(c) For a frostbitten foot, remove the boot and sock from the frostbitten
foot. Have another soldier (yourself if no other soldier is available) undo his clothing so
that the casualty's foot (or feet) can be placed next to the soldier's abdomen. Place the
casualty's frostbitten foot against the abdomen of the second soldier. Close the
soldier's clothing as much as possible to provide additional warmth and protection from
the cold.
(3) Cover the casualty with blankets or other dry material to keep him warm
and to avoid additional injury from the cold.
(4) Have the casualty exercise as much as possible while avoiding trauma
to the injured part(s).
(5) Seek medical help. If deep frostbite is present, evacuate the casualty to
a medical treatment facility. If possible, use a litter or other means to evacuate the
casualty that will not require him to stand or walk. Any frostbite should be evaluated by
medical personnel as soon as practical.
(6)
Give the casualty something warm to drink (no alcoholic beverages).
(7) Monitor the casualty for life-threatening conditions and apply appropriate
first aid as necessary.
CAUTION:
DO NOT rub snow on the frostbitten part.
DO NOT massage or rub the frostbitten part.
DO NOT use dry or radiant heat to rewarm the frostbitten part.
DO NOT rupture blisters on the frostbitten part.
DO NOT handle the frostbitten extremity roughly.
DO NOT allow a thawed extremity to refreeze.
DO NOT allow the casualty to use alcohol or tobacco products.
WARNINGS
Do not remove protective clothing in a chemical environment.
Do not attempt to thaw the casualty's feet or other seriously
frozen areas if the soldier will be required to walk to a medical
treatment facility. The possibility of injury from walking is less
when the feet are frozen than after they have been thawed.
IS0877
9-17
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