Hypothermia Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries, Second edition

Hypothermia and localized cold injuries.

Hypothermia and localized cold injuries are largely preventable with proper preparation for activities in cold environments. Proficient field management is crucial to the final outcome in terms of function and viability because proper care is vital to preventing exacerbation of the initial exposure and injury. Rapid rewarming is optimal when further cold exposure can be avoided reliably. Repeti...

Out of the cold: management of hypothermia and frostbite.

131 - Hypothermia and Frostbite

Accidental hypothermia is generally manifested as progression from an initial state of catecholamine release and stimulation (mild hypothermia) to one marked by a predictable slowing of metabolism and all critical body functions to the extent that patients may appear dead. The profound physiologic changes and metabolic slowing all reverse with rapid rewarming, and reports of remarkable neurolog...

Preventable frostbite due to cold pack.

Dear Editors, It is convenient to use a commercial cooling device for treatment of acute athletic injuries. However, secondary injuries may develop with improper application (1). We present a patient with unusual frostbite due to cold pack. An 18-year-old woman had right quadriceps femoris muscle strain while practicing long jump. She directly applied and fixed a commercial cold pack manufactur...

Accidental cold-related injury leading to hospitalization in northern Sweden: an eight-year retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND Cold injuries are rare but important causes of hospitalization. We aimed to identify the magnitude of cold injury hospitalization, and assess causes, associated factors and treatment routines in a subarctic region. METHODS In this retrospective analysis of hospital records from the 4 northernmost counties in Sweden, cases from 2000-2007 were identified from the hospital registry by...