Module
Hypothermia & Frostbite
Hypothermia stages
- MILD (32–35 °C): shivering, pallor, fatigue, cold skin
- MODERATE (28–32 °C): shivering FADES, confusion, drowsiness, slow pulse and breathing, cyanosis
- SEVERE (<28 °C): barely detectable breathing/pulse, unconscious, hard cold skin, arrhythmia risk
Important sign
When the protective shivering STOPS, treat as serious. Move them as little as possible — rough handling can trigger fatal arrhythmias.
Hypothermia first aid
- VODDO
- Call 112 if needed
- Move into shelter or insulate from the ground
- Replace WET clothes with dry; cover head
- If conscious and able to swallow — sweet warm drinks
- Unresponsive: open airway, check breathing UP TO 1 MINUTE
- CPR same as for non-hypothermic
- SAMPLE, continuous monitoring
Frostbite grades
- 1st degree (superficial): pale, tingling, numb, cold — usually no permanent damage
- 2nd degree: deeper, clear blisters, swelling — usually heals if treated promptly
- 3rd degree (deep): waxy white/blue/purple, blood blisters, possible lasting damage and scarring
- 4th degree: black, dead tissue extending into muscles, tendons, bone — often requires amputation
Frostbite first aid
- VODDO — same general approach as hypothermia
- Cover sterile, bandage — frostbite IS a wound
- DO NOT pop blisters
- DO NOT rub with snow
- DO NOT use dry heat (radiator, fire)
- Send to hospital
Chronic chilblains
Long exposure to cold and damp — pale, numb, waxy skin, especially fingers, toes, ears, face. Sometimes loss of cold sensation entirely.