Frostbite prototype device advances treatment at University of Alberta. Matthew Douma/University of Alberta

By Jayk Sterkenburg

HEALTH CARE

Frostbite prototype device improves treatment out of University of Alberta

Dec 3, 2024 | 4:30 PM

A prototype to more efficiently treat frostbite has been revealed at the University of Alberta.

Traditional methods have been effective, but the opportunity to free up hospital resources can be made with the new device.

In two minutes, the device can be filled with water, then plugged in to heat up to a temperature of 38 C, remaining indefinitely.

Traditional methods involve buckets being filled with water, which will immediately decrease in temperature once frostbitten limbs are placed inside.

Matthew Douma, adjunct professor of the university’s department of critical care medicine, began the process in February 2023.

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Matthew Douma exhibits the prototype at University of Alberta. Matthew Douma/University of Alberta.

“Myself and some others were writing first aid guidelines for American Heart, American Red Cross, Heart Stroke Canada, things like that,” he said.

“We were reviewing what the best treatments are for frostbite,” he added.

“I compared that with my 15 years experience as an emergency nurse and found that we weren’t always providing the best therapies possible.”

All equipment and prototyping is self-funded by their team at the university.

For every device that is sold to a Canadian hospital, the group makes one available to emergency shelters, charity, or organizations that couldn’t typically afford one.

Douma said the need for what they have been working on is quite urgent in the healthcare system.

“There really aren’t that many sinks available near patient care spaces. Often you have to wait for someone to leave a room before you can get someone else in, so there’s some delays associated with that,” he said.

“There are also really bad infections that are associated with the water that come out of our sinks in healthcare facilities, especially in the trap. So they’re really not super sanitary for someone who has frostbite.”

Douma said that the rates of frostbite and amputation correlate with the number of unhoused people, and toxic drug supply.

Long periods of intoxication with opioids, alcohol and methamphetamines tend to be associated with those in encampments who succumb to the cold.

He also mentioned occupational injuries, that can affect anyone who may not realize the affects that cold weather can have, even when not noticable.

“Everyone has a role in identifying and preventing any sort of medical emergency or an injury. You can check on folks who are unhoused,” he said.

“Many communities have a crisis line that you can call for emergency shelter outreach. Just know what it is in your community,” he added.

“You can save someone from having a really severe cold injury that results in the loss of their fingers, their hands, their toes, or their feet.”

Ingenuity such as what the frostbite prototype exhibits will provide relief to many, the Canadian healthcare system included.