Standard First Aid, CPR, and AED Pre-Test Practice Exam

Separating frostbitten fingers with dry gauze or fluffy cloth provides a protective barrier that keeps the digits from sticking together as they thaw, helping preserve tissue and reduce further injury. It’s a gentle, non-invasive step that prevents friction and harm during thawing. Massaging the frostbitten area can cause tissue damage by pushing ice crystals into deeper tissues. Rubbing with snow is similarly damaging to the skin and underlying tissue. Immersing in hot water is unsafe because it can burn thawing tissue; if rewarming is done, it should be in warm, not hot, water.