Title image part one of four - picture of sunset   Title image part two of four - Silhouette of man on top of a mountain peak   Title image part three of four - picture of sunset   Title image part four of four - picture of sunset  
 
             
Click here to return home Click here for contact details Click here for links   Click here to go back    
       
 
   
   
   
     
 
   
 
 
 
 
  DVT
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
Banner image showing Chris Imray and a nurse with their heads down operating
 
 
Frostbite

Cold Kills, Imray, Oakley, 2006 - Click here to view PDF
Telemedicine and frostbite, Hillenbrandt, Imray, 2004 - Click here to view PDF


(Advice provided by Dr David Hillebrandt, Dr Paul Richards, and Mr Chris Imray to Jagged Globe and Adventure Works).

Introduction

If the fluid in cells freezes it swells and chemicals are produced and these two processes permanently damage the tissues. This is frostbite. It can vary in the depth and extent of damage.

If only superficial skin is damaged and it is rewarmed soon after injury it may recover completely. This is frostnip.

Frostbite commonly occurs on the extremities such as fingers, toes, ears, penis and nose. It can occur anywhere.

It obviously requires a cold, but not necessarily freezing, environment and wind-chill can add to the potential for damage. It is more likely at altitude (less oxygen for the tissues) and in a hypothermic or injured person. It is more likely if circulation is restricted by tight fitting clothes, boots or jewellery.

Clients with pre-existing conditions which may predispose to poor circulation (Diabetics, Raynaud's sufferers etc) are more likely to suffer from frostbite. Certain drugs that effect peripheral circulation may also predispose (b Blockers or nicotine in cigarettes).

Prevention

Prevention is the key to "treatment". Awareness and experience is the key to prevention.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made from an awareness of the risk. Frostbite may be initially painful but may not be so. If a cold extremity becomes numb frostbite is the likely cause. The skin may become white and blanched in appearance and tissues feel "woody" to the patient. If a large area becomes frostbitten it may become purple due to blood sludging.

Field Treatment

Frostnip rapidly warmed should result in no long term damage.

For Frostbite:
  • 1. Protect from further cold injury. Remove jewellery, put on dry gloves/mitts/socks if possible, and adjust boots.


  • 2. Do not deliberately thaw part until it can be rapidly rewarmed in a water bath in a situation from which evacuation can be arranged without further pressure on damaged tissue (normally base camp).


  • 3. As soon as available give Aspirin 75mg daily to facilitate circulation. Ibuprofen 200-400mg should be given 8 hourly to inhibit potentially damaging toxins unless contraindicated.


  • 4. If above 4000m and oxygen is available give it.


  • 5. On arrival at a secure base the patient should first be treated for potential hypothermia by slow rewarming with insulation in a warm environment.


  • 6. The patient should be kept well hydrated with warm fluid drinks.


  • 7. The frostbitten part should be rapidly rewarmed by immersion in warm water. This should be at 40-42oC (baby bath temperature). The "bath" should contain a large enough volume of water to minimise cooling by the cold body part and to facilitate easy top-ups with warm water to maintain the temperature. The damaged part should not be in contact with the side of the "bath". Antiseptic can be added to the water if available. Full thawing may take an hour or more.


  • 8. Thawing may be very painful and strong painkillers may be needed by injection.


  • 9. Once thawed the frostbitten part must not be used. A patient with frostbitten toes or feet will have to be carried. A patient with frostbitten fingers or hands will be unable to use a walking stick, ice axe or crutch and will need help with dressing, eating and going to the toilet.


  • 10. The damaged part should be loosely bandaged with dry protective non adherent dressings and well padded, especially between digits. Try to avoid bursting blisters but if inevitable do so with sterile needle or blade.
  • Use Aloe Vera cream topically once to twice daily to reduce the toxic effect of local prostaglandin release.

  • 11. Take daily digital photos and photos of all procedures for medical records and to facilitate E mail transmission if advice is needed.


  • 12. If there is any suspicion of infection start antibiotics.


  • 13. Check patient is up to date with tetanus cover.
Definitive treatment

World class centres for the treatment of frostbite are Chamonix and Anchorage. Dr Emmanuel Cauchy and his team from Chamonix hospital have lectured to the holders of the UK Diploma in Mountain Medicine and a liaison system has been set up so that digital photos and digital bone scan images can be transmitted and discussed.

Modern definitive treatment is based on the validated predictive data from Bone Scans taken soon after injury. Intravenous lloprost (synthetic prostaglandin analogue), and intra-arterial tPA (clot busting drug) appear to improve outcome.

Prof. Chris Imray is a UK based vascular surgeon with access to all necessary facilities. He is an active climber and holds the Diploma in Mountain Medicine.
He has volunteered to act as the UK liaison surgeon. We would suggest that any cases are discussed with either him or with Dr David Hillebrandt or with Dr Paul Richards, the Jagged Globe doctors, prior to decisions being made about any surgery or repatriation.

Golden Rules for Frostbite

Do not:

Rub, beat or cover with snow.

Warm with external heat source such as stove or fire.

Allow refreezing once thawed.

Rewarm a frostbitten part unless hypothermia is being treated

Submit to early amputation

Do

Rewarm rapidly in a safe environment (preferably hospital) and within 48 hours of injury

Give analgesia

Avoid infection

Delay surgery


Contacts:

Prof. Chris Imray, Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon,
Coventry and Warwickshire County Vascular Unit,
University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire,
Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry, CV2 2DX.
Tel: 0247 696 4000
E Mail: chrisimray@aol.com

Dr. David Hillebrandt, Medical Advisor to Jagged Globe & Adventureworks, Derriton House, Derriton, Holsworthy, Devon. EX22 6JX
Tel: 01409 253814 home 01409 253692 work
E mail: dh@hillebrandt.org.uk

Dr Paul Richards, Medical Advisor to Jagged Globe & Adventureworks,
The Surgery & Travel Clinic, 64 London Road, Wickford, Essex. SS12 0AN. Tel: 01268 568240 Mobile: 0771 510 4796.
E mail: pritchi@aol.com



Back to top

 
 
 
    © Christopher Imray   Disclaimer  
      Find your Doctor, Find your Treatment at Medical Pages Health Portal. Click here