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How to Treat Severe Frostbite

Frostbite is dangerous. You can lose a finger or toe, even an arm or leg, if you don't treat it properly. Do everything in your power to prevent frostbite before it occurs (see "Prevent Frostbite"). If you suspect frostbite, assess the degree of frostbite (see "Recognize and Assess Frostbite") and treat properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Hot Water
  • Heat source
  • Thermometers
  • Ibuprofen Or Aspirin Or Tylenol
  • Antibacterial Soaps
  • Aloe Vera Ointment
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Instructions

  1. Evacuate or Rewarm?

    • 1

      Figure out if it's possible to evacuate without the affected area being used. For instance, can the person be moved without walking on a frostbitten foot?

    • 2

      Decide if you'll be able to keep the person, including the affected area, warm throughout the eventual evacuation.

    • 3

      Determine if you have all the supplies for field rewarming: the ability to heat a lot of water for a long time, a receptacle large enough to hold the affected part without allowing it to touch the sides, and a thermometer to check the water's temperature.

    • 4

      Rewarm in the field only if the above three conditions are met: no necessity to use the affected area before reaching a hospital, ability to keep the person warm during future evacuation, and adequate supplies to rewarm properly. Otherwise evacuate before rewarming.

    Rewarming

    • 5

      Administer ibuprofen to brace the frostbitten person for the inevitable pain of rewarming.

    • 6

      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.

    • 7

      Pour the heated water into the receptacle.

    • 8

      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.

    • 9

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

    • 10

      Replace the water in the receptacle once it has cooled to below 100 degrees.

    • 11

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

    • 12

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

    • 13

      Air-dry the injured area and gingerly apply aloe vera ointment. Aside from small pieces of cotton to separate fingers, do not allow the affected area to come into contact with anything.

    • 14

      Evacuate, taking extreme care not to let the affected body part refreeze.

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