During the one of the coldest winters to date, it's important to stay safe from the dangers of winter weather. Learn about the effects of frostbite, signs and symptoms, prevention, treatment and general frostbite safety. http://blog.pdcm.com/frostbite-safety/

1. Cold Weather and
Frostbite Safety Tips
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2. This winter is record breaking in terms of
dropping temperatures.
The cold weather isn’t simply annoying, it can also
be downright deadly. Exposing yourself to dropping
temperatures, wind or moisture can lead to
frostbite which can cause serious and permanent
damage.
Follow these tips to help prevent frostbite,
recognize signs and symptoms, and what you
should do if you think you might have frostbite.
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3. The Effects of Frostbite
Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue and comes in three
stages:
• Frostnip (1st stage) – Will irritate skin but permanent
damage is unlikely.
• Superficial frostbite (2nd stage) - Penetrates the
dermis, or the second layer of skin, and causes fluidfilled blisters to appear.
• Deep frostbite (3rd stage) - The most serious stage,
during deep frostbite, the skin and tissues begin to
harden and blacken as it dies. Additionally, muscles and
joints can lose all function, and have led to
amputations in severe cases of frostbite.
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4. How to Prevent Frostbite?
• Minimize skin exposure by wearing proper
protective clothing
• Wear hats and ski masks to keep ears and
nose covered
• Stay dry! Make sure your outerwear is dry and
wear waterproof shoes or
• Seek shelter from sudden winter storm
encounters or severe temperature drop
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5. Know the Signs and Symptoms
of Frostbite
Check your skin for any of the following on
potentially affected areas:
• White, gray or yellow waxy patches on areas
that feel especially cold, hard or numb
• Areas of skin that feel especially cold, hard, or
numb
• Check your hands and feet. These are
common areas for frostbite to occur, so be
especially mindful of these areas
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6. What to Do If You Suspect
You Have Frostbite
• Go indoors and seek medical attention as quickly
as possible
• Remove any jewelry or clothing that could be
restricting blood flow to affected areas
• Avoid rubbing skin – the friction tears affected
skin and tissue, increasing chance of infection
• Keep toes and fingers from sticking together with
sterile gauze
• Warm affected areas with warm water at 100 –
105 degrees Fahrenheit until the skin is softened
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7. Want to Know More About
Frostbite Safety?
REMEMBER:
During bouts of severe cold, don’t go outside unless absolutely
necessary or at the very least, limit your exposure.
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