Field Medicine

Cold & Heat Injuries

Hypothermia, frostbite, heat exhaustion and heat stroke: how to spot them early, treat them, and prevent them.

Field notes

Heat Stroke vs. Heat Exhaustion: Know the Difference

Heavy sweating and clammy skin mean heat exhaustion: cool down. Hot red skin, 103°F+ and confusion mean heat stroke: a 911 emergency.

Critical
Recognizing and Treating Hypothermia

Shivering, confusion, fumbling hands and slurred speech mean the body is losing heat faster than it makes it. It can happen above 40°F if you're wet.

Critical
Frostbite: Signs and First Aid

Redness or pain, then white or grayish-yellow, firm or waxy, numb skin. Rewarm in warm (not hot) water, and never rub it or use direct heat.