderate Hypothermia
Responsive
Impaired Movement
Not Shivering
Not Alert
Care for Severe Hypothermia
1. Treat as moderate hypothermia, and
a) IF no obvious vital signs, THEN 60-seconds breathing check
b) IF no breathing, THEN start CPR
2. Call EMS/9-1-1
Breathing
Normal
Breathing
Rapid
Shallow
More Frostbite Care-2
Protect skin with loose, dry dressings. Place gauze between the fingers or toes if they are affected. Leave any blisters intact
If possible elevate any thawed extremities above the level of the heart
Severe Hypothermia
If cold and unresponsive - Assume Severe Hypothermia
Care
Remove from Heat
Loosen light clothing, remove padding from torso
Pour water on torso
Fan Skin
If person is alert provide cool drink
Care
Remove from Heat
Loosen light clothing, remove padding from torso
Do not dry skin
Immerse body in cool water
Immerse forearms in cool water
Pour water on torso
Fan skin
If person is alert provide cool drink
More Frostbite Care-3
Rehydrate the person by providing plenty of fluids
Encourage the person to seek medical attention
Care for Cold Stressed
1. Reduce Heat loss (e.g. add dry clothing)
2. Increase heat production (e.g. exercise)
3. Provide High-Calorie food or drink