Winter Safety

Prolonged exposure to low temperatures, wind and/or moisture can result in cold-related injury from frostbite and hypothermia. Here are some suggestions on how to keep warm and avoid the harsh effects of the cold.

Dress properly
Wear several layers of clothing to insulate your body by trapping warm, dry air inside. Wool and polypropylene best trap air and do not retain moisture. Choose a coat with a wind and waterproof outer layer.

The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. Your cheeks, ears and nose are the most prone to frostbite. Wear a hat, scarf and turtleneck sweater to protect these areas.

Frostbite: What to look for
The extent of frostbite is difficult to judge until hours after thawing. There are two classifications to frostbite.

Superficial frostbite is characterized by white, waxy or grayish-yellow patches on the affected areas. The skin feels cold and numb. The skin surface feels stiff and underlying tissue feels soft when depressed.

Deep frostbite is characterized by waxy and pale skin. The affected parts feel cold, hard, and solid and cannot be depressed. Large blisters may appear after re-warming.

• Get the victim out of the cold and to a warm place immediately.
• Remove any constrictive clothing items and jewelry that could impair circulation.
• Place dry, sterile gauze between toes and fingers to absorb moisture and to keep them from sticking together.
• Slightly elevate the affected part to reduce pain and swelling.

• Do not use water hotter than 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Do not use water colder than 100 degrees Fahrenheit since it will not thaw frostbite quickly enough.
• Do not rub or massage the frostbite area.
• Do not rub with ice or snow.
• Do not apply a heat source to frostbitten skin.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses more heat than it produces. Symptoms include change in mental status, uncontrollable shivering, cool abdomen, and a low core body temperature. Severe hypothermia may cause rigid muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heartbeat and respiration, and unconsciousness.

Treat hypothermia by protecting the victim from further heat loss and seeking immediate medical attention. Get the victim out of the cold. Add insulation such as blankets, pillows, towels or newspapers beneath and around the victim. Be sure to cover the victim’s head. Replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Keep the victim in a horizontal (flat) position. Handle the victim gently because rough handling can cause cardiac arrest.

Snow Shoveling

While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. Here are some tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
  
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to
  shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It’s easier on you back than lifting the snow out of the way.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and “sitting” into the movement, you’ll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor’s permission.

Source: www.nsc.org

> Return to Newsletter