How to stay safe in extreme cold, winter weather


MEDICAL EMERGENCIES CAUSED BY COLD HYPOTHERMIA. This occurs when one’s body temperature, normally around 98.6°F, sinks below 95°F — a medical emergency that can cause cardiac arrest and

death, as the cold causes arteries and blood vessels to narrow, which limits the amount of oxygen flowing to the heart. The temperature doesn’t need to be below freezing to cause this

condition, but just cold enough to lower body heat by a few degrees. Warning signs include shivering, confusion, shallow breathing and drowsiness. HOW TO TREAT IT: Call an ambulance

immediately. While you wait, keep the person warm and dry, using blankets or anything you have on hand. If the person is able to drink, give him or her a warm beverage without alcohol.

FROSTBITE. As blood flow is focused away from fingers and toes to keep up core body temperature, the extremities suffer — fingers, toes, nose and ears. The skin starts to tingle (an early

stage called frostnip), then feel numb, and may look grayish or white. In extreme cases, it can turn black as skin dies. Because frostbite begins with numbness, Factora says, it’s a good

idea to check your fingers and toes when you are able to do so safely. It can become excruciatingly painful. HOW TO TREAT IT: Warm water immersion is a standard treatment. If the skin is

waxy and pale, however, “you want to avoid partially rewarming and having it refreeze,” Levy says. If possible, first get the person where he or she can stay warm.