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Frostbite — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardEnvironmental emergenciesFrostbiteRCPSC EM

A 33-year-old snowmobiler has numb, white toes after prolonged cold exposure. Core temperature is normal, no trauma is suspected, and the thawed tissue can be protected from refreezing. What is the most appropriate next treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Rapidly rewarm in a temperature-controlled circulating water bath

The best answer is “Rapidly rewarm in a temperature-controlled circulating water bath”. When refreezing can be prevented, rapid water-bath rewarming at 37–39 °C is the priority and continues until tissue is soft and pliable. Dry heat and rubbing increase tissue injury, while ice worsens freezing. Assessment of depth and specialist management follow rewarming rather than delaying it.

Reference: Emergency Care BC: Frostbite: https://emergencycarebc.ca/clinical_resource/clinical-summary/frostbite/