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Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

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  • Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

    Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

    (30 seconds)
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    This is an important message from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. Protect yourself against hypothermia and frostbite during cold weather. Wear warm clothing that covers your skin and remove any wet clothing immediately. Limit your time outdoors. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite among elderly adults, babies, people drinking alcohol, and others at risk. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect someone has hypothermia or frostbite. To learn more, call 1-800-CDC-INFO.


    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 health problems.

  • #2
    Re: Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

    Bump this because of cold weather in Northern Hemisphere.

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    • #3
      Re: Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

      Sally Furniss

      Limit your time outdoors
      N p with that recommendation ! as it was -16&#176; C (aka 3.2&#176; F) when I went for groceries some hours ago. The coldest here so far this winter, and unusually cold for the west coast

      I walked around 1 mile - 1.6 km in total, both ways, and felt freezing cold (especially fingers and ears) as I arrived home

      Cold weather in Northern Hemisphere now is due to North-Atlantic Oscilliation.

      Another issue of importance is to pay attention to room where pipelines enters house (often in basement). If temperature gets under 0&#176; C water will freeze to ice and damage pipelines - having a visit from a plumber might end up expensive

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      • #4
        Re: Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

        Ditto that for the UK! -10C outside and 18inches of snow. I have not seen snow like this since I was a child, and we are told there is more to come!

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        • #5
          Re: Preventing Hypothermia and Frostbite

          Winter Weather: Hypothermia

          <!-- mobile syndication block 1 end-->

          Highlights
          • When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced.
          • Low body temperature may make you unable to think clearly or move well.
          • You may not know you have hypothermia.
          • If your temperature is below 95?, the situation is an emergency?get medical attention immediately.
          <!-- mobile syndication block 2 start-->When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body?s stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won?t be able to do anything about it.
          Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40?F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
          Victims of hypothermia are often (1) elderly people with inadequate food, clothing, or heating; (2) babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; (3) people who remain outdoors for long periods?the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.; and (4) people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

          Recognizing Hypothermia

          Warnings signs of hypothermia:

          Adults:
          • shivering, exhaustion
          • confusion, fumbling hands
          • memory loss, slurred speech
          • drowsiness
          Infants:
          • bright red, cold skin
          • very low energy
          What to Do

          If you notice any of these signs, take the person?s temperature. If it is below 95?, the situation is an emergency?get medical attention immediately.



          If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:
          • Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
          • If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
          • Warm the center of the body first?chest, neck, head, and groin?using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
          • Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
          • After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
          • Get medical attention as soon as possible.
          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.

          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 health problems.
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

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