Sedgwick County EMS
Hypothermia and Frostbite

Hypothermia

When your body is exposed to cold temperatures, you begin to lose heat faster than you can produce it.  Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees.  Body temperature that falls too low (less than 95 degrees) can affect your brain, making you unable to think clearly or even recognize that you are in danger.  Wear a hat!  Eighty percent of your body heat is lost through your head.

Warning Signs

• Shivering, drowsiness, and exhaustion

• Confusion and fumbling

• Memory loss and slurred speech

• In infants - bright red and cold skin and very low energy

What to do

• Get the victim to a warm shelter, remove wet clothing & warm the person with warm blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.  Start with the person's chest, head and neck.

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible.

• If they can drink, warm beverages are encouraged.  Avoid alcohol.

• After the person's body temperature has increased, keep them dry & warm.

Frostbite

Frostbite is the freezing of  body tissues from prolonged exposure to the cold.  It is characterized by a lack of feeling and color to the affected areas.  It mostly affects the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers and toes.  Frostbite can permanently damage body tissues which can lead to the need for amputation.  The risk of frostbite is increased in individuals with poor circulation and persons not dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.

Warning Signs

• White or grayish yellow skin

• Numb, firm or waxy feeling skin

What to do

• Get out of the cold, protect exposed skin, and seek emergency medical care.

• If feet are affected, AVOID walking, as this will encourage further tissue damage.  Immerse the affected are in warm, not hot, water.

• Use your body heat to warm the affected are, but DO NOT reub or massage the area!  This will encourage further tissue damage.

• When warming the area, do not use a heating pad, head lamp, or heat from a stove, fireplace, or radiator.  The affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

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last update: 11/13/02
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