When at rest, keep out of the wind. Treatment is simple and needs to be carried out as quickly as possible. If a hut or natural shelter is not close by, a tent, bivi bag or similar protection should be arranged to keep the victim dry. Once the victim is conscious, hot drinks will go a long way to boost morale. Frostbite, though unlikely to kill, can result in later loss, through amputation, of the body s extremities such as fingers and toes.
Warning signs are severe pain in the affected area followed by a complete loss of feeling there.
Colour of the affected area will be almost white. This can result in very rapid burning of exposed skin. Dark glasses with side panels, wraparounds , or proper snow goggles, are best warn at all times above 4000m especially when the sun is out, and are essential when crossing snow or ice, even in cloudy conditions. Snow blindness is a very painful experience. Eye drops may help through the only real cure is to keep the eyes bandaged up to 24 hrs or more.