Cold-Related Emergencies

Hypothermia

  • Begins when the body starts to shiver
  • Becomes severe when the body drops to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with the following symptoms:
    • Dizziness
    • Delirium
    • Confusion
    • The shivering stops
    • Lethargy
    • Weakness
    • Unconsciousness

Treatment for Hypothermia

  • Call for emergency services if needed.
  • Warm the body, either through providing insulation or moving them to a warmer area
  • If out in the field, use a Mylar blanket. Gently roll the patient over, face up, and tuck the blanket under the patient.
    • Moving them aggressively can cause pain, or cause ice crystals forming in the blood vessels to lodge and cause cardiac arrest.
  • Afterwards, reroll the patient onto the blanket and wrap the patient in the blanket. Try to seal it around their feet, but leave some room for the patient to breathe.
  • Take another blanket and coat the rest of the patient in it.
  • Monitor the patient for breathing and circulation. Should the patient stop breathing, begin CPR.

Watch yourself while doing this--you are also working in a cold environment.

Frostnip and Frostbite

Frostbite is when portions of the body become fully frozen, such as the tips of the fingers, toes, nose, cheeks, ears, feet, and hands.

They will be hard, white, and lack sensation.

Treating Frostbite

  • Call for emergency services.
  • If the person is still able to walk, try to walk them to permanent safety.
  • Do not rewarm the patient with water hotter than 105 degrees. After this, you will only burn the patient.
    • Lower the temperature if needed.
  • Analgesia may be needed to numb the sensation, as rewarming tends to be painful.
  • Keep their core temperature warm until help arrives.