mountain rescue with casualty

How is NFCI treated?

During or immediately after cold exposure

  • Prevent further cooling to the whole body and affected area. For example: seek shelter, remove wet clothing and replace with dry, warm layers.
  • Rewarm the affected area slowly. Do not put the affected part in warm water or expose it directly to a heat source such as a radiator or fire.
  • It may be necessary to give pain medication.

Long-term management

  • Re-exposure to cold should be avoided or exposure time should be reduced with additional protection (insulation and wind-proof layers or heated garments).
  • Currently, there is no good evidence for a single intervention to treat NFCI.