AMR Urges Vigilance as Dangerous Cold, Ice, Snow Move into Western Mass.
SPRINGFIELD — As ice, snow, and dangerously cold temperatures are expected to impact Western Mass. this weekend, American Medical Response (AMR) is urging residents to understand that winter weather poses serious health risks beyond travel hazards.
Exposure to extreme cold places added stress on the body, increasing the risk of hypothermia, heart-related complications, and respiratory emergencies — particularly among older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without reliable heat.
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to tighten and blood pressure to rise, placing additional strain on the heart. Breathing cold air can also irritate the airways, worsening conditions such as asthma and COPD. These effects can develop quickly and may not always be immediately recognized.
“Cold weather emergencies aren’t always obvious, but they can escalate quickly,” said Kim D’Angelo, Operations manager for AMR Springfield. “Extreme cold puts significant strain on the heart and lungs, and leads to a higher risk for serious medical events, especially among vulnerable populations. We urge residents to take the cold seriously and seek help at the first sign of trouble.”
Preparation is the best defense against cold-related illness. AMR recommends the following precautions:
• Limit time outdoors during extreme cold;
• Dress in warm, layered clothing and cover exposed skin;
• Ensure homes are adequately heated;
• Avoid alcohol, which increases heat loss; and
• Check frequently on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone without reliable heat.
One of the most dangerous — and often overlooked — cold-related conditions is hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia does not always begin with obvious symptoms. Warning signs may include:
• Uncontrollable shivering, or shivering that suddenly stops;
• Confusion or slurred speech;
• Trouble walking or clumsiness;
• Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake; or
• Cold, pale, or numb skin.
Cold-related conditions can worsen quickly and become life-threatening. Call 911 immediately if someone:
• Becomes confused or difficult to wake;
• Has chest pain or trouble breathing;
• Stops shivering; or
• Does not respond when spoken to or touched.
If you suspect hypothermia or cold-related illness:
• Move the person indoors or to a warm, sheltered location;
• Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm layers;
• Cover the person with blankets or coats to retain body heat; and
• Offer warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free fluids if they are awake and able to swallow.
AMR teams remain available to respond across Springfield and Greenfield, and continue working alongside local partners to support residents during winter weather conditions.