Health-care workers push for better access to frostbite treatment popularized in Yukon

A new coalition of Canadian health-care workers is on a mission to transform frostbite care in Canada by promoting an innovative treatment protocol pioneered by Yukoners. Surgeon Alex Poole and pharmacist Josianne Gauthier, who are part of the Canadian Frostbite Care Network, conducted a study in 2016 that showcased the effectiveness of using Iloprost, a drug, to treat severe frostbite.

The groundbreaking approach has been successfully utilized on Himalayan climbers in Kathmandu and saved fingers and toes in Helsinki. However, despite its proven success, the treatment is still not widely adopted in Canada. The conventional frostbite treatment in the country often involves lengthy waiting periods before amputations are considered.

While Iloprost was approved by the FDA in the U.S. earlier this year, it is not commercially available in Canada and requires a special access request to Health Canada. Dr. Catherine Patocka, an emergency room physician in Calgary, was inspired by Poole and Gauthier’s study and recognized the potential impact of the treatment on vulnerable populations, such as individuals experiencing homelessness or substance abuse.

The treatment protocol introduced by Poole and Gauthier has significantly reduced amputation rates in Calgary and is gradually being implemented in various regions in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. However, cities like Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto are still grappling with rising frostbite amputations.

The slow adoption of new treatments in Canada can be attributed to the stringent requirements for drug approval and the decentralized nature of health authorities across provinces and territories. Individual physicians play a crucial role in advocating for new treatments and driving change within the healthcare system.

Poole emphasized the need for a national database to track frostbite cases and facilitate knowledge-sharing among healthcare professionals. The Canadian Frostbite Care Network aims to enhance frostbite treatment and gain a comprehensive understanding of its impact nationwide.

With a collaborative effort and data-driven approach, the Canadian healthcare community is poised to revolutionize frostbite care and improve outcomes for patients across the country. The pioneering work of Poole and Gauthier serves as a catalyst for innovation and progress in frostbite management.