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Frostbite

Tissue is frozen. Rewarm only when refreezing is impossible.

How you know

  • White, waxy, hard skin
  • Numbness then aching on rewarming
  • Clear or blood-filled blisters after thawing
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Get to shelter and treat hypothermia first.

Core before extremities, always.

Never

  • Never rub frostbite or pack it with snow
  • Never use a fire, stove, or heater to rewarm
  • Never walk on a thawed foot

Evacuate now if

  • Anything beyond superficial numbness
  • Blisters, black tissue, or deep hard areas
  • Foot frostbite that will require walking out