FROSTBITE TRAUMA PROTOCOL (HYPOTHERMIA)

Version May 20, 2022

🫀 Cardiac arrhythmiaHeart rate may be abnormally low. Any abrupt handling can trigger severe cardiac arrhythmia. Act slowly and carefully.

🌡 Any cooling = presumed hypothermiaAny victim exposed to a cold environment or showing signs of cooling should be considered hypothermic.

📋 Information to collectDuration of cold exposure · Ambient temperature · Use of drugs, alcohol, or medications.

📟 Pulse oximetry — Unreliable readingCold extremities can distort pulse oximetry readings. Do not rely on this reading in this context.

📊 Continuous reassessmentFrequently reassess vital signs (ABC). Recovery may be slow — maintain monitoring until help arrives.

PROTOCOL — FROSTBITE / HYPOTHERMIA

Immediate actions — All victims

🏃 Move without delay to a warm environment
Slow and careful movement — avoid any sudden motion

💨 Administer high-concentration oxygen
100% O₂ mask if available

👕 Remove wet clothing only
Maintain cervical spine immobilization if trauma is suspected

🧻 Dry the victim using a dry cloth or towel
⚠ Without rubbing or massaging the skin

🩹 Apply a dry dressing over the frostbitten area(s)
Protect without compressing — do not break blisters

🌡 Cover the victim with a warm or emergency blanket
Cover the head as well — do not bring near a direct heat source

🔥 Allow gradual rewarming
⚠ Never a direct heat source · Never rubbing · Never alcohol

Is the victim alert?

YES — Alert

☕ Give a warm drink
Warm water, herbal tea, broth · Never alcohol · In small amounts

📊 Frequently reassess vital signs (ABC)

📞 Seek care at a hospital
by calling 911

NO — Not alert

🚫 Give nothing by mouth

📊 Frequently reassess vital signs (ABC)

📞 Seek care at a hospital
by calling 911
Emergency — do not wait