Basic First Aid On The Trail: Frostbite
How To Treat & Deal With Frostbite On The Trail
Generally speaking, frostbite is a condition which is experienced in winter months. This however is not the case 100% of the time and can happen in summer months at high altitudes with pop up snow storms. Frostbite occurs when bodily tissue is frozen as a result of exposure to cold environmental temperatures. Often times frostbite strikes the extremities such as the fingers, toes, arms, face and legs but can be anywhere on the body. Depending on the severity of the frostbite, complete loss of frozen tissue and body parts is a distinct possibility.
There are several risk factors which you should be aware of when it comes to frostbite. Dehydration, diabetes, poor bodily circulation, exhaustion, smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, high altitude (reduced oxygen availability) and previous frostbite injury are all contributing risk factors.
Preventing Frostbite Before It Occurs
It is important to understand the risks of the environment you will be entering as well as the equipment you will bring with you to gauge your risk of frostbite. If you are planning to go into an area that is known to be very cold you want to make sure that you are prepared for being in colder weather than you anticipate. Carrying extra hand warmers or utilizing multiple layers will help to protect your body from the elements. Also, maintaining movement will help to facilitate blood flow.
Symptoms & Signs Of Frostbite Stages
Signs to watch out for that may lead to frostnip, superficial frostbite and deep tissue frostbite:
- Red/pale skin.
- Prickling.
- Numbness.
- Skin feels hard and waxy.
- Skin turns white and then blue or black.
- Joint and muscle stiffness.
- Blistering can occur after re-warming the affected area.
Frostnip is the first stage of frostbite and is characterized by redness or pale coloration of the skin and cold sensation. Rewarming may produce tingling and or painful feelings. It should be noted that frostnip is not a permanent condition.
Superficial frostbite is the second level and is known for producing a more red and then pale color of the skin than frostnip. As the skin becomes more cold it may feel soft while crystals form on the surface. At this point the skin may actually begin to feel warm and upon rewarming may then turn blue or black. Other signs after rewarming may include- swelling, stinging or burning. Blisters may begin to populate in the next 1-2 days after rewarming.
Deep tissue frostbite is the final condition and occurs when all of the skins layers have been affected. At this point, numbness and all loss of feeling cold are common. Complete loss of joint or muscle use along with blisters after rewarming as the tissue dies and is no longer usable or repairable. Intense shivering, slurred speech and coordination loss are signs that professional medical attention should be seeded immediately.
Treating Frostbite Before It Becomes Worse
When you begin to notice the early signs you need to get to a warm place, then remove the wet or constrictive clothing on the affected area. Next, rewarm the areas affected by using body heat. Place them in the armpits, below legs or around the stomach. It is important to keep in mind not to warm up feet if there is hiking or movement ahead. Also, do not utilize any outside heat sources which may produce extreme hot temps, burning may not be felt due to numbness and loss of sensation. Rubbing or massaging the areas are discouraged as this may make things worse. Bandage the area loosely after treating to keep it protected and remain as such until feeling returns.
In The End
Planning for more severe conditions than expected is generally a smart move. It is better to carry a little more gear than risk loosing body parts to save weight or space. Keep an eye out for signs of frostnip, superficial frostbite and deep tissue frostbite to reduce the level of damage to the body and tissue. If you begin to notice signs, take action immediately. When you suspect that things are going beyond frostnip, you need to get out of the cold conditions and seek warmth immediately along with professional medical attention.
