• Managing frostbite

Pre-hospital care

Preventing further injury

Get out of the cold. Prioritize hypothermia treatment. Remove any constricting, clothing, footwear, or jewelry. Consider early treatment with ibuprofen or aspirin, and aloe vera. Make a rewarming decision: if less than 2 hours from advanced care do not rewarm on site.


Hospital-based care

Preventing amputation

Rapidly rewarm in water (36-40oC). Minimize warm ischemia time, avoid delays in advanced treatment when indicated. Grade the injury (clinically, consider bone scan/angiography). Begin treatment based on injury grade: antithromboxanes (aloe vera, Ibuprofen), prostacyclin (iloprost) and/or thrombolysis, consider hyperbaric oxygen if available, initiate wound care.

POST-INJURY CARE

Preventing disability

Continue wound care until healed or necrosis and amputation. Avoid reinjury. Manage long-term cold intolerance and pain as needed.