Cold weather is not the only condition for frostbite. Of great importance are the accompanying conditions, such as wet and tight shoes, physical overwork, prolonged immobile position, vascular diseases, excessive intake of alcohol. Timely measures not only affect the course of further treatment, but also save lives. Therefore, first aid for frostbite is what everyone needs to know and be able to.
Characteristics of frostbite
Frostbite leads to changes in tissues, the nature of which depends on the temperature and duration of exposure to cold. At temperatures from minus 10 to minus 20 , the duration of stay in the cold, during which the narrowing of small blood vessels and the slowdown of blood circulation occurs, is of primary importance. At temperatures from minus 30 ° C, the main thing is that the cold acts directly on the tissue, causing their death.
In order for first aid for frostbite to be effective, it is necessary to distinguish between the degrees of exposure to cold. 1st degree frostbite (mild) is characterized by pale skin reddening after warming. The affected area swells, a person feels a burning sensation, skin itching and pain. With frostbite of the 2nd degree, the same symptoms are present, but more pronounced. The most characteristic sign is the formation of fluid bubbles on the first day. When frostbite of the 3rd degree occurs, the death of the affected tissues and the filling of the blisters with bloody fluid. Frostbite of the 4th degree leads to the necrosis of all layers of soft tissue, often touching the bones.
First aid
First aid for frostbite of the 1st degree differs significantly from the other three. The first thing that is recommended to be done is to deliver the victim to a nearby heated room, remove gloves, shoes and socks from him. To relieve vasospasm, you need to give 2 tablets "Drotaverina" or "No-shpa", "Spazgan". As an anesthetic, Aspirin or Analgin preparations are suitable. The victim must be drunk with hot drink and fed. It is recommended that warm hands lightly rub the affected areas, while warming them with breath. Then warming woolen dressings are applied to these places.
First aid for frostbite of 2-4 degrees provides for similar actions: a warm room, pills, hot drink and food. But it is impossible to do massage, rubbing and quick warming, as this worsens the course of frostbite. The main PMF during frostbite consists in applying a bandage of woolen fabric or a thick layer of cotton wool to the affected area. Affected limbs must be fixed with cardboard or plywood, bandaged to a bandage.
Subcooling Help
Frostbite due to prolonged exposure to cold is accompanied by general cooling of the body (body temperature drops below 34 ° C). With a mild degree, the victim develops chills, difficulty speaking, pale skin. This condition is well removed by being in the bath with a gradual warming of water.
For a moderate degree, drowsiness, depression of consciousness, cyanotic skin are characteristic. In severe cases, consciousness is absent, breathing is rare, pulse decreases to 36 beats per minute. The victim must be taken to a hospital immediately. First aid for frostbite also involves calling a doctor or emergency care.