BMJ Best Practice Podcast Frostbite
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Dec 18, 2023 The podcast discusses the diagnosis and management of frostbite, including the importance of proper treatment and the use of vasodilators or thrombolic agents. It also highlights the pitfalls in managing frostbite, the significance of a team-based approach in managing complex hand injuries, and the drawbacks of providing alcohol to cold and injured individuals. Additionally, it mentions a study conducted during the South Pole Medical Research Expedition comparing weight loss between men and women.
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Core Definition And Early Signs
- Frostbite is local tissue freezing usually affecting extremities like fingers, toes, nose, and sometimes external genitalia.
- Early signs include woody white appearance, numbness, and loss of movement that may be reversible if treated promptly.
How Frostbite Develops
- Frostbite can occur rapidly or over hours depending on exposure, equipment, and environment; liquid gases can cause instant freezing.
- Physiologically, peripheral vasoconstriction and blood sludging lead to tissue temperatures below freezing and irreversible cellular freezing.
Temperature Depends On Context
- Temperature thresholds vary by clothing, altitude, and wind chill; well-equipped polar travelers tolerate much colder temps than those unprepared.
- Frostbite can occur in milder conditions (around −3 to −4°C) with high wind chill or inadequate protection.