It is the time of year when cold weather can become a serious health risk.  Cold weather emergencies include Hypothermia and Frostbite.  The elderly population is at a higher risk due to either inadequate clothing, heating, or food. Infants sleeping in bedrooms that are too cold, also anyone who stays outside too long during these conditions including hunters, hikers, and the homeless.  When exposed to cold temperatures your body will lose heat rapidly and use stored energy.  As your body temperature decreases you will not be able to think clearly or move very well making it difficult to stay safe.

Signs of Hypothermia in Adults may include: Shivering, Exhaustion, Confusion, Fumbling Hands, Memory Loss, Slurred Speech, and Drowsiness.  In Infants you will notice bright red skin, cold skin, and very low energey.

If you notice these signs in an adult or infant you should take their temperature.  A temperature below 95 is an emergency and you should seek medical attention immediately.

If Medical Attention is NOT available, begin by warming the person as follows:

• Get the person inside a warm dry room.
• Remove any wet clothing the person has on.
• Begin warming the Chest, Head, Neck and Groin with either an electric blanket, or direct skin contact under loose blankets or coverings.
• Warm beverages can help elevate a persons body temperature.  Avoid alcoholic beverages and never give a beverage to someone who is unconscious.
• Seek Medical Attention as soon as possible.

 Another cold weather emergency is Frostbite which is a loss of feeling in ears, chin, cheeks, fingers, toes, and nose caused by freezing.  People with poor blood circulation are at an increased risk to Frostbite.  When you recognize redness or feel pain to any part of the skin you should go indoors or cover the exposed skin immediately.  Signs of Frostbie include: white or grayish skin, that feels unusually firm or numb.

• Get into a warm room.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk onn frostbitten feet or toes.
• Immerse the affected area in warm water. NOT HOT.
• You may also warm the affected area using body heat.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all.  This can cause damage to the affected area.
• Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas can easily be burned.             

 You should not substitutes these procedures for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider.

Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather related emergencies.