Frostbite & Hypothermia

What is Frostbite?

Frostbite is when the skin and/or the tissue under the skin freezes and causes cell damage. This is caused by exposure to cold. Your feet, hands, nose, ears and face are at the highest risk of frostbite. First degree frostbite, is also called Frost nip. The numbed skin turns white in colour and the skin may feel stiff to the touch.

How to Help

  • Rewarm the affected area by holding it with your hands, between your legs or under your armpits.
  • Rapid warming can be harmful so rewarm the affected areas gradually.

In cases of serious frostbite the skin is damaged and tissues die as a result of the freezing.

How to Help

  • CALL 111 immediately.
  • Move the patient to a warm area/room.
  • Warm the affected area.If possible, bathe in lukewarm (not hot) water.
  • Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area.

Hypothermia is a condition where the normal body temperature of 37°C drops below 35° and is usually caused by being in a cold environment or through prolonged exposure.

Some of the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia may be:

  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Slow to Respond
  • Clumsy or Uncoordinated
  • Slurred Speech
  • Slow, shallow breathing and weak pulse
  • In severe cases – unconsciousness

How to Help

  • CALL 111 immediately.
  • Move the patient to a warm area/room.
  • Remove any wet clothing.
  • Warm the body with dry clothing, blankets etc.
  • If possible and only if uninjured, give them warm sweet drinks, sweets, chocolate etc.

This information is for reference only and comprehensive life saving skills can only be gained by attending a First Aid Christchurch first aid course.

Treating Burns

What is a Burn?

A burn injury is damage of the different layers of the skin.Heat generated from the fire or heat source and the amount of time the skin is exposed to the heat is what damages the skin.A burn injury is described as a first, second or third degree burn.

Some of the Signs and Symptoms may be:

  • Very Painful
  • Blistered Skin
  • Swollen Area
  • Redness
  • Charred Skin

How to Help

  • If the patient’s clothing is on fire – STOP, DROP, WRAP & ROLL.
  • Cool the burn area with cold water for at least 10 minutes.
  • If possible, remove any constrictive jewelry.
  • Cover the burn with a clean, dry bandage or cling film to prevent infection.
  • Do not use ointments or creams.
  • Get medical assistance or CALL 111.

This information is for reference only and comprehensive life saving skills can only be gained by attending a First Aid Christchurch first aid course.

Bruises, Sprains & Strains

A bruise is caused when tiny blood vessels are damaged or broken as the result of a bump to the skin and a bruise results from blood leaking from these injured blood vessels into the soft tissue.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament (the thick, tough, fibrous tissue that connects bones together).If too much force is applied to a ligament, they can be stretched or torn causing a sprain.

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. Muscles are made to stretch, but if stretched too far, it may cause stretching or tearing of a muscle or tendon.

Some of the Signs and Symptoms may be:

  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Too painful to use affected joint

How to Help

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation
  • Get medical advice if required.

This information is for reference only and comprehensive life saving skills can only be gained by attending a First Aid Christchurch first aid course.

Crush Injuries

What is a Crush Injury?

A crush injury occurs when a heavy object falls and crushes the patient.The injuries can be extremely serious if it causes severe bleeding or damage to internal organs.

How to Help

  • Check DRABC.
  • Remove the crushing object immediately if it’s safe to do so, but only if the accident has just occurred. If you’re unsure how long the victim has been crushed, only remove the object if the patient is having trouble breathing.
  • Control bleeding.
  • If you are unable to remove the object, call for immediate assistance.
  • Continue to reassure the patient and keep them warm.
  • Assess patient for signs of shock.

This information is for reference only and comprehensive life saving skills can only be gained by attending a First Aid Christchurch first aid course.

Electric Shock

What is an Electric Shock?

An electric shock happens when a person comes into contact with an electrical source and the electrical energy flows through the body causing a shock. Burns are the most common injury from electric shock.

How to Help

  • Don’t touch the patient if they’re still in the source of electric current or you’ll get a shock, too.
  • Turn power off at main supply if accessible.
  • CALL 111
  • If the patient is responsive, check for and treat any burns.
  • Assess for signs of shock.
  • If the patient is unresponsive, check DRABC.

Always seek medical attention after a high voltage electric shock.

This information is for reference only and comprehensive life saving skills can only be gained by attending a First Aid Christchurch first aid course.