Hypothermia and Frostbite prevention

  • Published
  • Headquarters Air Combat Command Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,approximately 700 deaths occur In the U.S. each year from hypothermia. Hypothermia happens when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees or less and can be fatal if not detected promptly or treated properly.

Adult Hypothermia Signs

- Uncontrollable shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion, drowsiness
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech

Infant Hypothermia Signs

- Bright red, cold skin
- Very low energy

According to the CDC website, frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.

Signs of Frostbite

- Experience a loss of feeling and color in extremities
- Redness and pain on the skin
- White or greyish-yellow skin area can develop
- Skin can begin to feel firm or waxy
- Numbness

The CDC suggests seeking emergency medical attention immediately when experiencing any signs of frostbite or hypothermia.

If medical care is unavailable get into a warm room, remove wet clothing, and immerse the area into warm water or warm using body heat. Avoid heating pads, heat lamps, stoves, fireplaces and radiators to prevent burning the affected area.

Wearing warm clothes, multi-layered clothing, gloves, a hat or hood and staying dry can help prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

The CDC recommends taking preventive measures as a defense against extreme cold-weather. Being prepared and observing safety precautions can reduce the risk of health problems.

For more information and winter safety tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp.