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First aid · Australia

Frostbite

Move into shelter, remove wet clothing and seek medical help. Warm affected fingers gently in an armpit, protect the area and prevent further cold exposure. Do not rub frostbitten skin.

Medical emergency? Call 000

What to do

  1. Get into shelter and seek help

    Get out of wind and cold. Replace wet clothing with dry insulation and seek medical assistance.

  2. Remove jewellery; gently warm

    Remove jewellery from the affected area if possible. Warm fingers gently in an armpit or cover a cold cheek with a warm hand.

    Take care. Do not use radiant heat or put chemical warmers directly on the skin.

  3. Protect the injured part

    Protect the injured part, keep it elevated if possible and avoid walking on affected feet.

    Take care. Do not rub, massage or break blisters.

  4. Arrange medical rewarming

    Deeply frozen tissue needs carefully controlled rewarming and protection from refreezing. Arrange evacuation and follow rescue or medical instructions.

    Take care. Do not let a rewarmed area freeze again.

Know when to act

When to get help

  • Call 000 for confusion, drowsiness, collapse or abnormal breathing after cold exposure. These can indicate whole-body hypothermia.
  • Get prompt medical care for suspected frostbite, including numbness or hard, waxy skin.

Children and babies

  • Check children for wet gloves, socks and clothing and move them into shelter early.

Keep checking

  • Watch response and breathing while protecting the person from further cooling.

Sources and last update

Content updated: 6 September 2026.

These sources inform the guidance. This independent resource is not a substitute for a first aid course or medical assessment. An editorial update is not independent clinical review. Source organisations have not endorsed this site.

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