Cold Related Emergencies Frostbite – (temp. 32 degrees) Hypothermia – (can occur at above freezing temps)

Cold Factors #2 Dehydration Nutrition Illness Injury Wind Wet clothing (transfers heat from the body)

Proper Clothing 3 layers of clothing – Purpose is to insulate by trapping layers of air – A single heavy layer is not recommended

Additional Considerations Cap – 50-60% of body’s heat is lost through the head Neck – Site of significant heat loss – Gloves / Boots

Frostbite (frozen tissue) Freezes deep into the skin Mainly affects feet, hands, ears, nose

Frostbite: Signs and Symptoms (pre-thaw) White, waxy or grayish-yellow skin Pain followed by no feeling Affected part is very cold or numb Hard or crusty skin – Post-thaw resembles burn stages

First Aid: Re-warming 1. Medical center 2. Rapid (wet) re-warming: – Preferred re-warming method outside of hospital setting in water temperatures around 103 to Slow re-warming: – involves warming body to body, arm pit, etc. Use caution if re-warming with a heating- pad, stove or over a fire

Rapid Re-Warming NEVER RUB FROZEN TISSUE Place body parts in water 102 to 105 (20 to 40 minutes) Do not re-warm if there is a chance of re-freezing Put dry gauze or fluffy cloth between frozen digits

Hypothermia Core body temperature – 95 degrees (mild) – 90 degrees (profound) Medical emergency – Victim may present with no heartbeat, breathing, or response to touch or pain, but may not be dead Except in mild cases, all victims should be evaluated by a physician

Mild Hypothermia Shivering Slurred speech Memory lapses Fumbling hands May stumble or stagger Usually conscious and can talk Cold abdomen and back

Profound Hypothermia Body temperature below 90 degrees (AR hunter) Shivering has ceased Muscles stiff and rigid Skin appears blue No response to pain Pulse and respirations slowed Pupils dilate / Victim “appears dead” / 50-80% will die Child in Canada, winter 2001, core body temp. 60

Hypothermia: What To Do Move victim to warm environment Replace wet clothing Lie down and cover / cap Call EMS if necessary Check ABC’s – Take pulse for seconds Always try to re- warm in a hospital

Hypothermia Warm drinks Do not consume un- melted snow and ice if in a cold environment Do not place in tub of warm water