Staying Safe in the Cold

By: Chris Hall

This winter, whether you are at work or home, keeping warm can be a challenge. When temperatures drop below freezing, wearing the right clothes and some sensible practices can reduce the likelihood of frostbite or hypothermia.

Frostbite is the most common hazard in cold environments. The parts of the body usually affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes. As these parts get colder, the moisture in the layers of skin begins to freeze. In bad cases, the tissue damage can be permanent; which could result in the losing of the affected part. Signs of frostbite usually start with feeling uncomfortably cold, then numb. Sometimes it is accompanied with a tingling or aching feeling or a brief pain.

Hypothermia is the other dangerous cold weather hazard. It is the result of long term exposure to temperatures low enough to lower an individual's core body temperature (98.6° F). With hypothermia, you first feel cold, then pain in your extremities. Victims shiver, which is one of the body's ways of trying to raise the core temperature. Other symptoms of hypothermia include: numbness, stiffness (especially in the neck and extremities), poor coordination, drowsiness, slow or irregular breathing and heart rate, slurred speech, cool skin, and puffiness in the face.

It is crucial for anyone who spends a considerable amount of time outside in low temperatures to be aware of how to protect yourself. The best way to deal with cold problems is to prevent them in the first place through one of the following measures:

• Limit exposure to cold, especially if it's windy or damp.
• Dress in layers of loose and dry clothes, using a wind breaker or waterproof jacket as an outer layer.
• Cover hands, feet, face, and head.
• Keep moving when you're in the cold.
• Take regular breaks from the cold in a warm area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from frostbite, be aware of the don'ts:

• Don't rub the body part, or apply a heat lamp or hot water bottle.
• Don't go near a hot stove.
• Don't break any blisters.
• Don't drink caffeine.

Do warm the frozen body part quickly with sheets and blankets or warm (not hot) water.
For anyone suffering from hypothermia, or a body temperature less than 96° F, simple actions can be taken to prevent a mild case from developing into severe hypothermia or possibly death. The first thing to do is to get where it's warm. Get out of any frozen, wet, or tight clothing and into warm clothes or blankets. Drink something warm, decaffeinated, and non-alcoholic. For severe hypothermia, call 911 for medical help and keep the person covered with blankets or something similar. Don't use hot baths, electric blankets, or hot water bottles.

To enjoy or work in the cold weather it is important to take care of simple items to enjoy your time. Not being fully aware of the health hazards of cold exposure can be dangerous. Taking simple precautions to prevent exposure and reduce the chances of frostbite or hypothermia.