Warming blankets may be used if available. Controversy exists concerning CPR in the pulseless patient who has marked hypothermia. Pulses may be difficult to detect in hypothermic patients. Rough handling of the patient should be minimized because of the risk of these cardiac arrhythmias. Both warmed oxygen and IV fluids should be initiated.
Frostbite is caused by ice crystal formation within the tissue.
It may affect any body structure, but most commonly occurs in extremities with poorer blood supply and greater environmental exposure. The initial appearance of the injury often fails to show the magnitude of the eventual damage. The patient may have no pain or discomfort initially due to lack of nerve conduction. Often the injury becomes painful upon rewarming. The frostbite patient should be taken to a warm environment with the injured structures protected.