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11/01/2004
Safety & Education Committee Update
Cold Weather Safety
Winter is coming, and for some it is already here. Being prepared for cold weather can prevent an assortment of unpleasant complications and potentially life-threatening situations. Over exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as hypothermia or frostbite.
Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below 98.6 degrees. One of the first signs of hypothermia is uncontrollable shivering. This occurs when the body core temperature falls below 95 degrees. More serious signs include confusion, dizziness and exhaustion. Seek medical attention if any of these signs exist.
If hypothermia exists, immediate steps should be taken to raise the body core temperature by drinking warm liquids or placing the victim in a warm blanket or sleeping bag. Handle hypothermia victims carefully due to the increased irritability of the cold heart. During severe hypothermia, the heart is hyper-excitable and mechanical stimulation such as CPR or moving them may result in fibrillation and death.
Watch for the “umbles” – stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles that show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness.
Signs of Varying Stages of Hypothermia
Mild Hypothermia
• Core temperature 98.6 to 96 degrees;
• Controllable shivering; and
• Inability to perform complex motor functions.
Moderate Hypothermia
• Core temperature 95 to 93 degrees;
• Uncontrollable shivering;
• Dazed consciousness;
• Loss of fine motor skills-particularly in the hands;
• Slurred speech; and
• Irrational behavior.
Severe Hypothermia
• Core temperature 92 to 86 degrees - life threatening;
• Shivering occurs in waves - violent then pauses;
• Unable to walk and curls in fetal position;
• Skin is pale; and
• Pupils are dilated.
Prevention of hypothermia should include healthy nutrition that provides the body with fuel. A well balanced diet is essential in surviving cold weather. One should also keep in mind the importance of keeping adequately hydrated.
Frostbite
Hypothermia and frostbite can go hand in hand. When body core temperatures drop, blood vessels to the extremities constrict reducing blood flow and heat making hypothermia victims more susceptible to frostbite. However, one does not have to be hypothermic to get frostbite.
Frostbite occurs when skin tissue freezes. Ice crystals form within the cells so do not rub tissue as this causes tearing from the ice crystals. Frostbite usually occurs at temperatures below 30 degrees due to the salt content of our bodies.
Warning signs of frostbite include:
• Tingling, stinging, followed by numbness; and
• Frostbitten areas appear white and cold to the touch.
Seek medical attention immediately if frostbite is suspected.
Frostbitten parts should be covered with a dry soft cloth and allowed to rewarm. Severe frostbite involves freezing deeper tissues such as muscles and tendons and usually causes loss of tissue.
Cold Weather Clothing
Cold weather clothing is essential and can be functional to work with fluctuating temperatures. Including three layers of clothing provides maximum protection when needed and allows you to “shed layers” until comfortable.
When purchasing cold weather clothing keep in mind the three necessary layers:
• Outer layer fabric should break the wind and allow some ventilation.
• Middle layer of wool or synthetic material to absorb moisture and retain insulation.
• Inner layer of synthetic to allow for ventilation.
Most of the body’s heat loss escapes through the head. Remember the three necessary layers that apply to headgear also apply to gloves and socks.
Cold weather clothing suppliers have a large recreational consumer audience to design for and our choices have never been better. An investment in good quality clothing will pay for itself.
Be safe.
Clay Cowart is a member of the NATE Safety & Education Committee and is the Co-owner of Phoenix Tower Service, LLC of Horton, Kansas and can be reached at 785-486-2711 or phoenix@rainbowtel.net
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