Braving the Cold: First Aid for Hypothermia and Frostbite
At Ready 4 Everything Training and Supplies, we know that living in Canada means embracing all seasons, including the cold. While winter brings beauty and recreation, it also presents unique environmental hazards: hypothermia and frostbite. These cold-related illnesses can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, and knowing how to prevent them, recognize their signs, and provide immediate first aid is essential for staying safe, whether you're working outdoors, enjoying winter sports, or simply navigating a chilly day.
Understanding Cold-Related Illnesses
Cold-related illnesses occur when the body's core temperature drops below its normal range (hypothermia) or when body tissues freeze (frostbite). Our bodies work hard to maintain a core temperature of 37°C (98.6°F). When heat loss exceeds heat gain, problems arise.
Frostbite: This is a localized injury caused by the freezing of skin and, in severe cases, underlying tissues. Extremities like toes, fingers, ears, and nose are most vulnerable.
Superficial Frostbite: Skin freezes, but underlying tissues are unaffected. May produce clear blisters.
Deep Frostbite: Tissues beneath the skin (tendons, muscles, blood vessels) freeze. Can cause dark, hemorrhagic blisters and tissue loss.
Hypothermia: This is a systemic condition where the body's core temperature drops to 35°C (95°F) or lower. It becomes life-threatening below 28°C (82.4°F). Smaller body types, lower body weight, and less body fat increase risk.
Prevention: Staying Warm and Dry
Prevention is key to avoiding cold-related illnesses :
Dress in Layers: Wear appropriate clothing made of tightly woven fibers (wool, fleece) that provide insulation and allow moisture to escape. Avoid cotton, which stays wet. Adjust layers as activity levels change to prevent sweating.
Cover Vulnerable Areas: Wear a hat, scarf, and mittens (mittens provide better insulation than gloves) to cover cheeks, nose, ears, and hands.
Stay Dry: Keep clothing dry. Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
Stay Hydrated and Fueled: Drink plenty of warm, sugary, non-alcoholic liquids to fuel heat production. Carry and consume high-energy foods.
Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol can impair judgment and increase heat loss.
Take Breaks: Take frequent breaks from the cold to warm up.
Don't Ignore Numbness: If an extremity feels numb or tingly, warm it immediately (e.g., hands under armpits).
Ice Safety: Be careful around cold water and always wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
Recognizing and Responding: Frostbite
What to Look For:
Superficial: Hardened skin, paler than surrounding area, pain or stinging followed by numbness.
Deep: Waxy skin, colder than surrounding area, hard and solid to the touch, white/blue/black/mottled skin, complete loss of feeling.
What to Do:
Remove Restrictive Items: If possible, remove jewelry or other items that may restrict blood flow.
Thaw Only if Safe: Thaw the area only if you are sure it will not freeze again. Re-freezing causes more damage.
Warm Gently: Use warm water (38-40°C/100.4-104°F) or body heat (e.g., hands in armpits) to warm the affected area. Never rub the frozen area or apply snow/ice, as this causes further tissue damage.
Protect Thawed Area: If thawed, don't break blisters. Protect them with loose, dry dressings. Place gauze between fingers/toes if affected.
Elevate: If possible, elevate thawed extremities above heart level.
Pain Relief & Hydration: Over-the-counter painkillers may help. Rehydrate with plenty of fluids.
Seek Medical Attention: Encourage the person to seek medical attention.
Call EMS/911: If you cannot safely remove the body part.
Recognizing and Responding: Hypothermia
What to Look For:
Mild: Vigorous shivering, complaining of cold, decreased physical function, difficulty caring for self.
Moderate: Weak/intermittent shivering or shivering stops, lack of coordination/speech, confusion, impaired judgment, possible unresponsiveness.
Severe: Shivering has stopped, unresponsiveness, slowed/stopped breathing, stiff body, no pulse.
What to Do:
Call EMS/911 and get an AED for moderate to severe hypothermia!
Handle Gently: Handle the person very gently and keep them horizontal. Avoid jostling or bumping.
Remove Wet Clothing: Only remove wet clothing in a sheltered area.
Insulate: Apply a hypothermia wrap (layers of insulation and heat-reflecting material) to protect against further cold exposure. Cover head and neck.
Warm Actively: Apply warm water bottles, heating pads, or electric blankets to the upper torso (armpits, chest, upper back). Body heat from a rescuer can also help. Never use a warm bath/shower, fire, stove, or hot rocks, as this can cause rapid rewarming shock.
Hydrate (if responsive): If responsive, provide warm, sugary, non-alcoholic liquids.
Monitor: Continuously monitor the person's condition until EMS arrives.
By understanding these critical cold-weather first aid principles, you can confidently protect yourself and others, ensuring that our communities remain safe and resilient, even in the chilliest conditions.
Action Item:
For companies aiming to streamline safety protocols and maintain comprehensive records, sign up for online safety training management for their company. This system can help track cold weather exposure plans, training completion, and incident reports, ensuring a proactive approach to employee well-being.
