Levittown-Fairless Hills Rescue Squad, Inc.

COLD WEATHER EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Now that we are all suffering through these Arctic temperatures, LFHRS would like to offer the following information on common types of cold weather emergencies.

HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia may occur from exposure to a cool or cold environment and is defined as a core body temperature of less than 95 degrees F. The temperature does not have to be below freezing for hypothermia to occur. As the human body starts to get cold, it begins to shiver. Shivering is an automatic response by the body’s metabolic system to try to generate heat. If shivering cannot produce enough heat to maintain body temperature, the body temperature will begin to fall. As the body temperature falls, a person with developing hypothermia may have fatigue and muscle stiffness, making their movements appear uncoordinated. If the hypothermia continues to progress, the person may become disoriented and eventually unconscious.

Prevention of hypothermia involves dressing appropriately for the anticipated cold temperatures. Wear multiple layers of clothing to trap layers of warm air near the skin. Wear a hat as a high percentage of heat is lost from the head. If you become wet, heat loss will be accelerated. Remove wet clothing as needed. Alcohol and products containing caffeine should be avoided as they dilate blood vessels and increase heat loss.

If you feel that you or someone you know may be at risk of becoming hypothermic, follow this advice;

• Get out of the cold environment and into a heated area. This may be your home, a building, or a vehicle.
• Remove all wet clothing.
• Cover with multiple layers of blankets.
• Supplemental heat may be applied to the neck, armpits, and groin.
• Do not drink alcohol or caffeine-containing beverages while rewarming.
• If disorientation or unconsciousness is present, call 9-1-1.

FROSTBITE
Frostbite is caused by freezing of body tissues and is most common in the hands, feet, and face. Frostbite, if left untreated, can cause tissue death and may require amputation of affected tissues. Frostbite may begin with the sensation of pain in an extremity that is cold. The pain will often then become a sensation of numbness. The skin may initially appear as reddened, but then progress to a waxy yellow, white, or gray appearance as it freezes.

Prevention of hypothermia again involves dressing appropriately for the cold temperatures. Protect your head / face and exposed extremities.

Frostbite may be treated as follows;

• Do not massage a frozen body part or rub with snow as this may increase tissue damage.
• Do not walk on frozen feet.
• Frozen parts may be re-warmed by immersion in a 100-106 degree F water bath.
• Do not thaw frozen parts if there is a chance that refreezing may occur.
• Once the frozen part is thawed, cover with loose, sterile dressings.
• Do not break blisters that may form on the thawed part.

Cold Temperature Exposure (WebMD)

Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety (CDC)

Exercise and cold weather: Stay motivated, fit and safe (Mayo Clinic)

Levittown, PA Weather

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