OEC CH25: Cold-Related Emergencies

16/06/2025 20 min

Listen "OEC CH25: Cold-Related Emergencies"

Episode Synopsis

This chapter from Outdoor Emergency Care: A Patroller's Guide to Medical Care (6th edition) focuses on understanding and managing cold-related emergencies. It outlines essential learning objectives for OEC Technicians, such as explaining the wind chill index, identifying signs of frostnip and frostbite, and describing different types of hypothermia. The document then delves into the anatomy and physiology of thermoregulation and the causes of cold injuries, before detailing the assessment and management of conditions ranging from superficial frostnip to severe hypothermia and even avalanche burial victims. Crucially, it emphasizes rescuer safety, preventing further heat loss, and appropriate warming techniques, highlighting the importance of gentle handling and prompt transport for severe cases.