Cold
Related Emergencies
When
exposed to very cold temperatures, the skin
and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting
in frostbite. The areas most likely to be
affected are the hands, feet, nose, and ears.
Frostbite is distinguishable by the
hard, pale, and cold quality of the skin that
has been exposed to the cold. As the area
thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful. If
your fingers, ears, or other areas are
frostbitten, get out of the cold.
Warm your
hands by tucking them into your armpits; if
your nose, ears, or face are frostbitten, warm
the area by covering it with dry, gloved
hands. Do not rub the affected area. If
numbness remains during warming, seek professional medical care immediately.
I
f you are unable to get immediate emergency
assistance, warm severely frostbitten hands or
feet in warm--not hot--water. (The water
should be between 100 and 105 degrees
Fahrenheit).
Back
to index
DISCLAIMER:
Under no conditions responsibility is being accepted by
the authors of this site, or anyone else related to this site regarding the
consequences of use of the information distributed in this documentation in any
First Aid application.
THIS IS A TUTORIAL, HENCE A STUDY
AID, NOT A FIRST AID MANUAL.
|
