Nunavut man recovering after losing hands to frostbite

Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 3:06 PM - A man from Cambridge Bay, Nunavut has had both hands amputated after developing severe frostbite last month.

WARNING: This article contains a graphic image below.

Romeo Tucci was lost for over 6 hours in a whiteout while temperatures hovered around -50ºC in March.

"He could not see anything in front of him and fell into a ravine and not only got soaking wet but hit his head and became disoriented," Tucci's sister, Christina, says on a fundraising page.

Once recovered by a search party, Tucci was rushed to the hospital with severe frostbite on 95% of his hands.

Photo of Romeo Tucci. Courtesy: Christina Tucci/GoFundMe

In an interview with the CBC, Tucci said his hands were "frozen solid like a rock and white like a ghost" by the time he made it to the hospital.

He says the doctors thawed out his hands and treated his blisters. His hands, which were starting to turn black, were wrapped in gauze and he was discharged.

"I was sent home, and every two days they'd change my dressing, give me Tylenol No. 3 and send me back home," he told the CBC.

After three weeks, he was air-lifted to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton for more treatment.

WARNING: Graphic image below:

Romeo Tucci developed severe frostbite on 95% of his hands. Courtesy: Christina Tucci/GoFundMe

According to Tucci's sister, doctors in Edmonton determined Romeo will have to lose both hands at the wrist. Surgery took place on April 5.

"This so completely life changing for us all," Christina says on a GoFundMe page, set up to raise funds for prosthetic limbs and medical expenses.

Tucci, who is a trained chef, fears he will be unable to earn a living without his hands.

According to updates on the family's GoFundMe page, Romeo remains in the hospital following his surgery, which was a success.

Christina writes the operation took 6 hours to complete, and doctors were able to save a small amount of finger bone, which will help Romeo to be fitted with better prosthetics.

"It has been difficult for him to not be able to want to use his hands," she wrote last week. "So it has been a tough few days. But he is doing better. He will remain in this hospital for 2 weeks or until he is ready to be moved the rehabilitation hospital for the remainder of his recovery."

People who wish to send cards and flowers can have them delivered to: 

Romeo Tucci, University of Alberta Hospital, 8440 112 St NW,  Alberta AB T6G 2B7 Hospital Ward 3D3 room 20.

What is frostbite?

Frostbite is a serious condition that causes both the skin and underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) to freeze following prolonged exposure to the cold. The skin will become white and waxy in appearance and feel hard to the touch. There is no feeling in the affected area.

Treating frostbite

If you have developed, or think you have developed, frostbite, seek immediate medical attention. 

• Do NOT rub or massage the affected area. 
• Wait to warm the affected area until you are certain that it will stay warm, and not get cold again.
• Slowly warm the area - use body heat or warm water (40 to 42ºC).
• Avoid direct heat because it can burn the skin.

ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: HOW TO SURVIVE AN AVALANCHE:

DON'T MISS A THING: Subscribe to The Weather Network's YouTube channel for access to the best weather-related videos in Canada VIEW THE CHANNEL | VIEWER VIDEOS | POPULAR NOW | SUBSCRIBE