Cold Injures Flashcards
When do body parts freeze?
When not enough heat is available to counteract cold
When does shivering stop?
When body temp is 85-90 degrees
What is the first sign of dangerous cold exposure?
When shivering stops
When will death from cold occur?
When core body temp is between 77-85 degrees
What does WCT stand for
Wind chill
What factors influence cold injures
Wind chill Insulation Exposed skin Pervious cold injures Dehydration Constructing garments Body type and amount of body fat Caloric/ alcohol/ caffeine intake Moisture-wet skin freezes at higher rate then dry skin
What are the 3 classifications of cold injures
Decreased core temp ( hypothermia)
Freezing injures of extremities
Non-freezing injures of extremities
What are the two most dangerous injures from cold temp
Frostbite
Hypothermia
What does frost Nip consist of
Mildest form of cold injury to skin Prior to frostbite Superficial, no permanent damage High wind and /or severe cold Apply firm pressure But do not rub
What parts of the body does frost nip involve
Ears, nose, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes
What does the skin look like from frost nip
Skin is very firm, white, waxy with cold painless areas that may peel or blister within 24-72 hours, top layer will feel rubbery and numb
What does chilblains consist of
Prolonged, constant and repeated exposure to cold
Inflammatory response to cold exposure
What does the skin look like from chilblains
Skin redness, tingling, may swell, itch, PAIN, peripheral circulation will be affected
When does chilblains occur
When footwear or clothing remains wet for long periods due to water exposure or sweat
Why does sweating make frostbite worse
B/c it increase tissue cooling
What does superficial frostbite involve
Only skin and subcutaneous tissue.
What does superficial frostbite look like
Skin hard, leathery, pale, cold/numb, may blister after rewarming
What happens during re-warming of superficial frostbite
Area will feel numb first and then sting and burn
What does deep frostbite consist of
Medical emergency due to tissue swelling
What does deep frostbite look like
Tissue blotchy, red, swollen, extremely painful, may be gangrenous
What’s the tx for deep frostbite
Immersion in water bath of 105-110 degrees
Do not use dry heat to rewarm b/c further tissue damage will occur
Area must be protected from movement and cold temp to begin healing
What is 1st degree of frostbite
Irritates the skin
What’s does 2nd degree of frostbite consist of
Blisters but has no major damage
What does 3rd degree frostbite consist of
Involves all layers of the skin and causes permanent tissue damage
