Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frostbite

It is COLD out there! If you need to be out and about in this weather, please dress appropriately and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. Not dressing appropriately and staying outside too long in these cold temperatures could lead to serious cold related illness and injury such as Hypothermia or Frostbite.

Please take a moment to learn the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frostbite from our friends at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also learn what to do if you, or another person, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of either condition.

Hypothermia

A condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Often occurs after prolonged exposure to cold temperature.

Early symptoms

• Shivering
• Fatigue
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion and disorientation

Late symptoms

• No shivering
• Blue skin
• Dilated pupils
• Slowed pulse and breathing
• Loss of consciousness

First Aid

• Request immediate medical assistance.
• Move the victim into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove wet clothing.
• Warm the center of their body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels.
• If conscious, warm beverages may help increase the body temperature. Do not give alcohol.
• Once temperature has increased keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
• If no pulse, begin CPR.

Frostbite

An injury to the body that is caused by freezing, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.

Symptoms

• Reduced blood flow to hands and feet
• Numbness
• Aching
• Tingling or stinging
• Bluish or pale, waxy skin

First Aid

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming.
• Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage.

 

Dressing For Cold Weather

Great advice from our friends at the National Weather Service. Make sure you, and your loved ones, are dressing appropriately for cold weather. Not dressing appropriately and staying outside too long in cold temperatures could lead to serious cold related illness and injury such as Hypothermia or Frostbite.

Accessible information can be found at www.weather.gov/cold