Frostbite and Freezing

Frostbite and freezing

Frostbite and freezing are serious conditions that occur when a person is exposed to the cold for a long time. When frostbite occurs, human tissues and organs are exposed to low temperatures, which can lead to disruption of their functions and even death. To prevent these conditions, you need to take precautions and know what to do if they occur.

To prevent frostbite, the following recommendations must be followed. In severe frost, exposed parts of the body should be lubricated with lard or animal oil (but not vegetable!), and the soles of the feet on top of the stockings should also be wrapped in newsprint, especially when you have to walk far or ride in a sleigh. Then, on the road in winter, you need to remember that snow is a very poor conductor of heat, so during a snowstorm it is better to bury yourself in the snow, waiting for it to subside, than to wander around with the danger of getting lost and freezing.

If frostbite does occur, it can be divided into three degrees. The first degree is chills. It appears in dark pink elevations and in the warmth it burns and hurts strongly. It is felt throughout your life as soon as the sore spot is exposed to the cold. In case of fresh chills, it is good to lubricate such places with ichthyol. Then give the chilled areas warm baths with tannin, oak bark, alum or even vinegar. Keep them warm during the day, and at night lubricate them with ichthyol and tie them.

In case of general chills throughout the body, you should take baths for 10 minutes at 35° C. After the bath, dry yourself well, wipe yourself with camphor alcohol, and sprinkle especially sore areas with bismuth and starch - 1 part to 90 parts.

With more severe frostbite, which already turns into freezing, wounds may appear, which can be well lubricated with an ointment made from burnt linseed oil and lime water or ichthyol ointment, in a word, treated like ordinary wounds. During this stage of frostbite, a person may become completely frozen. Such a frozen person should never be dragged, but must always be carried, since his bones become brittle from freezing and break easily.

But you cannot immediately bring it into a warm room, but first rub it with snow or ice using a cloth, and only when the body becomes warm can you move it to a warm room or wrap it in warm blankets. It is important to remember that if you freeze, you need immediate medical attention.

In general, to prevent frostbite and freezing, it is necessary to take precautions such as wearing warm and protective clothing, avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold, especially windy, using cold protection equipment (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.), eating hot drinks and food, as well as regular movement and exercise.

If frostbite or freezing does occur, it is necessary to immediately take treatment measures and seek medical help. You should not self-medicate, as this can lead to more serious consequences.