Cold Injuries First Aid Knowledge of causes, assessment and treatment of cold injuries is an essential component of wilderness medicine.
Cold Injuries Hypothermia and Frostbite Cold injuries are usually due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, although they can occur with brief exposure to extremely cold conditions. They occur because our body's ability to generate heat and to limit heat loss is quite limited.
Wind Chill Fact Sheet Cold Injuries Exposure to the cold can be hazardous, or even life-threatening. Your body's extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes, lose heat the fastest. Exposed skin may freeze, causing frostnip or frostbite. In extreme conditions or after prolonged exposure to the cold, the body core can also lose heat, resulting in hypothermia.
