Learn to Recognize and Treat Hypothermia & Frostbite
January 30, 2017
Being able to identify the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite can help prevent illnesses and/or fatalities that can occur as a result. Learn to identify these cold illnesses and know what to do in the event you, or a co-worker experiences symptoms:
Hypothermia
- When experiencing hypothermia, the body temperature drops below 95 degrees
- In mild cases, shivering is present
- In severe conditions, shivering stops, and victim can become confused and/or slur speech. This Can lead to loss of consciousness and death
- Call 911 in the event of an emergency
- Move victim to warm area and remove wet articles of clothing
- Cover body with blankets and tarps
Frostbite
- Frostbite occurs when body tissues freeze
- This can occur in conditions above freezing due to wind
- Amputation of affected areas can result if not treated promptly
- Symptoms include red skin with white/gray patches, skin feels numb and/or hard to the touch
- Do not walk on frostbitten feet or rub frostbitten area to avoid damage to tissues
- Do not attempt to rewarm affected area(s) unless directed to by emergency response personnel
- Protect skin from contact by loosely covering affected area
