Extreme Cold

Frostbite is an injury to body tissue caused by exposure to extreme cold. Frostbite mostly affects areas where circulation is poorer. It most commonly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes. Frostbite is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage and, in the most severe cases, can lead to amputation. Although injuries from frostbite are very common, they are also preventable.

Signs and Symptoms

Look for the 4 "P"s of frostbite:

1. Pink - Affected areas will be reddish in colour – this is the first sign of frostbite
2. Pain - Affected areas will become painful
3. Patches - White, waxy feeling patches show up indicating that the skin is dying
4. Pricklies - The areas will then feel numb

Treatment

Do

• Remove the person from the cold
• Remove any wet clothing and wrap the person in a blanket
• Rewarm affected area with body heat
• Call 911 for severe frostbite or frostbite over large areas of the body, and watch for signs of hypothermia

Do not

• Do not rub or massage the affected area as this may cause damage to the tissue
• Do not use heating pads or blankets as affected areas may be numb and could get burned
• Do not re-warm if a person will be exposed to the cold again and there is a chance for re-freezing

Hypothermia, or low body temperature is the most serious cold weather injury. Low body temperature affects the brain and the ability to think clearly or move well. A person suffering from hypothermia may not know or be able to do anything about it. Hypothermia usually occurs in extremely cold temperatures but can also occur at more moderate temperatures if a person loses heat due to exposure or submersion in water. 

Signs and Symptoms

• Look for the "UMBLES" from people affected by cold temperatures:
  • A person who mumbles
  • A person who stumbles
  • A person who fumbles objects
  • A person who grumbles
• For infants, look for cold reddish skin and low energy. Always have a thermometer at home

Treatment

Do

• Call 911
• Move the person to a warm area and remove any wet clothing
• Begin gentle body re-warming by using warm and dry blankets or clothing or skin to skin contact

Do not

• Do not take a shower or hot bath
• Do not use heating devices, such as blankets or pads
• Do not give hot drinks
• Do not fight shivering, this is one of the ways your body increases its core temperature

Although everyone can be affected by extreme cold, the following people are at a higher risk for cold weather injuries:

• People experiencing homelessness
• Seniors
• Infants and children
• Outdoor workers
• People with pre-existing medical conditions taking certain medications
• Winter sport enthusiasts

Plan for the cold weather

• Limit your exposure to extreme cold weather
• Check your local weather forecast for temperature, wind chill and weather warnings
• Keep extra mittens and gloves in the car, house or school bag

Dress for the cold

• Make sure your head, face, ears, neck, hands and feet are well protected:
  • Wear a hat, gloves or mittens to protect from frostbite
  • Wear a scarf to protect the chin, lips and cheeks which are all extremely susceptible to frostbite
  • Keep feet warm and dry and wear wool socks if possible
• Wear layered, windproof and waterproof clothing:
  • Inner Layer (closest to the skin) - Should have "wicking" properties to keep moisture away from the skin
  • Middle Layer - Should be the insulating layer to retain body heat, such as wool
  • Outer Layer - Should be the "windbreaking" layer to reduce the chances of cold air reaching the insulating layer
• Frequently check that children remain appropriately dressed 

Limit the effects on your body

• Avoid alcoholic beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly
• If you start to sweat, cool off a little. Wet clothes can encourage cold weather injuries