Tools: Signs, Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment for Cold-Related Conditions

Signs, Symptoms, and First Aid Treatment for Cold-Related Conditions

Keep workers safe (and warm) by training them on the signs, symptoms, and first aid treatment for cold-related illnesses. You can download and edit this chart to share with your workers.

Condition Signs & Symptoms First Aid Treatment
Frostbite  

  • Bluish or pale, waxy skin
  • Numbness or Tingling
  • Stinging
  • Blisters
  

  • Get into warm room ASAP
  • DON’T rub affected area
  • DON’T use heating pad/heat lamp – can cause burns
  • DON’T break blisters
  • Loosely cover and protect affected area from contact
  • Give victim warm, sweetened drinks

 
Trench foot  

  • Reddening of skin
  • Numbness
  • Leg cramps
  • Tingling pain
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
  • Bleeding under skin
  • Foot turns dark purple, blue, or gray
  

  • Remove shoes, boots, wet socks
  • Dry feet
  • DON’T let victim walk – this may cause tissue damage to the feet
Chilblains  

  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Blistering
  • Inflammation
  • Ulceration
  

  • DON’T scratch
  • Slowly warm skin
  • Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling
  • Keep blisters/ulcers clean and covered

 
Hypothermia  

     Early Symptoms

  • Shivering
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of coordination
  • Confusion/Disorientation

     Late Symptoms

  • No shivering
  • Blue skin
  • Dilated pupils
  • Slowed pulse & breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  

  • Request immediate medical help
  • Move victim to warm area
  • Remove wet clothing
  • Warm center of body—chest, neck, head, groin
  • Have victim drink warm beverages without alcohol
  • When body temperature increases, keep victim dry and wrapped in a warm blanket—including the head and neck
  • Begin CPR if victim has no pulse

 

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