Cold Weather Safety Tips Created and Presented By: Chelsea Jean

How Cold is To Cold? When the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may result – This may include tissue damage and possibly death A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature

Remember…. Cold air, water, and snow all draw heat from the body Wind chill is the combination of air temperature and wind speed – Example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, your exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the air temperature being 11° F While it is obvious that below freezing conditions combined with inadequate clothing could bring about cold stress, it is also important to understand that it can also be brought about by temperatures in the 50's with some rain and wind

How does the body react to cold conditions? When in a cold environment, most of your body's energy is used to keep your internal temperature warm. – Over time, your body will begin to shift blood flow from your extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core (chest and abdomen). This allows exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. – Combine this with cold water, and trench foot may also be a problem.

What are possible out comes of over exposure? Hypothermia Frostbite Trench Foot Amputation Death

Anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk for cold stress.  Older people may be at more risk than younger adults, – elderly people are not able to generate heat as quickly Certain medications may prevent the body from generating heat normally these may include: – Anti-depressants – Sedatives – Tranquilizers and others

What is hypothermia? Means "low heat", and is potentially a serious health condition – Occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced  When core body temperature drops below 98.6° F to around 95° F, the onset of symptoms kick in  Shivering, exhaustion  Confusion, fumbling hands  Memory loss, slurred speech  Drowsiness The skin will likely be pale and cold – Once the body temperature falls to around 85° F severe hypothermia will develop and the person may become unconscious, and at 78°, the person could die

Treating Hypothermia Dial (yes for all the Buckwheats out there it is really just 9-1-1) If that is not possible – Seek shelter and cover with blankets near a heat source – Remove wet clothes immediately – Skin to Skin warming – Warm beverages (no caffeine or alcohol or anything else that may dehydrate you even more ) – Place warming pacts on chest and groin area – NOT on extremities (Legs, arms, hands or feet Forces cold blood to rush to heart)

Worst Case Scenario A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

DO NOT Lay directly on the ground Rub the body Drench the body in hot water Apply heat source (heating pads ) directly to body – This may cause skin damage or cardiac arrest if heart beat is irregular

Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation If your skin looks white or grayish-yellow, is very cold and has a hard or waxy feel, you may have frostbite Your skin may also itch, burn or feel numb Severe or deep frostbite can cause blistering and hardening As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful

Frostnip- Mild frost bite irritates the skin causing a cold feeling followed by numbness, no permanent damage when treated with first aid Superficial frostbite- when frostnip progresses you experience a warm feeling A blister may occur in hour time period after the skin thaws Deep frostbite- you may experience numbness joints and muscle may no longer work, black blisters occur as the skin hardens and dies, amputation may be necessary

Protect your skin from further exposure. – If you're outside, warm frostbitten hands by tucking them into your armpits. Protect your face, nose or ears by covering the area with dry, gloved hands. Don't rub the affected area and never rub snow on frostbitten skin. Get out of the cold. – Once you're indoors, remove wet clothes. Gradually warm frostbitten areas. – Put frostbitten hands or feet in warm water — 104 to F (40 to 42 C). Wrap or cover other areas in a warm blanket. Don't use direct heat, such as a stove, heat lamp, fireplace or heating pad, because these can cause burns before you feel them on your numb skin. Don't walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible. – This further damages the tissue. If there's any chance the affected areas will freeze again, don't thaw them. – If they're already thawed, wrap them up so that they don't become frozen again. Get emergency medical help. – If numbness or sustained pain remains during warming or if blisters develop, seek medical attention.

Preventative Measure Proper Cold Weather Gear! – Hat – Face mask (for extreme temperatures) – Waterproof insulated gloves – Warm insulated water resistant coat and snow pants – Wool socks, regular socks – Layered shirts – Water proof slip resistant snow boots

Keys to winter survival Proper gear Stocked and ready emergency kit Putting safety first at home and work Thinking ahead Keeping hyrdated