Hypothermia
Hypothermia refers to a condition that occurs when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). In conditions like we've seen recently, hypothermia can happen quickly. Both wind and being wet or damp can cause the body temperature to drop faster than cold temperatures alone.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Feeling cold
- Pale skin
- Being cool in areas of the body that are usually warm
- Shivering
- Slowed rate of breathing and heart rate
- Lethargy
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
If you notice the early symptoms of hypothermia (feeling cold, shivering) in yourself or someone else, don't delay - - seek warmth and shelter immediately. If the hypothermia has progressed past these early symptoms it is very important to begin warming the person and to seek medical attention as soon as possible (call 911 if the person is unconscious, has very slow or faint heart beat, or difficulty breathing). Suggestions for warming a person with hypothermia include dry clothing, blankets, a heated shelter, a warm bath, sips of hot liquid, or utilizing another person’s body heat.
If you have students or employees that are required to be outside, please be aware of the dangers. We suggest that you limit any activities which require extended exposure to the elements.
The prevention of hypothermia includes:
- Dressing appropriately for weather and other conditions – wool does a great job of keeping you warm. Wear gloves and a hat. You can lose most of your body heat through your head. Dress in layers.
- Protect the exposed parts of your body; such as ears, nose, toes and fingers, this will also help prevent frostbite.
- Limit the amount of time spent in cold temperatures.
- Don't consume alcohol if you spend time outside. Alcohol impairs judgment and causes loss of body heat.
- Eat plenty of hot foods and drink warm liquids several times during the day.
Frost Bite
Frostbite is what happens when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to extreme cold. It is literally, frozen body tissue and must be handled carefully to prevent permanent tissue damage or loss. Frostbite looks like white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard. It requires immediate emergency medical attention. Frostbite affects areas that are exposed to the cold, such as the cheeks, nose, ears, fingers, and toes
Symptoms of frostbite include:
- "pins and needles" sensation followed by
- Numbness
- Throbbing or aching, but later the affected part is numb
- Skin appears hard, pale, cold, and has no feeling.
- Very severe frostbite may cause blisters, gangrene (blackened, dead tissue), and damage to deep structures such as tendons, muscles, nerves and bones.
If you notice early symptoms such as "pins and needles" sensation and throbbing or aching in your extremities you should come indoors immediately. Remove any wet clothing you may be wearing. In early stages you can immerse the chilled body parts in warm (not hot) water until all sensation returns. Let someone else control the water temperature during rewarming – remember that numb hands won't feel the heat and can be severely burned by water that is too hot.
True frostbite is characterized by white, waxy skin that feels numb and hard. It requires immediate emergency medical attention. Call Health Services right away (862-2856).
Prevention of Frost Bite and Hypothermia are the same.
Keep warm out there.
Please feel free to visit or call Health Services for more information: 862-2856.
