Environmental Health and Safety Plan draft for Staten Island Landfill,

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Staten Island Landfill Debris Disposal Operation Health and Safety Program

A person with frostbite on the extremities may also be subject to hypothermia (lowered body temperature). Check for hypothermia and treat those symptoms first. Frostbite is distinguishable by the hard, pale, and cold quality of the skin that has been exposed to the cold for a length of time. The area is likely to lack sensitivity to touch, although there is probably a sharp, aching pain. As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful. Any part of the body may be affected by frostbite; but hands, feet, nose and ears are the most vulnerable. If only the skin and underlying tissues are damaged, recovery may be complete. However, if blood vessels are affected, the damage is permanent and gangrene can follow which may necessitate amputation of the affected part. Upon warming, it is common to experience pain and tingling or burning in the affected area. In addition, blisters (in severe cases), shivering, slurred speech, and some memory loss may occur.

Typical first aid includes;

1) Shelter the victim from the cold and move the victim to a warmer place. Remove any constricting jewelry and wet clothing.

2) Immerse affected areas in warm (NOT HOT) water-or apply warm cloths to affected ears, nose, or cheeks-for 20 to 30 minutes. Keep circulating the water to aid the warming process. Burning pain, swelling and color changes may occur during warming. Warming is complete when the skin is soft and sensation returns.

3) Apply dry, sterile dressing to the frostbitten areas. Put dressings between frostbitten fingers or toes.

4) Move thawed areas as little as possible.

5) Prevent refreezing by wrapping the warmed areas.

6) If the frostbite is extensive, give warm drinks to the victim in order to replace lost fluids.

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