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When it comes to cold, play it safe |
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January 20, 2017 |
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| Photo by Keith
Johnson |
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By Stu Willis, MD and Pete Cassidy, RN
Boundary Community Hospital Emergency Department
Brrrrrrrrrrrr! It’s cold out there!
The weather outside may be frightful, after all,
we live in North Idaho and six months out of the
year it’s cold and wet, windy and sometimes
miserable. Did you know that the most common
cold weather injuries in our area are
hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains (sometimes
called frost nip) and “trench foot?”
Hypothermia occurs when the
body core temperature drops significantly below
normal.
It can be a life-threatening emergency and
should be treated immediately. It is more common
in children and the elderly because they
sometimes do not recognize the signs – frostbite
and hypothermia can come on within minutes.
Conditions leading to hypothermia, even in only
mildly chilly weather, include improper clothing
and equipment, wetness, fatigue/exhaustion,
dehydration, and poor food intake. Alcohol use
may “numb you to the danger.”
Signs/Symptoms of hypothermia:
Watch for the "umbles" -- stumbles, mumbles,
fumbles, and grumbles which indicate changes in
coordination and levels of alertness
Mild hypothermia signs:
1) Shivering out of control
2) Unable to do complex tasks, but can still walk and talk
3) Reduced blood flow to the limbs and skin
Moderate hypothermia symptoms include:
1) Dazed consciousness
2) Loss of fine coordination
3) Slurred speech
4) Violent shivering
5) Irrational behavior- "I don't care" attitude
Severe symptoms include:
1) Shivering in waves
2) Falling to the ground; can't walk; curling into a fetal position
3) Pale skin, dilated pupils, decreased pulse rate
4) Muscle rigidity develops
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call
9-1-1 and try to reduce heat loss by changing
them to dry clothes and adding more clothes.
Increase their physical activity, find shelter,
and be sure they eat and drink – carbs,
proteins, fats and hot liquids help bring the
temperature up.
Frostbite occurs as fluid in
the cells freeze with exposure to cold
temperatures. The crystals damage the tissues.
The most common locations for frostbite are the
hands and feet, and exposed superficial skin
such as the nose, lips, and ears.
Signs/symptoms of frostbite include:
• Numbness in affected areas
• Tingling, blistered, swollen, or tender areas
• Pale, yellowish, waxy-looking skin
• Frozen tissue feels wooden to the touch
• Significant pain after rewarming
Recommended treatment for mild frostbite is
placing the affected part in "warm” water,
98-104 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not allow the
affected part to refreeze! And avoid excessive
heat or rubbing the area. Moderate to severe
frostbite should be treated by medical
professionals.
Always suspect hypothermia if frostbite has
occurred.
Some “Be Safe” precautions:
• Supervise children when they are out in the cold
• Older children/teens and others participating in outside winter
activities should be encouraged to use the
"buddy system" to look for early signs of cold
injury
• Be sure to wear gloves or mittens and hats
• Keep feet dry and avoid tight socks and boots
• Remember C-O-L-D
o Keep it Clean
o Avoid Overheating
o Wear it Loose
and in Layers
o Keep it Dry
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco/nicotine
So, when the temperature drops and snow starts
falling, watch for the signs and know when you
need to go see your doctor or come to the
emergency department for treatment.
We live in a beautiful place, with all kinds of
weather, so be safe and enjoy those cold weather
activities. |
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