For frostbite on both feet after walking in a frozen field, which scene treatment is appropriate?

• A. Removing her wet clothing and covering her feet with dry, sterile dressings.
• B. Rubbing the frostbitten areas vigorously.
• C. Warming the feet with direct heat immediately.
• D. Massaging the feet to restore circulation.

Answer: (A)

In frostbite, the priority at the scene is to prevent further cold injury and protect the damaged tissue. Removing wet clothing stops ongoing evaporative heat loss, which is crucial because wet fabrics steal heat rapidly from the body. Covering the feet with dry, sterile dressings then provides insulation and a clean barrier against contamination, without pressing on or rubbing the frostbitten areas. Rubbing vigorously, applying direct heat, or massaging are avoided because they can cause additional tissue injury—ice crystals within the tissue can be disrupted, and the skin and underlying tissues are extremely fragile after freezing. If possible and appropriate, controlled rewarming with warm water (not direct heat) can be done later under supervision, but the immediate, safest step on scene is to remove wet clothing and insulate with dry dressings.