Cold Weather can be Deadly, A.M.R. Medics Warn

Plunging temperatures and wind chill are a direct threat to life and limb, especially for the elderly, small children, the chronically ill, substance abusers, and individuals who stay out in the cold weather for long periods of time.

American Medial Response (A.M.R.) paramedics give this advice for avoiding, recognizing, and treating two deadly cold-related illnesses, hypothermia and frostbite. Both conditions can happen in the southern United States, especially when someone is outdoors, gets wet, stays wet, and has extensive exposure to frigid wind chill. Hypothermia can also occur indoors, such as in a home without heat.

To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, A.M.R. medics say:

-Wear at least three layers of clothing, even indoors. Layering the clothes conserves more body heat than one thick garment. The layer closest to the body should be thin, made of polyester of similar material. The first thin layer should pull moisture from the skin. The next layers should be bulkier, providing more insulation. Wool is a good material unless you are at risk of getting the wool soaked. Newer materials, such as polyester pile are also recommended. For the outdoors, the top layer should resist rain, sleet, or snow and have zippers for venting body heat when you get warm.
-Wear a stocking cap or, outdoors, a hood that covers all of the face except eyes, nostrils, and mouth. The Wilderness Medicine Society has reported that a shivering person can lose up to 55% of body heat through the scalp.
-Wear mittens, not gloves; mittens keep hands warmer than gloves.
-Immediately remove clothing that gets wet and put on another layered outfit that is dry.
-Keep at least one room in the home at a comfortable temperature. Close the doors to other rooms that are not in use. To conserve heat, jam towels or blankets under gaps at the bottom of doors.
-In cold weather, friends of elders should check on them frequently, as age weakens the body’s ability to sense and adapt to temperature changes.

Hypothermia is dangerously low cooling of the body’s internal temperature. Hypothermia victims go through stages of shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness, and eventually, they become unconscious. Unless emergency aid is provided, death soon follows.

First aid for hypothermia includes removing the person from the cold setting if possible. If the patient is outdoors, shield him or her from wind. Give C.P.R. is needed. Remove wet clothes and wrap the patient in warm materials. If and only if the victim is alert, give warm, non-alcoholic drinks. Never give anything by mouth to someone who is less than fully alert. Treat patient gently.

Frostbite is the actual freezing of a body part, most often the fingers, toes, ears, or nose. The body part often feels hard and waxy and may be discolored.

First aid for frostbite includes removing the person from the cold setting. Handle the affected part gently to protect it from further injury. Do no rub the frostbitten part. Do not allow the victim to try to use the part, such as walking on frostbitten toes. Wrap the part in a dry, sterile dressing. Never put ice on frostbite.

Rewarm the frostbitten body part only is hospital care is remote or unavailable. After rewarming, never let the part refreeze.

When hypothermia or frostbite may have struck, call 911 immediately for trained, equipped help from you local ambulance service.