Cold weather often presents new hazards including slips and falls on icy walkways, carbon monoxide, hypothermia and frostbite when outdoors.
Hypothermia:
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy, resulting in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Too low of a body temperature makes the victim unable to think clearly or move well. Hypothermia is particularly dangerous because a person may not be aware it is happening and will not be able to do anything about it.
Symptoms of hypothermia vary depending on the length of exposure to cold temperatures.
| EARLY SYMPTOMS | LATE SYMPTOMS |
|---|---|
| Shivering | No shivering |
| Fatigue | Blue skin |
| Loss of coordination | Dilated pupils |
| Confusion and disorientation | Slowed pulse and breathing |
| Unconsciousness |
Take the following steps to treat hypothermia:
- Request medical assistance.
- Move the victim to a warm room and call (336) 841-9111.
- Remove any wet clothing.
- Warm the center of their body first—chest, neck, head and groin.
- Warm beverages may help increase body temperature.
- Keep the victim dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, covering the head and neck to maintain warmth.
- Begin CPR if the victim has no pulse.
Frostbite is caused by freezing which results in a loss of feeling and color in the affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage body tissues with severe cases resulting in amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in extremely cold temperatures, particularly for those who are not dressed properly.
Symptoms of frostbite include:
- Reduced blood flow to hands and feet
- Numbness
- Tingling or stinging
- Aching
- Bluish or pale, waxy skin
Anyone showing signs of frostbite should:
- Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
- Avoid walking on frostbitten toes or feet unless absolutely necessary.
- Immerse the affected area in warm water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
- Avoid rubbing or massaging the frostbitten area which may cause more damage.
- Avoid using a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Frostbitten areas are numb and easily burned.