Frostbites
Tereza Prokopová
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Learning objectives
̶ Student will learn the degrees of frostbite.
̶ Student will learn the basics of FA for frostbite.
̶ Student will learn the possibilities of frostbite.
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Definition + characteristics
̶ Local damage of skin or deeper structures
̶ From cold, wind, dampness
̶ Most often the extremities – ears, nose, limbs
̶ First signs: cold, stabbing feeling, pain, redness
̶ Before rewarming: pale, cold, decrease sensitivity
̶ The degree is clear after couple of days
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The degrees
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Therapy
̶ Transport to warm place, thermal comfort
̶ Undress wet clothes
̶ Rewarm only if there is no danger of another freezing
̶ Warm bath 37 – 38°C, ideally with antiseptic
̶ Dry carefully, wrap in sterile dressing
̶ Frostbites on legs – do not walk
̶ Seek the doctor
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What NOT to do
̶ Rub the frostbite with ice or snow
̶ Puncture the blisters
̶ Use direct heat source
̶ Uderestimate the first signs of frostbites
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Prevention
̶ Enough fluids and energy
̶ Appropriate clothes – boots, gloves,…
̶ Spare clothes – change if wet
̶ Do not smoke
̶ Sufficient acclimatization
̶ Search actively for signs of frostbites
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Learning outcomes
̶ Student is able to name and define the degrees of frostbite.
̶ Student is able to describe the principles of FA for frostbite.
̶ Student is able to discuss the possibilities of frostbite prevention.
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Thank you for your attention
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Sources
̶ https://www.theuiaa.org/mountaineering/treating-frostbite-in-the-
field/
̶ Pictures:
̶ https://www.theuiaa.org/mountaineering/mountain-skills-how-frostbite-occurs/
̶ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/frostbite/multimedia/img-20114490
Simulation Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University
2020