Step-by-Step Emergency Response Instructions

Proper treatment of cold emergencies requires careful handling to prevent further injury and cardiac complications.

For Hypothermia:

Step 1: Assess and Call for Help

- Check responsiveness carefully - Call 911 for moderate/severe cases - Handle extremely gently - Check pulse for full 60 seconds - Cold hearts are irritable

Step 2: Prevent Further Heat Loss

- Move to shelter if possible - If not, create windbreak - Remove wet clothing by cutting - Insulate from ground - Cover with blankets/sleeping bags

Step 3: Begin Rewarming (Mild Cases Only)

- Warm center of body first - Use body-to-body contact - Warm, sweet drinks if fully alert - No alcohol or caffeine - Chemical heat packs to torso

Step 4: Monitor Carefully

- Handle very gently - No rubbing or massage - Watch for afterdrop - Be ready for cardiac arrest - Document improvements

Step 5: Advanced Considerations

- If no pulse after 60 seconds, begin CPR - Continue CPR longer than normal - "Not dead until warm and dead" - Only medical professionals should pronounce death - Many "miraculous" recoveries documented

For Severe Hypothermia:

Critical: Prevent Cardiac Arrest

- NO active rewarming in field - NO rubbing or massage - NO hot water or direct heat - Handle like spinal injury - Horizontal position only

Field Treatment:

1. Call 911 immediately 2. Prevent further heat loss 3. Handle extremely gently 4. Insulation only—no active warming 5. Monitor breathing/pulse 6. CPR if needed—don't stop

> Practice This Now: > - Practice 60-second pulse checks > - Set up hypothermia wrap system > - Locate chemical heat packs > - Practice gentle handling > - Review CPR in cold conditions

For Frostbite:

Step 1: Protect the Area

- Don't walk on frostbitten feet unless necessary - Protect from further freezing - Handle extremely gently - Remove jewelry/constrictive items - Don't smoke (reduces circulation)

Step 2: Assess Severity

- First-degree: Rewarm on site - Second-degree or worse: Medical care - If hypothermic too: Treat that first - Document affected areas - Take photos if possible

Step 3: Field Treatment

- Protect from refreezing - Don't rub or massage - Don't use direct heat - Skin-to-skin warming for minor cases - Loose, dry bandaging

Step 4: If Medical Care Delayed (>2 hours)

- Rapid rewarming in 98-102°F water - Immerse for 15-30 minutes - Severe pain is normal - Give pain medication - Protect thawed tissue

Step 5: After Rewarming

- Apply loose, dry dressings - Separate affected digits - Elevate if possible - Give pain medication - Prevent refreezing at all costs

Hypothermia Wrap Technique:

1. Vapor barrier (plastic) against skin 2. Insulation layers (sleeping bags/blankets) 3. Heat sources at trunk only 4. Wind/water protection outer layer 5. Leave face exposed for monitoring