Winter Storm: Frostbite

The three stages of frostbite

Frostbite happens when skin and the tissue underneath start to freeze. It usually affects fingers, toes, ears, and nose first. It often shows up in stages.

1. Frostnip (early warning)
   • This is a milder, early stage. It's still a warning sign that you're too cold. 
     • Skin may look red, purple, or lighter than your usual skin tone.
     • It can feel cold, tingly, or a bit painful. Like pins and needles.
     • Once you've warmed up, the skin usually returns to normal.
   • This is the stage where you want to act quickly: get warm and dry before it gets worse.
2. Frostnip (early warning)
   • This goes deeper than frostnip but doesn't yet involve all layers of tissue.
     • Skin can feel numb, prickly, or like pins and needles.
     • You may notice patches of pale or waxy looking skin,
     • Later, the skin might peel or blister as it warms back up.
   • This is more serious and should be checked by a health professional as soon as possible.

3. Severe (deep) frostbite

   • This is a medical emergency
     • The area may feel completely numb.
     • Skin can become hard and may turn very dark or black overtime.
     • There can be permanent damage to skin, muscles, and bones.
   • Deep frostbite needs urgent medical care. Call 911 or follow local emergency guidance.

If you're far from help: general frostbite + hypothermia steps

If medical help isn’t immediately available, and you’re dealing with frostbite and possible hypothermia (low body temperature), focus on warming the whole person, not just one area.

These are general guidelines only—they don’t replace professional medical care.

1. Move to a warmer place if you can: get indoors, into a vehicle, or out of the wind. Try not to walk on frostbitten feet or toes, but in a real emergency, you may have to move anyway to reach safety.
2. Remove tight items: gently take off tight gloves, boots, rings, or jewelry around the affected area. This helps reduce extra pressure and improves blood flow as you warm up.
3. Swap wet for dry: carefully remove wet clothing and replace it wth dry, soft layers. Wet fabric pulls heat away from your body quickly.
4. Warm the body gently: Warp the person in blankets, coats, or sleeping bags, focusing on the head, neck, and torso first. Protect frostbitten areas inside the blankets so they warm gradually with the rest of the body.
5. Don't rub or use direct high heat: Do not rub frostbitten skin. That can cause more damage. Avoid putting frozen skin next to open flames, heaters, or very hot water. Use gently, consistent warmth instead if you're trained and it's safe to do so.
6. Avoid smoking: Smoking can reduce blood flow, which is the last thing you want when trying to rewarm cold tissue.

Always seek medical care as soon as you can, even if the person starts to feel better.