What to do if someone suffers frostbite?

If someone suffers frostbite, you need to act quickly but carefully to prevent permanent tissue damage:

1. Move to safety

• Take the person indoors or to a warmer place as soon as possible.

• Protect them from wind and further cold exposure.

2. Remove wet or tight clothing

• Gently remove gloves, boots, and any wet or tight clothing that can restrict blood flow.

• Replace with warm, dry coverings (blankets, hats, mittens).

3. Rewarm the affected area gradually

• Use warm (not hot) water, ideally around 37–39°C (98–102°F), to soak the affected skin for 15–30 minutes.

• If water is not available, use body heat (e.g., placing frostbitten fingers in armpits).

• Do not use direct dry heat (fires, stoves, heating pads) as numb skin can burn easily.

4. Protect from further injury

• Avoid rubbing or massaging the frostbitten area, as this can worsen tissue damage.

• Keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling.

• If toes or fingers are frostbitten, place clean gauze between them to prevent sticking.

5. Pain management

• Rewarming can be very painful; over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) may be used if available and appropriate.

6. Hydration and warmth

• Encourage the person to drink warm fluids (not alcohol or caffeine).

• Wrap them in blankets to maintain body warmth.

7. Seek medical help immediately

• Frostbite is a medical emergency. Severe cases can lead to blisters, tissue death, or even amputation.

• Transport to a hospital as soon as possible, especially if large areas, deep tissues, or the face are involved.

Important:

• If there is a chance the affected area will refreeze before reaching help, do not rewarm it. Refreezing causes far more severe tissue injury.