An important part of manhood has always been about having the competence to be effective in the world — having the breadth of skills, the savoir-faire, to handle any situation you find yourself in. With that in mind, each Sunday we’ll be republishing one of the illustrated guides from our archives, so you can hone your manly know-how week by week.
In a frigid environment, your skin and the tissue just below can start to freeze and crystallize in as little as a few minutes. This condition is called frostbite, and it’s no minor matter, but rather a serious injury which can permanently affect your appendages. Knowing how to properly treat it can mean the difference between a sore hand and an amputated one.
Your first course of action should always be to call 911 or to get yourself to a hospital. The damage may run deeper than you can visually assess. In the meantime, follow the steps above to do your best to ensure that no lasting tissue damage occurs.