Frostbite and Cold Survival

Frostbite occurs when tissue freezes. The best prevention is to avoid severe weather. If you’re caught in extremely cold weather, pay attention to your head and extremities, such as fingers, toes, ears, and nose. Wear a face cover if the temperature is below zero degrees Fahrenheit. If you experience any symptom of frostbite, treat immediately.

• Symptoms of Frostbite:
  • Skin turns off-white
  • Prickly or tingling feeling as ice crystals form
  • Pain may be present initially, then disappears as frostbite progresses.
  • In severe cases, loss of feeling in the affected area
• Treatment of Frostbite:
  • Warm the affected area with body heat, but avoid rubbing the area—it can damage tissue.
  • Don’t use hot water or other external heat sources, which could cause burns.
  • Wrap with warm, dry clothing.
  • Move to a warm shelter.
  • Drink hot liquids.
  • Get medical attention.

Basics of Cold Survival Without Fire

• Wear proper type of clothing (no cotton).
• Stay dry. Use water-repellent outer garments.
• Build a shelter. The best is a nylon tarp shelter as it will protect you from wind, rain, and snow. Insulate the floor of the shelter with pine boughs, if available.
• Avoid contact with cold surfaces (the ground, rocks, or snow).
• Wrap your body in a thermal foil blanket. This will maintain a temperature of 60˚ F inside the wrap even when the outside temperature is -10˚ F.
• Limit your physical activity to conserve energy.