When the temperature dips to cold extremes, it is important to stay warm and safe.

Chris Kalyn, Assistant Public Education Officer with AHS, shared tips on identifying common health risks related to cold weather like frost nip, frost bite and hypothermia. He also gave some tips for what to do in emergency situations, and how to avoid such emergencies.

Frost nip is when the skin is extremely cold, but not yet frozen, and usually affects the ears, nose, cheeks, fingers and toes. 

Frost bite is when the skin is so cold that the underlying tissues freeze. Skin will looks white and waxy. If you or someone you are with gets frost bite, move to a warm area immediately, place the frost bitten area in warm but not hot water, call 911 and seek further medical attention as required.

Hypothermia is when you become abnormally cold and your body temperature drops to less than 34 degrees. Early hypothermia may manifests as profound shivering. Moderate hypothermia will cause someone to act inappropriately, stumbling, mumbling or fumbling. Sever hypothermia may result in unconsciousness or death. If you or someone you are with begins suffering from hypothermia, call 911 and seek immediate medical attention.

In order to avoid cold related emergencies, Kalyn recommends the following tips:

  • Be prepared to be out in the cold
  • Dress warmly and properly for the weather
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with extra clothing, blankets and other roadside supplies
  • Wear appropriate footwear to avoid slips and falls

Kalyn also gives the following advice on what to do in any cold related emergency:

  • Recognize the symptoms early
  • Seek immediate medical attention
  • Initiate gentle rewarming
  • Remove wet or restrictive clothing
  • Cover the person with blankets or sleeping bags
  • Avoid cold surfaces
  • Shield from wind or further moisture

 

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