Identifying hypothermia and taking proper action as early as possible is the responsibility of the group leaders. People who suffer from hypothermia typically deny they have a problem, and can even be combative. Frostbite is caused when the fluid inside the cells of body tissue freeze. As the fluid freezes it expands, rupturing the cells. Frostbite typically starts on the extremities, the nose, earlobes, toes, fingers, cheeks, and moves toward the core of the body.
Frostbite typically has a cascading effect.
As a part of the body becomes chilled blood flow is restricted in an attempt to save heat and prevent hypothermia, which lowers the temperature further causing more damage. Frostbite prevention is also the parent's responsibility. Once again making sure your child has the proper clothing is key. Exposed flesh equals frostbite on a cold windy day, so gloves, a hat, and in more extreme environments scarves, ski masks, and even ski goggles to protect the eyes may be needed. Children should be briefed on the symptoms of frostbite, and group leaders should also know how to identify and treat it.