Cold weather environments present many hazards and can be life-threatening. Cold impairs performance of complex mental tasks and reduces dexterity. Low temperatures, wind, and wetness are the three main challenges. The body loses heat through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation.
General warning signs and symptoms include:
- Shivering
- Fatigue
- Loss of coordination
- Decreased heart rate
- Reddening of the skin
- Tingling, stinging, or aching
- Disorientation
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Numbness
Cold Stress
Cold stress can occur when the body is unable to warm itself. Cold stress is most often associated with outdoor workers such as builders, road workers, and police. However, indoor workers such as those working around freezers and refrigerators are at risk. Cold stress can occur at temperatures as high as 60 degrees. In fact, most cold stress injuries do not occur during extremely cold weather.
Frostbite
Caused by freezing, frostbite most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes. The key is to recognize and treat early symptoms, including: numbness, aching, tingling or stinging, and bluish, pale or waxy skin. Victims should get to a warm room as soon as possible and avoid walking on frostbitten feet. To reheat the frostbitten area, immerse in warm, but not hot, water or use body heat.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia, which occurs after prolonged exposure to cold, is a medical emergency. The body has used up its stored energy and can no longer produce heat. Symptoms include: loss of coordination and disorientation. In severe cases, victims may have blue skin, dilated pupils, and loss of consciousness.
To render aid, move the victim to a warm room and remove wet clothing. Warm the core of their body first, using blankets or skin-to-skin contact. If the person is conscious, warm beverages may help increase body temperature.
Trench Foot
Trench foot typically occurs when feet are exposed to wet and cold conditions for a prolonged period of time, but it can occur at temperatures as high as 60 degrees. It ultimately can lead to gangrene. Symptoms include: reddening of the skin, numbness, swelling, cramps, blisters, and bleeding under skin. To treat, remove wet footwear, and keep feet dry.
