What is the first step to take for a person who has painfully numb fingers from cold exposure?

Getting the person to a warmer place is crucial as it addresses the root cause of the issue—cold exposure. When fingers are painfully numb, it typically indicates cold-related injuries such as frostnip or frostbite, which can lead to further tissue damage if the area remains cold. A warmer environment helps to gradually increase the body temperature and allows the blood to circulate back to the affected areas, reducing the risk of further injury.

While other options may seem beneficial, they do not directly tackle the immediate necessity of warming the person up. Wrapping their hands in a blanket could provide some localized warmth but might not be as effective as moving them to a warmer overall environment. Offering hot tea provides warmth from the inside, but it does not directly address the cold exposure affecting the fingers. Massaging their hands gently could increase circulation, but this action may also be painful and is not a priority; warming the entire body is the first essential step before implementing any other treatment.