Why is it important not to rub or massage a body part affected by frostbite? ON TEST
This may cause gangrene, which is death of the tissue-will always lead to amputation.
List 3 factors that affect the degree of injury caused by exposure to the cold:
Wind velocity, amount of humidity, and length of exposure.
Who's more susceptible to hypothermia: elderly or young individuals?
Elderly.
List 7 symptoms that can result from prolonged exposure to the cold:
Shivering, numbness, low body temperature, confusion, poor coordination, loos of consciousness and weakness or drowsiness.
List 3 first aid treatments for hypothermia:
1. Getting victim to warm area
2. Removing wet clothing
3. Slowly warming by wrapping in blankets or putting on dry clothing. AVOID rapid warming-can cause heart arrhythmias.
4. If conscious, give warm nonalcoholic, non caffeinated liquids by mouth.
What is frostbite?
Actual freezing of tissue fluids accompanied by damage to the skin and underlying tissues.
Early symptoms of frostbite: (2)
Redness and tingling
List 4 symptoms of frostbite that has progressed:
Numbness, pale, glossy skin that is white or grayish yellow in color; skin that is cold to the touch; and sometimes, pain that gradually subsides until the victim does not feel any pain.
List 3 symptoms of extremely progressed frostbite:
Confusion, lethargy, and being incoherent. Shock my develop followed by unconsciousness and death.
Name 5 common sites for frostbite:
Fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, and nose.
What is treatment for frostbite directed at?
Maintaining respirations, treating for shock, warming affected body parts, and preventing further injury.
What temp. water should be used to warm a body part injured by frostbite? ON TEST
100F-104F
How should you treat blisters that form on frost-damaged skin?
Avoid opening or breaking them because it will create an open wound.
What 3 things should not be used to warm frostbite, and should you allow victims with frostbite on legs, feet, or toes to stand?
Heat lamps, hot water about 104F, or heat from an oven or stove, and NO.
Why do you place sterile gauze between fingers or toes that have been injured by frostbite?
They prevent them from rubbing and causing further injury.