Frostbite

Frostbite is an injury to the skin, and sometimes the deeper tissues of the body due to freezing or formation of ice crystals in the tissue cells. Frostbite usually develops when the air temperature is below 10? F (12? C), but may occur at a temperature nearer the freezing point of 32? F (0? C) when other elements, such as high winds, dampness, or general chilling of the body, are present. The onset of frostbite causes little discomfort and …

…and susceptible to serious arrhythmias, all patients with a pulse should be moved gently during transportation or during transfer of the patient from a stretcher to a hospital bed. The patient ideally should have vital signs, core temperature, and cardiac rhythm monitored continuously during transportation, and equipment for resuscitation (including a defibrillator) should be immediately available. Whenever possible, a horizontal position should be maintained during movement in order to minimize any potential blood pressure loss.