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

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.
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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!

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