Whether you spend time outdoors for work or fun, cold weather can be dangerous. Understanding the risks associated with excessive exposure to low temperatures, wind, and/or moisture can help you prevent two serious conditions: frostbite and hypothermia. These are also risks for anyone who is stranded after a winter car accident. Keep reading for information and prevention tips from the National Safety Council.
What is Frostbite?
Frostbite results from exposure to severe cold. It can happen even if your skin is protected. Frostbite most often occurs on fingers, toes, nose, ears, chin, and cheeks. Catching it early is critical for preventing permanent damage. If untreated, frostbite can lead to tissue death and amputation.
Skin appears white, waxy, or grayish-yellow due to superficial frostbite. It will also feel cold and numb. All layers of skin are affected if it progresses to deep frostbite, which can lead to completely numb skin and blisters.
If you’re concerned that someone around you may have frostbite, move them out of the cold and remove wet clothing as well as constricting items. Seek medical help as soon as possible. Use dry gauze to protect the skin between fingers and toes. Don’t use chemical warmers directly on skin. Protect the frostbitten area and elevate it if possible.
What is Hypothermia?
When the body’s core temperature dips below 95 degrees, hypothermia occurs. It’s usually caused by exposure to extreme cold, but it can also happen at higher temperatures if someone becomes chilled quickly from rain or water submersion.
One early sign of hypothermia is severe shivering, which attempts to help the body stay warm. As hypothermia worsens, this leads to drowsiness, exhaustion, confusion, irregular heartbeat, shallow breathing, slurred speech, and/or loss of coordination. If it becomes severe, it can cause unconsciousness and death.
If someone is experiencing hypothermia, check their responsiveness and breathing. Call 911 for immediate care unless the condition seems very mild. Move the person out of the cold and remove any wet clothing. Perform CPR if the individual is unresponsive and having trouble breathing. Be extremely gentle and don’t rub or massage the person’s skin.
Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia Injuries
If you’re spending time outside in cold weather, take steps to prevent exposure to extreme cold and moisture. Limit time outdoors when it’s cold, wet, or windy. Layer your clothing and use mittens to help your fingers stay warm. Wear a hat and consider a face covering on especially cold days. Make sure socks and footwear can keep your feet warm and dry; look for waterproof boots, particularly if you spend a lot of time working outdoors in winter weather.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact the Schuerman Law office today. Schuerman Law has been working with personal injury claims for over 40 years. John Schuerman will compassionately advocate for injured individuals as well as their families while fighting for full compensation of their claims. Schuerman Law offers evening and weekend appointments in addition to home and hospital visits. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 1-800-274-0045.
