American Medical Response Warns Against Cold-weather Dangers

SPRINGFIELD — American Medical Response is offering safety suggestions for avoiding, recognizing, and treating two deadly, cold-related illnesses: hypothermia and frostbite. Both conditions occur even in areas known for warm weather and can be caused by wind chill and exposure to snow or wet conditions.

As the temperatures begin to drop, it is important to remember that exposure can be a threat to life and limb — especially for older adults, small children, the chronically ill, and people who are required to be out in the cold for long periods. Deaths related to cold weather have doubled since 1999, according to U.S. News and World Report.

While staying warm is important, it is also vital to stay safe while heating one’s home. Generators and propane and kerosene heaters can be a great way to stay warm, but only when used properly. People should keep them outside, monitor them frequently, and be aware of the signs and dangers of carbon-monoxide and nitrogen-dioxide poisoning.

“To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, wear several layers of clothing, even indoors,” said Kim D’Angelo, Western Massachusetts Operations manager with American Medical Response. “Layers of clothes provide more insulation than one thick garment. When you’re outdoors, the top layer should resist rain, sleet, or snow and have zippers for venting body heat if you become too warm. Additionally, if you’re using generators or heaters, make sure to use them responsibly, checking on them regularly and operating them only as intended.”

D’Angelo also suggests wearing a hat, as 40% of body heat escapes through the scalp; wearing mittens, which keep hands warmer than gloves; removing any clothing that gets wet as soon as possible; and checking on older adults frequently because age and some medications alter the body’s ability to sense and adapt to temperature changes.

Hypothermia is a general cooling of the body’s internal temperature. Hypothermia victims go through stages of shivering, numbness, confusion, and drowsiness and can eventually lose consciousness. Unless emergency aid is provided, death can soon follow.

First aid for hypothermia includes removing the person from the cold setting. Remove any wet clothes, wrap the person in warm materials, and, if the victim is alert, give warm, non-alcoholic fluids. Never give anything by mouth to someone who is less than fully alert.

Frostbite is the actual freezing of a body part, most often the fingers, toes, ears, or nose, making it feel hard, waxy, and discolored.

First aid for frostbite includes removing the person from the cold setting. Handle the affected part gently to protect it from further injury. Do not rub the frostbitten part or allow the victim to try to use the part, such as walking on frostbitten toes. Wrap the part in a dry, clean dressing — never put ice on frostbite. Rewarm the frostbitten body part only if emergency care is remote or unavailable. After rewarming, never let the part refreeze.

If hypothermia or frostbite is suspected, call 911 for help immediately.