Exposure and warning signs
What is frostbite?
Tissue damage because of cold weather
Why is it important to warm the frostbitten area with WARM and not HOT water?
Frost bite makes the area numb so you can accidentally burn your skin.
Warm water ensures that the injury can slowly warm up so you do not damage your skin more
What should you do at the first signs of redness, pain, or tingling on skin exposed to cold weather.
Get out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning. Where possible get to a warm location and keep the impacted skin warm.
True or False: Wind chill increases chances of frostbite if the weather is cold
True, cold air is blown around and the cold can feel even worse. Also, the wind and dry weather can have a damaging effect on tissues and make wounds worse.
The temperature that frostbite can start to occur at
zero degrees celsius
What should you do if you notice blisters forming on the affected area?
This is a sign of moderate frostbite and you need medical attention
DO NOT pop the blisters as this can damage the wound further. Find staff to contact EMS or medical services.
The Indigenous Support Services are available 7 days a week to support in hospital.
What is a better clothing option for preventing frostbite:
Tight clothing or loose clothing?
Loose clothing, because it traps pockets of warm air under your clothing and you stay warmer for longer
How can not eating contribute to getting frostbite
Fat around our stomachs and thighs provide insulation and help keep us warm. The body is using up the fat around tissues in order to stay alive if we are not eating.
What body parts are most likely to be exposed to frostbite?
Feet, hands, ears, lips, nose. Make sure that these body parts are covered up.
The body is directing blood and heat away from areas far away from major organs, because major organs like our heart, liver, lungs take priority when our bodies are trying to warm us up
What should you expect when your skin begins to thaw?
You'll feel tingling and burning as the skin warms and normal blood flow returns.
If your fingers are starting to look red and feel painful and you cannot immediately go inside, where on your body should you place your fingers to keep them warm?
in your armpits, in your crotch
Why does an altered mental state or actively using substances increase your chance of getting frotsbite?
The frontal lobe of our brain which is responsible for decision making is altered or not functioning in a normal state under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
It could also prevent your ability to feel painful or tingling sensations on your body
Ensure that you stay with a friend or group when using substances and find shelter immediately after you are finished using to prevent frostbite.
What is frostnip?
The earliest stage of frostbite, most likely no permanent damage to the skin
Why should you not go back inside after a frostbite injury starts to warm up?
Refreezing an injury can make the wound worse and prevent proper healing
If you need to go outside during cold weather, what is something you can do to prevent frostbite
Layer up if possible (not in tight clothing), and limit going outside to small periods of time.
Why should you replace your wet clothing with dry clothing after exposure to cold weather?
To prevent loss of body heat - wet clothing is not effective at keeping warm. Change into dry clothing as soon as you possibly can.
Signs and symptoms of frostnip
Red and cold skin
Skin may start to turn white, but is still soft
Prickling and numbness
Tingling and stinging
Signs of severe frostbite damage
Inability to feel injured area, blackened skin.
This is a sign of dead tissue. Seek emergency services immediately.
Why should you drink warm liquids to prevent frostbite
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate or soup can help warm you from the inside.
What risk factors for frostbite can you think of?
Cold weather and high altitudes, physical disabilities, lack of or inability to access shelter, older age, being in the cold for a long time