Winter Injuries: Frostbite & Hypothermia

While winter activities such as skiing, sled riding, and making a snowman can be enjoyable; they also can pose a threat if you are not aware of the risks.  Some tips to keep in mind before endeavoring into the winter wonderland we call earth are:

• Check the temperature and limit your time outdoors if it’s very cold, wet or windy
• Bundle up in several layers of loose clothing
• Wear mittens rather than gloves
• Cover your ears with a warm hat
• Wear socks that will keep your feet warm and dry

Frostbite and hypothermia are the consequences of being exposed to the cold and can have some serious effects.  While running around in the snow in only shorts and a t-shirt does sound tempting you may want to read this article before doing so.

The first injury we’re going to talk about is “frostbite” and I’m not talking about the delicious dessert called “Frostbites”.  Frostbite is something totally different; it is the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold.  Frostbite usually occurs on fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin, but can occur on other places as well.  Frostbite is a serious injury and could lead to amputation if not caught early enough.  You’re probably rethinking running out in the cold without warm clothes on right about now; am I right?

Some of the early signs of frostbite are the skin may appear to be white, waxy or grayish-yellow and is cold and numb; this is called “superficial frostbite”.  Not the best look if you have an important date coming up.  If the frostbite continues to what is known as “deep frostbite” in which all layers of the skin are affected not just the surface.  In “deep frostbite” the skin will become completely numb, blisters may form and eventually the skin tissue dies and turns black.  Not the best way to spend your Christmas break or the rest of your life.  So think twice!

If you suspect frostbite you must:

1. Move the person to a warm place.
2. Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
3. Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and feels warm.
4. Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
5. If the person’s fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry, sterile gauze between them to keep them separated.
6. Avoid breaking any blisters.
7. Do not allow the affected area to refreeze.
8. Seek professional medical care as soon as possible.

If you think 95 degrees is hot; your body does not.  Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops below that 95 degree mark.  When Hypothermia first sets in; severe shivering will occur.  The shivering is beneficial in keeping the body warm.  When the shivering stops due to drowsiness or exhaustion; confusion, shallow breathing, irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, loss of coordination and, eventually, unconsciousness will set in and can even lead to death.  So before jumping into freezing cold water in winter on a dare; you may want to have second thoughts about that.

If jumping into freezing water in the winter isn’t weird enough, imagine after you get out of the water and your body and mind want to undress instead of putting more clothes on – this is called “paradoxical undressing.”  Researchers believe that in the final stages of hypothermia, a person may feel like they are overheating due to the rush of warm blood to the extremities.

If you do come in contact with someone you believe is suffering from hypothermia you should:

1. Move the victim inside and remove any wet clothing
2. Call for medical attention
3. Add blankets, pillows, towels or newspapers beneath and around the victim
4. Cover the victim’s head
5. Handle the victim gently to avoid cardiac arrest
6. Keep the victim in a horizontal position
7. If necessary, give CPR

Disclaimer: None of the advice steps are a substitute for proper medical attention.  Be sure to seek medical care for frostbite and hypothermia as soon as possible.