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Health Protection

F a c t s

COLD WEATHER & Health Hazards

It is important to be prepared in the winter time for the cold weather conditions. Whether you will be enjoying outdoor activities or travelling, being ready for the cold could help to prevent potentially serious cold injuries.

What are cold injuries?

Exposed skin, such as ears nose and fingers lose heat the fastest and are therefore more likely to freeze, causing frostnip or frostbite. Also, a drop in body temperature, known as hypothermia may occur when the body is exposed to cold weather for too long.

Who are more at Risk during Cold Weather?

Infants
Elderly
People without permanent shelter
People living in homes that are poorly insulated
People living in homes without power (usually due to weather related events)
Outdoor workers
Sport enthusiasts, such as skiers, ice skaters and snowmobilers

Signs of cold injuries.

When the skin appears to be yellowish or white, and is painful, tingling or has a burning sensation, we are dealing with Frostnip.

When skin appears to be white and waxy, is hard to the touch and there is no sensation and the area is numb, we are dealing with Frostbite.

When you are exposed to cold weather for a long time, shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control may occur. Your body temperature may have dropped to below normal temperature (37 ºC); in this situation we are dealing with Hypothermia.

Treatment for cold injuries

Frostnip:

• do not rub or massage the area
• warm the area gradually – use body heat (a warm hand), or warm water, avoid direct heat which can burn the skin
• once the affected area is warm, do not re-expose it to the cold

Frostbite:

• frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help.
• do not rub or massage the area
• do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm
• warm the area gradually – use body heat or warm water (40 to 42 º C), avoid direct heat which can burn the skin

Hypothermia:

• get medical attention immediately
• lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious
• get the person indoors
• gently remove wet clothing
• warm the person gradually, using any available source of heat

How to prevent cold injuries?

Stay inside a heated building or home as much as possible. If you want to or have to go outside follow the following suggestions;