Frostbite First Aid

Workers suffering from frostbite should use the following first aid guidelines:

• Seek medical attention.
• Move the affected person to a warm, dry area. Do not leave the person alone. Victims of frostbite may also be experiencing hypothermia.
• Remove any wet or tight clothing that may cut off blood flow to the affected area.
• Do not rub the affected area. Rubbing causes damage to the tissue and skin.
• Do not apply snow or water to the affected areas.
• Do not break blisters.
• Protect the frostbitten area by loosely wrapping it in a dry, sterile dressing to protect the area from contact until medical help arrives.
• Give the victim warm, sweetened drinks.

It is important not to try to re-warm the affected area with heating pads or warm water. If the affected area is re-warmed and then experiences freezing again, more tissue damage will occur. It is safer to wait for medical professionals to re-warm the affected area.

To learn more about Cold Stress Safety visit our Cold Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.