01/25/2026
Frostbite can occur in 30 minutes at -5°F with wind chill. Hypothermia can develop indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F. Knowing the stages saves lives and prevents amputation.
FROSTBITE STAGES:
FROSTNIP (Mild):
- Pale, cold skin
- Numbness or tingling
- No permanent damage
→ Rewarm immediately with body heat
SUPERFICIAL FROSTBITE:
- Skin feels hard but tissue beneath is soft
- Blisters may form after rewarming
- Skin turns red or purple
→ Seek medical care within 24 hours
SEVERE FROSTBITE:
- Skin and underlying tissue completely frozen
- Waxy, gray or blue appearance
- No sensation at all
→ Call 911 immediately - do not rewarm
HYPOTHERMIA STAGES:
MILD (95-90°F):
- Intense shivering
- Confusion, fumbling hands
- Slurred speech, drowsiness
MODERATE (90-82°F):
- Shivering stops
- Extreme confusion, irrational behavior
- Slow, shallow breathing
SEVERE (Below 82°F):
- Unconsciousness
- Weak or absent pulse
- Life-threatening emergency
REWARMING RULES:
✗ Never rub frostbitten skin
✗ Never use direct heat (fire, heating pad)
✗ Never give alcohol
✓ Remove wet clothing
✓ Warm core first (chest, neck, head, groin)
✓ Use body-to-body contact
✓ Give warm (not hot) drinks if conscious
Watch children and elderly closely - they lose heat faster.