Hypothermia
When
your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, a situation may occur where
all of your body's energy is used up trying to produce heat.The result is
hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
Victims of hypothermia are most often elderly people with
inadequate food, clothing, or heating; babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; and
people who remain outdoors for long periods -- the homeless, hikers, hunters,
etc.
Each
person is affected differently by the cold. Wet and cold can bring hypothermia
on rapidly, or long exposure to the cold, rain, and wind can bring the symptoms
of hypothermia on slowly.
Mild
hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature is between 98.6° and 96°F.
The core temperature for moderate hypothermia is 95° to 93°F. If your
core temperature reaches 92° or below, you are in a life-threatening situation.
This condition will affect your heart rate, blood flow, and ability to think
clearly. Immediate attention is necessary.
Signs
and Symptoms of hypothermia:
In Adults
·
shivering/exhaustion
·
confusion/memory loss
·
drowsiness
·
slurred speech
In
Infants
·
bright red, cold skin
·
very low energy
If
you believe you or someone else is suffering from hypothermia, it is imperative
to get to a warm room or shelter and call for help. While you wait for help to
arrive, remove any wet clothing and warm the center of the victim's body first.
An electric blanket works well if one is available. Skin-to-skin contact under
loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets may also be
effective. Drinking warm beverages -- NOT ALCOHOL -- will also help increase
the body temperature. Once the body temperature has increased, keep the victim
dry and wrapped in a warm blanket including the head and neck until help
arrives.
If
the victim is suffering from severe hypothermia, he or she may be unconscious
and may not seem to have a pulse or appear to be breathing. In this case, you
need to handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately.
Frostbite
It only
takes a few minutes for exposed skin to become frostbitten if the temperature
is below 20 F and the wind is blowing at 20 mph or more.
What is
Frostbite?
When outside
in the cold, your body is focused on maintaining its core temperature. To do
that, it shifts blood away from the extremities and toward the central organs
of the heart and lungs. This increases the risk of local cold injury such as
frostbite to your extremities, particularly the feet and hands, and if
uncovered, the nose, cheeks and ears on the head. We have even treated a case
of frostbite of the corneas of the eyes at one x-c ski race.
Body tissues
actually freeze when they are frostbitten. Ice crystals form in the cell,
causing physical damage and permanent changes in cell chemistry. When the ice
thaws, additional changes occur and may result in cell death.
If just the
skin surface is affected, it's known as superficial frostbite; deep frostbite
affects underlying tissues.
Preventing
Frostbite
Anyone who
is not dressed properly, is outside for too long, or gets wet in cold weather
can get frostbite. It is easier to prevent frostbite than to treat it.
Dress for
the weather, not against it. Wear light, layered clothing that
provides ventilation as well as insulation. Wear a water-repellent, breathable shell
on top.
Protect your
head, hands and feet. COVER ALL EXPOSED SKIN! A number of new face masks
specifically designed for winter athletes have come on the market in recent
years. If you prefer to have your mouth and nostrils uncovered, consider
putting moleskin or Vaseline on susceptible areas. Much of your body's heat
loss occurs through your head and extremities. Helmets specifically designed
for winter sports can protect your ears as well as your noggin, and also help
retain body warmth. Goggles protect the eyes, and are less prone to fog up than
sunglasses. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Wear wool or micro fleece socks and
boots to keep your feet warm. Don't drink or smoke before going out into the
cold. If you plan on being out in the cold for a prolonged period, don't
drink alcohol or smoke. Alcohol and nicotine cause constriction of blood
vessels and leave the skin more prone to thermal injury.
If you get
wet, go inside. Keep your skin dry. Remove wet
clothing as quickly as possible. Check yourself every half-hour or so for signs
of frostbite. If your toes, fingers, ears or other body parts feel numb, get
inside.
Hydrate! Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases the
blood's volume, which helps prevent frostbite. Adequate hydration helps
sustain circulation
Symptoms
Numbness
Skin feels frozen
Skin appears
waxy, white, or grayish.
Frostbite can
be very serious. If you suspect you have frostbite, seek medical care
immediately.