North Dakota Snowmobile Safety Manual

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from frostbite:

• The skin of the affected area will appear yellow or white.
• A slight burning or tingling sensation.
• Some pain at first followed by its disappearance altogether.
• Numbness or lack of feeling.

HOW DO I TREAT IT?

The treatment of frostbite is done through re-warming of the affected area or body part. It is important not to rub or massage frostbitten body parts and avoid using hot liquids or external sources during re-warming as they can cause permanent tissue damage.  If you have frostbite move yourself to a warm shelter as soon as possible, remove any rings or other jewelry from the affected area, and seek medical attention.

IMPORTANT! In some extreme cases frostbite can lead to infection, gangrene and even amputation of the affected extremity.