Each of the inhabitants of Russia needs to know the rules for first aid when frostbite, because we live in such a climatic zone where such a need can arise in any winter month. In order to provide this assistance correctly, it is necessary to understand what it is – frostbite, and be able to correctly determine its degree.
Fraud is called tissue damage caused by a long -term effect of low temperatures on them. The following factors can contribute to its occurrence: low air temperature, cold wind, alcoholic or narcotic intoxication.
Now let’s look at the degree of frostbite. Signs of the first and lightest degree of frostbite is the redness of the affected tissues and a strong decrease in their sensitivity. These changes are reversible – after the normal temperature regimen is restored, damaged skin for a while acquires a dark blue color with a blue tint, and after a while it begins to start itching or peeling off. Then all phenomena subside. It should be noted that further this area of the skin will be more susceptible to the cold.
The second degree of frostbite manifests itself as swelling of the affected area of the body and a change in its color to a crimson-blue. In this area of the body, blood circulation is greatly disturbed, as a result of which the outer skin dies. The victim, as a rule, increases the total body temperature, and the healing of frostbitten areas occurs for about a month.
With the third and fourth degree of frostbite, complete murder of layers of tissues and even bones on a sore area of the body occurs. Bubbles of dark red or black color appear on it, while the human condition is very deteriorating, the patient experiences severe pains.
When providing first aid of the victim, it is necessary to place in a warm place, and damaged areas of the body must be closed from the effects of warm air with cotton and gauze bandages. Apply such dressings only on frostbite sites. This bandage must be kept until a person feels the heat in the whole body, and the sensitivity in the affected area of the body begins to increase.
When providing first aid when frostbite, it is necessary to ensure the immobility of those parts of the body that were affected by the cold. This is caused by the fact that damaged vessels at this time are in a rather fragile state and can burst, which will lead to hemorrhage. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to build a tire from improvised means to fix the damaged area. In no case should frightened areas of the body with snow, alcohol or oil should be rubbed – this can lead to more severe consequences. It is recommended to drink the victim with hot tea, give hot food and a small amount of alcohol. To reduce the pain syndrome, the patient should take a tablet of aspirin, analgin or two papaverin or no-shpa tablets.
If the victim has all the signs of the third and fourth degree of frostbite, then, in addition to providing first aid, be sure to call an ambulance. As a rule, the patient is hospitalized and continued to treatment and rehabilitation in the hospital.
To avoid frostbite, before going to the frost, dress like a “cabbage” – a layer of air between the layers of your clothing will retain the warmth of your body. Do not drink alcohol before going out and eat tightly. Make sure your shoes are dry, and socks are clean and, preferably, woolen. They will absorb sweat and your legs, being dry, will not freeze even in severe frosts.