Frost Bite!

​I’ve had cold hands before and thought I knew what it meant to have frost bite.  But little did I know.  There is one thing to see what the signs and symptoms within a book or by googling what they are.  But until you have experienced the agony and pain it’s hard to describe what the feel truly is.
 
Not to long ago I have at an outdoor event.  I did all the important safety checks

• Have some were to stay overnight as to not drive home in the middle of the night – check
• Check the weather network to see what the forecast for the night is – check
• Pack warm clothing (winter boots, snow pants, scarf and good warm winter jacket) – check
• Gloves – check
• Warm beverage to ensure – check ( And yes it was chocolate)

 
Yet what I didn’t factor in was the amount of time that will be spent outside. Yes, I was wearing gloves, they were great for being able to move items around and to pick stuff up.  But they were not great for the weather even though it was mild it was still cold.  There was a breeze, with minimal shelter.  While trying to keep warm I was probably doing the worst thing I could.  I would ball my hands up and breath warm moist air on to my fingers.  Doing that over many hours was a contributing factor.
 
By the time we had to pack up my hands were frozen, and my fingers were so numb.  It took a good 30 minutes and lots of pain.  It was a pain that I have not felt ever.  After having my fingers in water for a good 10 minutes when the feelings started to return to my fingers.  The burning and stinging  is something I do not wish to repeat.  Days following my frost bitten experience my fingers got cold twice as fast as they normally would being exposed to the cold temperatures.
 
How could this have been avoided.  As we know prevention is key, especially when it comes to environmental illness.  For a start it would have helped if I had warmer weather appropriate mitts.  Having hot paws in my mitts to keep my hands and fingers nice and warm.  Not breathing warm moist air on my fingers.  Being prepared and having a good back-up plan for the time that will be spent outside plus a few extra hours as plans might end up changing.