Category: Winter Safety

Teach Your Kids...What to do if they recognize signs of hypothermia and other cold-weather-related emergencies!

12/27/2021

As winter has arrived, it is important that we teach our children awareness around cold-weather-related emergencies which they may experience when exposed to the elements for a prolonged period of time. Last week's article, taught you which signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite your kids should be able to recognize (click here if you missed it!). This week, I want you to take that conversation with them one step further! Let's teach them what to do if they suspect signs of hypothermia or frostbite!

What to do if you suspect signs of hypothermia...

Call 911 or local emergency number
Gently move the person to a warm place
Remove any wet clothing and dry the person
Warm the person slowly with blankets and warm towels
Warm beverages may increase body temperature - no alcoholic beverages and do not have beverages to an unconscious person
Monitor breathing and circulation. Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.

What to do if you suspect signs of frostbite...

Move the person to a warm place
Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area
Warm the affected area with body heat (ie-putting frostbitten fingertips under armpits)
Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100-105 degrees F) until it appears red or feels warm
Loosely bandage the area with a dry, sterile dressing. If the person's fingers or toes are frostbitten, place dry sterile gauze between them to keep them separated
Avoid breaking any blisters
Do not allow the affected area to refreeze
Seek professional medical care as soon as possible

Always remember that it's important to remember to continue to warm the person even after their body temperature begins to rise. We do not want to warm the person too quickly as it can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and shock.

Here are the top 4 ways to safely warm a person who's experienced a cold-weather-related emergency:

Bring them to a warm location
Remove wet or cold clothing
Provide them with warm blankets
Warm their core body first, as warming hand and feet first can result in shock

Knowing the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite is important, and knowing what to do if you suspect signs of these cold-weather-related emergencies could save a life or limb! Let's educate our children so they can safely enjoy our winter wonderlands!

Learn something new? Want more tips on what to teach your children about water safety? Sign up for our Newsletter!

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Teach Your Kids...How to recognize hypothermia and other cold-weather-related emergencies!

12/20/2021

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The two most common cold-weather-related emergencies that are most important to teach your children about are hypothermia and frostbite. Read to learn about the signs and symptoms, along with the top 5 ways to prevent hypothermia and frostbite!

What is Hypothermia?

According to the CDC, hypothermia, abnormally low body temperatures, can happen when your body is using more of its stored energy (heat) than it can produce. This is most common when you are exposed to cold temperatures for an extended period of time.

Hypothermia is dangerous because if someone's body temperature gets too low, it could affect their brain function which could limit movement and the ability to get out of the cold.

Signs & Symptoms of Hypothermia:

Early Symptoms:

Shivering
Numbness
Glassy stare
Fatigue
Loss of coordination
Confusion and disorientation

Late Symptoms

No shivering
Blue skin
Dilated pupils
Slowed pulse and breathing
Loss of consciousness & impaired judgment

What is Frostbite?

Frostbite can also occur due to extended exposure to cold temperatures, however, frostbite occurs when body parts such as fingertip, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks begin to freeze due to prolonged exposure.

Frostbite is dangerous because it can lead to permanent tissue damages such as amputation.

Signs & Symptoms of Frostbite:

Reduced blood flow to hands and feet (fingers or toes can freeze)
Numbness in the affected area
Tingling or stinging
Aching
Bluish or pale, waxy skin

Top 5 ways to prevent hypothermia and frostbite?

Dress warmly when exposed to cold weather: wearing warm jackets, plenty of layers, boots, scarves, gloves, hats.
If you are exposed to cold weather for a long period of time, keep moving
Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water (avoid caffeine and alcohol)
Look at the weather before heading out, especially the wind chill
Get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of frostbite or hypothermia

Teaching your little ones how to recognize hypothermia and frostbite could prevent them from experiencing these cold-weather-related emergencies! Know which signs to recognize while your family enjoying some fun activities outside this winter!

Learn something new? Want more tips on what to teach your children about water safety? Sign up for our Newsletter!

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Teach Your Kids...What to do if they recognize signs of hypothermia and other cold-weather-related emergencies!

Teach Your Kids...How to recognize hypothermia and other cold-weather-related emergencies!

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