You'll Never Be Able to Sleep Again After Seeing These Frostbite Hands

The horrifying picture above is a testament to the true dangers of the mythical Canadian winter (or basically anyone living in the states bordering our polite neighbors).

There’s a reason why the first incarnations of Canadian literature are specially dedicated to the harrowing survival stories from the first colonists to entice people in England to make the voyage.

Given that the explorers in the eighteenth century did not have access to the medical knowhow or technology that actually saved this young woman’s hands, you can imagine that their stories are littered with gruesome details that really made an impact back in the British Isles.

But let’s get back to the present. If you had the misfortune of spending the last season far away from the Equator, you’re probably more than aware of how horrible a Canadian winter can truly be.

The Story Behind the Picture

Although Emma Quirk (the young woman pictured above) is from Australia, she currently lives in Alberta and is well aware of the necessary precautions she needed to take before venturing out into the Canadian winter.

Unfortunately, she completely neglected to take her gloves with her. As you’ve seen, the results were pretty scary.

How Frostbite Set In

As an avid traveler, Emma was more than happy to go visit Saskatchewan (it stretches far North) because that’s where her boyfriend grew up.

I know this type of story paints Saskatchewan as dismal winter wasteland, but trust me, it’s a beautiful place that will leave you mesmerized.

But let’s get back to the story. Like any 20 year old, Emma decided to go out celebrating late into the night. And like anyone in their twenties, she may have gone one drink above her limit.

But that was not her serious mistake.

Luck was definitely not on her side that evening. At the end of the night she was too tipsy, without a phone, without any cash, and, more importantly, without her friends.

So she soon found herself wandering without purpose into the dead of winter. After a while, the first symptom of hypothermia set in: she was so exhausted that she fell asleep outside.

Road to Recovery

However, where she fell asleep actually saved her life. Quirk was lucky enough to collapse near a nursing home. It’s uncertain how long she was exposed to the elements, but the nursing home’s staff were able to discover her before it was too late.

Although Quirk would survive, within twenty minutes of being saved, frostbite symptoms were already present in her fingers. She was technically diagnosed with a frostbite ranging from mild to fourth degree injuries.

It’s almost not said enough, but it was extremely lucky that professional staff were able to treat the frostbite.

More importantly, they walked her through the entire treatment process she would have to go through in order to recover. First, her fingers would blister and then her doctors would pop them at just right time to reduce the risk of infection.

Although Quirk explains that dealing with frostbite was learning to cope with unimaginable amounts of pain throughout the day, she said the worst part definitely that never-ending fear that she would actually lose her fingers.

Medicine Is Only Half the Journey

Illnesses have a unique way of reminding us to really appreciate our good health. Quirk herself found herself unable to do even the most menial of tasks. Once again, her luck pulled her through despite her unlucky circumstances; Quirk had an amazing emotional support network.

Quirk’s boyfriend helped her comb her hair and apply make up. She says that these little moments, although tedious, were the bright moments that kept her spirits up during the whole ordeal.

What Happened in the End

Don’t worry; Emma Quirk’s horrifying frostbite blisters were popped without any additional medical complications. She also reported that she finally regained full motion in her fingers.

I’m now wondering if she still has her boyfriend do her makeup.

What Is Frostbite?

It’s a medical condition that consists of localized damage to your skin and other tissues. This damage takes place when your tissues freeze at below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In order keep you alive by maintaining heat in your core (torso), your blood vessels constrict and prevent any blood from reaching the affected limb.

And this when it gets troubling, because the constricted tissue will die if it doesn’t get enough blood thus causing the gangrene that may require amputation.

How to Prevent It

I know this all sounds horrifying. But there are steps you can take to prevent this. Next winter will have nothing on you if you implement these precautionary measures:

– Stay inside as much as possible.

– Stay dry because wet clothing can drastically increase the chance of frostbite

– Don’t drink or smoke, it only makes your tissues even more vulnerable to the cold.

– Look for the signs in the form of pain, redness, or if your skin feels waxy.

– Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect frostbite.

Hopefully the next winter will not be as brutal as this one. Stay safe in that winter wonderland!