“Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. And since we’ve got no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” The cold winter months and frigid temperatures are here for most of us. It is time to get prepared for the worst. Below are the two most prevalent winter related emergencies to be prepared for this snowy season.
Frostbite
Don’t get bit by Jack Frost this winter. Our first Cold Related Emergency to be prepared for this winter is frost bite. Frost bite is caused by exposure to extreme cold temperatures for an extended period of time. Frostbite causes tissue just below the skin to freeze. First onset signs and symptoms of frostbite include:
- Prickling feeling of the skin
- Numbness
- Red, white, blue, and grey-yellow looking skin
- Muscle tightness
- Blistering in severe cases
Vulnerable Areas
When the body is exposed to cold temperatures, the natural reaction is for blood to rush to the torso to protect target organs. Because of this, several areas of the body are left highly vulnerable to frostbite including:
- Fingers
- Toes
- Ears
- Nose
- Cheeks
Treating Frostbite
Recognizing these signs and symptoms is the first step to treating frost bite. If you or someone else is exposed to cold temperatures, it is important to immediately get the individual to a warmer area. Look for discoloration in vulnerable areas, and immediately remove damp or wet clothing such as gloves, socks, or hats. Replace the affected areas with dry and warm towels or blankets.
Discourage skin to skin contact for rewarming as this can cause blistering. Do not pick any scabs or blisters as this will damage the skin worse.Gradually increase the individuals body temperature and monitor the individual for changes in behavior. If the skin does not appear to be improving, seek further medical attention.
Hypothermia
Our second cold related emergency to be prepared for this winter is Hypothermia. Hypothermia is an extremely dangerous drop in body temperature. It is also usually caused by an excessive exposure to cold temperatures, but it does not take long to slip into hypothermia.
The normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. In cases of hypothermia, the core body temperature drops below 95 degrees and in severe cases it can drop below 92 degrees.
What Causes Hypothermia?
During cold temperatures the body must work harder to maintain its normal body temperature (98.6 degrees). While exposed to cold temperatures, heat loss occurs, mainly through natural breathing (exhaling) and radiation (increases from exposed skin to moisture).
If you are exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time, larger amounts of heat loss is likely to occur. The organs that normally produce body heat begin to slow down and move into “shut down mode” as a defense mechanism to protect the brain. It is vital to understand how to recognize the signs and symptoms of Hypothermia before it’s too late. When hypothermia kicks in, it can quickly become deadly.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
- Extreme Shivering
- Confusion
- Glassy stare
- Heavy fatigue
- Grey skin
These signs and symptoms will normally begin with the shivering of arms and legs. As blood rushes to the torso to protect target organs, the arms and legs are now left with minimal amounts of warm blood. Shivering is the body’s natural response. The muscles of the arms and legs begin to rapidly contract in effort to redirect blood back to these areas.
If shivering is stops and the person is still in the cold temperatures, check for other symptoms. The person might be confused and have a glassy stare. If other symptoms exist, the person may be entering into hypothermia.
Lastly, their skin may have a grey appearance and they may become extremely fatigued. The grey skin tone, could indicate a lack of blood flow and fatigue would also imply the person is burning large amounts of energy quickly.
How to treat Hypothermia?
Hypothermia can quickly accelerate and is a potentially life-threatening condition. If you suspect someone is suffering from this Cold Winter Emergency here are some steps to take for treating it.
- Remove all wet clothes and replace with dry towels or blankets.
- Refrain from putting on jackets, or other sweatshirts. Hypothermia can lead do unresponsiveness. Towels and blankets are easy to remove if the person becomes unresponsive.
- Gradually warm the person. Refrain from placing the person in a hot shower or a hot tub. Rapid warming methods can send the person into shock. Instead, gradually warm the person with small heaters.
- If symptoms continue for 15-20 minutes and are not getting better, call 911 or the designated number.
- Continue to monitor the person’s signs and symptoms and be prepared to give CPR if you are trained.
How to avoid Frostbite and Hypothermia this Winter
The easiest way to prevent Frostbite and hypothermia is to avoid extended periods of cold temperature exposure. If you work outside or are exposed to cold temperatures for longer periods of time, here are some other tips to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
Layer Up
Checking the weather forecast the night before is the easiest way to stay prepared. Lay out your outfit the night before and don’t hesitate to break out the puffy jacket. It may lack on style, but it will keep you warm. We also recommend carrying a hat and gloves as we just learned ears, and fingers are vulnerable areas to frostbite.
Change your route
If you live in a city and walk to work, avoid the scenic route to the office this winter. Changing your route and taking the shorter 5-minute stroll could pay up big time and reduce the amount of heat loss you experience.
Pack Extra
Making that long haul to see the in-laws? Packing an extra set of warm clothes, and a blanket in could be the difference of beating the cold if the car breaks down. Emergency car kits exist for longer hauls.
Here are a few places to go to find cold related emergency kits and safety items!
https://www.redcross.org/store/winter-auto-survival-kit/54894.html
https://warmers.com/collections/all
https://www.rei.com/c/emergency-blankets
RECAP
- Frost bite is described as when tissue damage below the skin occurs from cold temperatures.
- Hypothermia is described as a dangerous drop in overall body temperature.
- Both cold related emergencies should be treated with gradual warming methods.
- If conditions do not get better after 15-20 minutes for either emergency, seek advanced medical assistance and call 911 if needed.
- The best ways to prevent these emergencies is to avoid the cold, and to have an emergency cold weather kit.
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