Health Alert: Preventing Cold Weather Injuries & Emergencies

As freezing temperatures and dangerous "wind chills" continue, everyone - especially children and older adults - is at greater risk of cold injuries and cold-related emergencies. Preferred Care wants to help keep you and your family safe this winter with important information about frostbite and hypothermia, so you can recognize and prevent these cold emergencies.

Frostbite

Frostbite happens when water in the body's tissues freezes and swells. It usually occurs in body parts that are exposed to the cold - cheeks, nose, fingers, toes. The ice crystals and swelling can damage or even destroy the body's cells, which can cause the eventual loss of the affected area. Signs of frostbite include:

•  Lack of feeling in the affected area
•  Skin that appears waxy
•  Skin that is cold to the touch
•  Skin that is discolored (flushed, white, yellow or blue)

Handle frostbitten skin gently - do not rub it. Immediately soak the affected body part in water that's 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit, keeping it away from the bottom and sides of the container until the area is red and warm, then bandage with clean, dry dressing. Don't use or walk on the affected area until all feeling has returned.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a body temperature of 95 degrees or less Fahrenheit. This occurs when your body loses more heat than it can produce. Symptoms of mild hypothermia include:

•  Shivering
•  Confusion
•  Feeling tired, weak
•  Slurred speech
•  Slow reaction time
•  Poor coordination
•  Irritability
•  Memory loss

For mild hypothermia, warm blankets and some hot soup will usually help the body go back to its proper temperature. The situation becomes dangerous when the body temperature drops to 90 degrees or less. At this point, breathing and heartbeat slow down and at some point may stop. Continue to warm the body gradually with blankets, a hot water bottle or a heating pad (only if clothing and skin is dry).

Preventing Cold Emergencies

Children may not be aware of cold exposure - simple and easy precautions can help keep kids (and you) safe:

•  Limit the amount of time you or your child is out in cold, wet, or windy weather. Be aware of the wind chill factor, which makes the weather feel even colder than it is.

•  Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Remember C-O-L-D :

Cover your head, neck and face as much as possible since most heat loss can occur in these areas. These areas also are at risk for frostbite. Apply lip protection.

Overexertion can cause both you and your child to chill more quickly. Sweating causes clothing to become damp and increases heat loss.

Layers of clothing will protect you best against wind and cold conditions. Start with a cotton underlayer, then add an insulating layer. (Fabrics to look for: wool, Quallofill, polyester pile)

Dry is key in preventing cold injury. A waterproof or water-resistant outer layer of clothing will reduce heat loss. (Fabrics to look for: ripstop nylon, Supplex, Gore-Tex)

•  Teach children to do a "chill check" while they are outside. During a chill check, everyone stops playing to look at each other's faces. If anyone's face has very red or white spots, or if anyone is shivering, children should find an adult for help.

Older adults and less active people can suffer from hypothermia while in their home - learning how to "winterize" will keep you safe and warm:

•  Keep your home's temperature at a minimum of 68 degrees day and night. To save energy and costs, close off the rooms you do not use.

•  Ask your physician if any of your medication could affect your body temperature.

•  Even if you do not feel cold indoors, make sure you own a thermometer that registers as low as 65 degrees and check it regularly. Shake it down before using. If it is still at the temperature of your last fever, you will not get an accurate reading.

•  Dress in layers inside the house as well as when you go outside. Wearing a hat or cap indoors also will help you retain body heat.

•  Do not drink alcohol. Though you may feel warmer, alcohol actually lowers your body temperature by dilating, or enlarging, your blood vessels. The only effective "night cap" is the one you wear on your head.

See more on Frostbite and Hypothermia in our Health Encyclopedia.

Additional information provided by the American Red Cross Greater Rochester Chapter www.RochesterRedCross.org

Posted: February 2005

This medical information does not take the place of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek your doctor's advice if you have questions about a medical condition.