Page 131 - Participant Manual

First Aid Care for Hypothermia

Call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number immediately for any case of hypothermia. If the person is
unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, give CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED)
if you are trained in these skills.
Raising the body temperature must be
accomplished gradually. Rapid rewarming (for
example, by immersing the person in a hot
bath or shower) can lead to dangerous heart
rhythms and should be avoided. To gradually
rewarm the person, gently move the person to
a warm place. Remove any wet clothing, dry
the person, and help the person to put on dry
clothing (including a hat, gloves and socks).
Then wrap the person in dry blankets and
plastic sheeting, if available, to hold in body
heat. If you are far from medical care, position
the person near a heat source or apply
heating pads or hot water bottles filled with
warm water to the body. If you have positioned
the person near a heat source, carefully
monitor the heat source to avoid burning the
person. If you are using heating pads or hot
water bottles, wrap them in thin, dry cloths
to protect the person’s skin. If the person is
alert and able to swallow, you can give the
person small sips of a warm, non-caffeinated
liquid such as broth or warm water. Continue
warming the person and monitor the person for changes in condition (including changes in breathing or level of
consciousness and the development of shock) until EMS personnel arrive.

Myth-Information. Myth: Giving a person with hypothermia an alcoholic drink can help the person
to warm up. Never give alcohol to a person who has hypothermia. Although alcohol may temporarily
make the person feel warmer, it actually increases loss of body heat. You should also avoid giving a
person who has hypothermia beverages containing caffeine, because caffeine promotes fluid loss and
can lead to dehydration.

Frostbite
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues as a result of prolonged
exposure to freezing or subfreezing temperatures. Frostbite can cause the loss of fingers, hands, arms,
toes, feet and legs.

Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite

The frostbitten area is numb, and the skin is cold to the touch and appears waxy. The skin may be white,
yellow, blue or red. In severe cases, there may be blisters and the skin may turn black.

First Aid Care for Frostbite

If the frostbite is severe or the person is also showing signs and symptoms of hypothermia, call 9-1-1 or the
designated emergency number. Give care for hypothermia, if necessary. If the frostbite has caused blisters,
do not break them. Monitor the person’s condition, and if you see that the person is going into shock, give
care accordingly.

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 122 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 123 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual