Protect yourself from Jack Frost

Exposure to extreme cold can be divided into two categories

Frostbite:

• This is when the skin and sometimes the fat and muscle underneath the skin freeze.
• Most common parts of the body affected are the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes.
• It can cause permanent damage and in severe cases lead to amputation.
• Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite:
  • a white or grayish-yellow skin area
  • skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
  • numbness
• People are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

Hypothermia:

• This is a medical emergency.
• The body temperature is less than 35°C.
• Mild symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, slurred speech, drowsiness, fumbling hands or unsteady gait and confusion.
• Severe symptoms include slowing of heart rate and breathing leading to coma and eventually death.

How to help someone with a cold injury

Frostbite:

• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• At the first sign of redness or pain in any skin area, get out of the cold or protect the exposed skin.
• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Do not rub or massage the area as it causes more damage.
• Warm the area gradually by using body heat such as an armpit, or warm water (40 to 42^oC).
• Do not use direct heat (heating pad, heat lamp, radiator) which can burn the skin.
• Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes.

Hypothermia:

• Get medical attention as soon as possible.
• Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin.
• Use warm blankets, towels, wrapped hot water bottles or heating pads, or skin to skin contact to warm a person while waiting for medical help.
• If a person is awake, warm drinks can help.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

How to avoid a cold related injury

Listen to the weather forecast

• Check the Environment Canada weather forecast before going out in the cold
• If conditions are hazardous, an extreme cold warning may be issued.
• If the wind chill is very cold, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.

Plan Ahead

• Groups and organizations should develop a plan in advance, to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when the wind chill is high.
• For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

Dress warmly

• Wear layers of warm clothing, with an outer jacket that is wind-resistant. Mittens, boots and a hat are also important.
• When the wind chill is high, try to cover as much exposed skin as possible.
• Wear a scarf, neck tube or face mask.
• Check frequently for signs of frostbite

Stay dry/Stay active

• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Remove wet clothing if possible.
• Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

Know the limits

• Stay out of the wind.
• Limit time spent outside during extreme cold.
• The elderly and children lose heat faster. They should not spend as long outside as younger adults in cold temperatures.
• Alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.