Frostbite: Symptoms, Risks, and First Aid Treatment
Frostbite is a cold-related injury that occurs when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to extreme cold exposure. In northern climates like Grande Prairie, frostbite is a real risk during winter months—especially for those who work outdoors, commute in cold weather, or participate in winter sports.
Understanding frostbite and knowing how to respond quickly can help prevent permanent tissue damage. Learning these skills is a key component of professional first aid and CPR courses and CPR training.
What Is Frostbite?
Frostbite most commonly affects extremities and exposed skin, including:
- Fingers and toes
- Nose and cheeks
- Ears and chin
While exposed skin is most vulnerable, frostbite can still occur through gloves, socks, and footwear, particularly when clothing becomes wet or circulation is restricted.
Stages of Frostbite
- Frostnip – The mildest form. Causes redness, tingling, and numbness but does not result in permanent damage.
- Superficial frostbite – Affects deeper skin layers and requires medical evaluation.
- Severe frostbite – Can damage muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. In extreme cases, gangrene and amputation may occur.
Frostbite is the most common freezing injury and is often preventable with proper knowledge and training.
Risk Factors for Frostbite
Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors increase the risk of frostbite, including:
- Poor circulation in the hands or feet
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
- Use of certain medications (such as beta blockers)
People with these risk factors should take extra precautions in cold environments and strongly consider formal first aid training.
Symptoms of Frostbite
Early frostbite symptoms may include:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
- Numbness in the affected area
- Cold, hard, pale, or waxy-looking skin
As the skin rewarms, symptoms can worsen temporarily and may include:
- Redness and swelling
- Throbbing or burning pain
- Severe tenderness
Signs of Severe Frostbite
- Blistering
- Blackened or dead tissue (gangrene)
- Loss of movement or sensation
- Muscle, tendon, or bone damage
Severe frostbite requires immediate medical attention.
First Aid Treatment for Frostbite
A person with frostbite may also be experiencing hypothermia, which should always be addressed first.
First Aid Steps for Frostbite
- Move the person to a warm, sheltered area and protect them from further cold exposure.
- Remove wet clothing and tight jewelry that may restrict circulation.
- Wrap affected areas loosely with dry, sterile dressings. Fingers and toes should be wrapped separately.
- Seek medical help immediately for moderate to severe frostbite.
Rewarming (Only If Refreezing Can Be Prevented)
- Soak frostbitten fingers or toes in warm (not hot) water for 20–30 minutes
- Use warm cloths for ears, nose, and cheeks
- Expect pain, swelling, and color changes during rewarming
- Stop once sensation returns and skin softens
⚠️ Do not rub frostbitten skin, apply direct heat, or allow refreezing once thawed.
For severe cases, provide warm, non-alcoholic fluids if the person is conscious and able to drink.
Learn Frostbite First Aid with Certified Training
Knowing how to properly treat frostbite is covered in standard first aid courses and emergency first aid courses offered in Grande Prairie. These courses also teach CPR training, hypothermia care, and other life-saving skills essential for Alberta’s climate.
👉 Explore available First Aid Courses in Grande Prairie
👉 Learn more about Standard First Aid Courses
👉 Register for Emergency First Aid Courses
👉 View CPR Training and CPR Courses
Quality first aid and CPR courses help individuals, workplaces, and families stay safe during extreme winter conditions.
Learn how to administer first aid on frostbite by taking First Aid Courses. Frostbite is the most common freezing injury. It is the damage to the skin and its underlying tissues caused by extremely cold temperatures.
Online Sources: