what is the proper procedure for a person with frostbite hands or feet?

Answer 1

Do everything in your power to prevent frostbite before it occurs, but if you see any possible symptoms of frostbite, treat immediately by rewarming the affected area. (If you can go to a hospital, if not)

STEP 1: Consider taking a pain reliever such as ibuprofen to brace for the inevitable pain of rewarming.

STEP 2: Gather the following supplies if possible: a camp stove with fuel, a pot in which to heat water, a receptacle large enough to hold the affected body part without allowing it to touch the sides, and a thermometer to check the water's temperature.

STEP 3: Heat the right amount of water - enough to cover the affected area once it's in the receptacle - to between 104 and 108 degrees F.

STEP 4: Pour the heated water into the receptacle.

STEP 5: Immerse the affected part - stripped of all clothing and covering - in the water, taking care that it doesn't touch the sides of the receptacle.

STEP 6: Heat more water, again to between 104 and 108 degrees F.

STEP 7: Replace the water in the receptacle once it has cooled to below 100 degrees F.

STEP 8: Repeat the heat-and-replace cycle until all discoloration has disappeared and all tissue is once again soft and pliable. This usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.

STEP 9: Prepare a bath of water mixed with antibacterial soap. Immerse the affected area for 5 minutes to minimize risk of infection.

STEP 10: Air-dry the injured area and gingerly apply aloe vera ointment.

STEP 11: Cover the injured area gently with dry sterile gauze and insulating layers.

STEP 12: Evacuate if you are outdoors, taking extreme care not to let the frostbitten body part refreeze.

Answer 2

Shelter the victim from the cold and move the victim to a warmer place. Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing. Look for signs of hypothermia (lowered body temperature) and treat accordingly. If immediate medical help is available, it is usually best to wrap the affected areas in sterile dressings (remember to separate affected fingers and toes) and transport the victim to an emergency department for further care. If immediate care is not available, re-warming first aid may be given. Immerse the affected areas in warm (never HOT) water -- or repeatedly apply warm cloths to affected ears, nose, or cheeks -- for 20 to 30 minutes. The recommended water temperature is 104 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep circulating the water to aid the warming process. Severe burning pain, swelling, and color changes may occur during warming. Warming is complete when the skin is soft and sensation returns. Apply dry, sterile dressing to the frostbitten areas. Put dressings between frostbitten fingers or toes to keep them separated. Move thawed areas as little as possible. Re-freezing of thawed extremities can cause more severe damage. Prevent re-freezing by wrapping the thawed areas and keeping the victim warm. If re-freezing cannot be guaranteed, it may be better to delay the initial re-warming process until a warm, safe location is reached. If the frostbite is extensive, give warm drinks to the victim in order to replace lost fluids. DO NOT thaw out a frostbitten area if it cannot be kept thawed. Refreezing may make tissue damage even worse. DO NOT use direct dry heat (such as a radiator, campfire, heating pad, or hair dryer) to thaw the frostbitten areas. Direct heat can burn the tissues that are already damaged. DO NOT rub or massage the affected area. DO NOT disturb blisters on frostbitten skin. DO NOT smoke or drink alcoholic beverages during recovery as both can interfere with blood circulation. Call for emergency medical help immediately if there has been severe frostbite, or if normal feeling and color do not return promptly after home treatment for mild frostbite. If frostbite has occurred recently and new symptoms develop, such as fever, malaise,( feeling unwell), discoloration, or drainage from the affected body part.
Hope this helps
matador 89

Answer 3

Get to a hospital emergency room at once! Don't mess around with this. If its severe and left untreated you could lose your feet or hands.