Hypothermia, Frost Bite -- Sussex County Online, Delaware

Winter Storms

Hypothermia, Frost Bite ...

Frost bite and Hypothermia are the two main dangers associated with prolonged exposure to extremely cold temperatures. Following are tips for recognizing the symptoms of both:

Frost Bite

Frost bite is damage to the body tissue caused by the tissue freezing. Frost bite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose.

If symptoms ae detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm the affected areas.

If the victim is showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.

Hypothermia

Warnings signs of Hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.

If you suspect Hypothermia, take the victim's temperature. If it's below 95 degrees Fahrenheit or 35 degrees Celsius, immediately seek medical care.

If medical care is unavailable, start warming the body slowly. Warm the body core first. If needed, use your own body heat to help. Get the victim into dry clothing and wrap them in a warm blanket covering the head and neck.

Do not give the victim alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food. Use warm broth instead.

Do not warm the extremities first. This drives the cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure.