A miner is exposed to severe cold for an extended period of time. What would you treat him for?

• A. Hypothermia
• B. Sunburn
• C. Frostbite
• D. Shock, hypothermia and frostbite

Answer: (D)

Prolonged exposure to severe cold can cause several problems at once. Hypothermia happens when the body's core temperature drops, impairing vital functions. Frostbite is tissue freezing, typically affecting exposed parts like fingers and toes. In serious cold stress, the overall condition can also lead to shock as the body struggles to maintain circulation and respiration. Because these issues can occur together in this scenario, the appropriate treatment covers all of them. Sunburn isn’t a concern with extreme cold, so it’s not part of the treatment. In practice, get him to warmth, remove wet clothing, and rewarm gently for hypothermia; treat frostbite by careful rewarming of affected areas and protecting them; monitor and manage for signs of shock while seeking medical help.