FCFRD News Blog : Dress Appropriately For Cold Weather. Learn The Signs And Symptoms Of Hypothermia And Frostbite

Fairfax Station VA

07 January, 2022

11:18 AM

Description

Press release from the FCFRD News Blog: January 7, 2022 It is COLD out there! Wind Chills in the teens are expected today (1-7-22). Temps below freezing anticipated for Saturday. If you need to be out and about in this weather, please dress appropriately and avoid prolonged exposure to the cold. Not dressing appropriately and staying outside too long in these cold temperatures could lead to serious cold related illness and injury such as Hypothermia or Frostbite. Please take a moment to learn the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia and Frostbite from our friends at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Also learn what to do if you, or another person, are exhibiting signs or symptoms of either condition. Hypothermia A condition in which the body uses up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Often occurs after prolonged exposure to cold temperature. Early symptoms Shivering Fatigue Loss of coordination Confusion and disorientation Late symptoms No shivering Blue skin Dilated pupils Slowed pulse and breathing Loss of consciousness First Aid Request immediate medical assistance. Move the victim into a warm room or shelter. Remove wet clothing. Warm the center of their body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket; or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, or towels. If conscious, warm beverages may help increase the body temperature. Do not give alcohol. Once temperature has increased keep them dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck. If no pulse, begin CPR. Frostbite An injury to the body that is caused by freezing, which most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Symptoms Reduced blood flow to hands and feet Numbness Aching Tingling or stinging Bluish or pale, waxy skin First Aid Get into a warm room as soon as possible. Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes. Immerse the affected area in warm (not hot) water, or warm the affected area using body heat. Do not use a heating pad, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Do not massage the frostbitten area; doing so may cause more damage. Accessible information can be found here: https://www.weather.gov/safety/cold  This press release was produced by the FCFRD News Blog. The views expressed here are the author's own.