Winter has arrived in Borderland bringing the first few piles of snow along with cold temperatures and bitter wind chills.
Residents should remember to use their best judgment when venturing outdoors during cold spells. Hypothermia and frostbite are common winter ailments that are often overlooked.
Before the thermometer drops too far, Susan Congrave, director of the Koochiching County Health Department, reminds people to take precautions when going outside in bitter cold temperatures and advises what to look for if one of these conditions occurs.
Hypothermia takes place when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, according to Congrave. This causes the body temperature to drop and the heart, nervous system and other organs to work improperly.
“If hypothermia is left untreated, it eventually leads to failure of the heart and breathing,” she said.
Noticeable signs of hypothermia are shivering, clumsiness, lack of coordination, mumbling, stumbling, confusion, poor decision making, drowsiness and loss of consciousness. Congrave said most people are unaware of their condition because symptoms begin gradually and confusion sets in quickly.
If someone thinks they have hypothermia, Congrave said they should move out of the cold or wind, remove any wet clothing, cover themselves with blankets and seek medical treatment.
Frostbite, or freezing of body tissue, is another nasty winter condition that affects many people each year. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include: a slightly painful, prickly or itching sensation, red, white, pale or grayish-yellow skin, hard or waxy-looking skin, a cold or burning feeling, numbness, clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness and blistering in more severe cases.
“You can treat mild forms of frostbite with first-aid measures, including slowly warming your skin with warm water,” Congrave said. “Severe frostbite, however, requires medical attention, as it can damage skin, tissues, muscle and bones and lead to complications, such as infections and nerve damage. Don’t rub the affected area and never rub snow on frostbitten skin.”
She said once indoors, gradually warm any frostbitten areas using warm water or blankets instead of direct heat such as a stove, heat lamp, fireplace or heating pad, as these items cause burns.
As skin thaws, it will turn red and a tingling or burning sensation will be experienced once circulation returns, she noted.
“If numbness or sustained pain remains during warming, or if blisters develop, seek medical attention,” advised Congrave.
To avoid frostbite: bundle up. Wear heavy socks and boots, warm mittens or gloves, a hat, a dependable winter coat, snow pants and a face mask. Dressing in layers also creates more insulation, trapping body heat in and keeping out the cold more effectively. Layers should be loose fitting, not skin tight.
Essentials that should be included in a vehicle’s winter survival kit:
• A votive-sized candle inside a coffee can, to provide heat and melt snow.
• Two books of matches.
• A pocket knife or pair of sharp scissors.
• Several long strips of brightly colored cloth that can be tied to the antenna or door handle to help searchers locate distressed drivers.
• Several packets of soup mix, hot chocolate mix, tea bags, bouillon cubes, etc. Mix into melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition.
• A plastic spoon.
• Several small packages of peanuts and fruit-flavored candy.
• A pen light flashlight and batteries (keep separate until needed).
• A pair of insulated socks and one pair of insulated gloves or glove liners.
• A sun shield blanket or two large green or black plastic leaf bags (to reflect body heat).
• First-aid kit.
• Ice scraper.
• Blankets.
• Jumper cables.
