Safety Tip: What to Know About Frostbite
January has brought record-breaking cold and snow to many areas of the country. The National Safety Council provides these suggestions for surviving in cold weather:
Frostbite: What to Look For:
– Superficial frostbite is characterized by white, waxy or grayish-yellow patches on the affected areas. The skin feels cold and numb. The skin surface feels stiff and underlying tissue feels soft when depressed.
– Deep frostbite is characterized by waxy and pale skin. The affected parts feel cold, hard, and solid and cannot be depressed. Large blisters may appear after rewarming.
What to Do:
– Get the victim out of the cold and to a warm place immediately.
– Remove any constrictive clothing items and jewelry that could impair circulation.
– If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.
– Place dry, sterile gauze between toes and fingers to absorb moisture and to keep them from sticking together.
– Slightly elevate the affected part to reduce pain and swelling.
– If you are more than one hour from a medical facility and only if refreezing can be prevented, rewarm frostbite by immersing the area in lukewarm, not hot water (100 to 105 F). If you do not have a thermometer, test the water first to see if it is warm. Rewarming usually takes 20 to 45 minutes or until tissues soften.
What Not to Do:
– Do not use water hotter than 105 F.
– Do not use water colder than 100 F since it will not thaw frostbite quickly enough.
– Do not rub or massage the frostbite area.
– Do not rub with ice or snow.
– Do not apply a heat source to frostbitten skin.
First Aid Sign
There’s nothing like clear labeling to express information, and when an emergency pops up, you’ll be glad to have it. Marking the locations of fire extinguishers and first aid kits with clear, adequate signage can make all the difference in such times of peril.