Ice & Cold
Prevent frostbite on hands
Once your fingers stop hurting in the cold, you have about 20 minutes.
Dr. Ebraheim — Frostbite Prevention
Step-by-step
Layer: thin liner glove for dexterity, insulated shell for warmth. Never take both off at once.
Keep hands moving. Fists, windmilling arms, wiggle fingers inside the glove.
Never handle cold metal or fuel with bare skin below freezing — contact frostbite is instant.
If fingers go numb, warm them under armpits or against a companion's stomach until sensation returns.
Add a hat — vasoconstriction to the hands worsens fast when the head is cold.
Warning: Do not rub frozen tissue with snow or hold near a fire. Warm slowly with body heat or 100-105 °F water.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.