Hypothermia, Frostbite Concerns During Extreme Cold

The region will experience the coldest temperatures in 20 years Tuesday, with wind chills of -5 to -15 degrees likely. Experts warn that serious health problems can result from prolonged exposure to this type of cold. According to the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the two major concerns this week are hypothermia and frostbite Signs of hypothermia, include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. "If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious," the CDC said. "Get medical help as soon as possible." Frostbite, which can cause permanent damage to the body, can include a loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. A victim is often unaware of frostbite, because the frozen tissues are numb. "Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider," they said. The CDC recommends the following, if there are signs of frostbite, but not hypothermia:

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
• Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests, as a preventive measure, wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers and limiting children's exposure to the cold by keeping them inside.