Cold Stress from Cold Conditions

Identifying and Responding to Cold Exposure Hazards

Cold Stress Factors

• Temperature Of The Air Surrounding The Body.
• Body Temperature.
• Air Movement Around The Body.
• Body Movement.
• Length Of Exposure.

Cold Environment

• Normal Body Temperature 98.6º F.
• Body Temperature Drops Below 86º, Control System Becomes Ineffective.
• Below 59º, Body Begins To Experience Impairment Of Many Functions.
• Most Hypothermia Results When Ambient Temperature Is Between 30º And 40º F.
• Increased Heat Lose To The Environment
• Muscle Hypertonus, Resulting In Shivering, Is Body's Attempt To Maintain Body Temperature.

Hypothermia

• Prolonged Exposure To Cold Causes The Body To Lose Energy Faster Than It Is Produced.
• Body Temperature Drops To Lower Than Normal.
• Can Happen When Temperatures Are Above Freezing.

Conditions Affecting Hypothermia

• Aging, Allergies, Poor Circulation, & Illness.
• Self-imposed Conditions, Such As Drinking, Smoking, & Taking Sedatives Also Increase Risks.
• Wet Clothing, Windy Conditions, & Poor Physical Condition.

Hypothermia Symptoms

• Numbness, Stiffness, Drowsiness, Poor Coordination.
• Slow Or Irregular Breathing And Heart Rate. Slurred Speech.
• Cool Skin, And Puffiness In The Face Are Common.
• May Seem Apathetic About Getting Out Of Cold.
• Shivering And Teeth Chattering Is A Sure Sign That Body Temperature Is Too Low.
• Victim First Feels Cold Then May Feel Mild Pain In Extremities.
• Victim May Seem Confused & Disoriented Memory Lapses.
• Worst-Case Results Can Cause Death.

Safety Procedures

• Get Victim To Where It Is Warm.
• Get Them Out Of Wet, Frozen, Or Tight Clothing; Keep Victim Dry.
• Get Them Into Loose Warm Clothes Or Blankets.
• Give Warm (Room Temperature) Liquids.
• Do Not Give Alcohol Or Substances Containing Caffeine.
• Warm Center Of Body First.
• If Necessary, Seek Medical Assistance & Give CPR.

Frostbite

• Most Serious, And Second Most Common, Cold Exposure Hazard.
• Nose, Ears, Cheeks, Fingers, & Toes Most Often Affected.
• Affected Area Doesn’t Get Enough Heat & Freezes.
• Freezing Causes Blood Vessel Constriction.
• Results In Lack Of Oxygen, Excess Fluid Buildup, Blistering, And Tissue Death.
• May Not Be Aware Anything Bad Is Happening.
• Recognized By Distant Pallor Of The Exposed Skin.
• Skin Goes From White Or Grayish Yellow, To Reddish Violet, To Black.
• Usual Feeling Of Being Really Cold, Then Numb.
• May Get A Tingling Or Aching Feeling Or Brief Pain.
• Damage To Skin Sometimes Caused Blisters
• Constricted Blood Vessels Impair Blood Flow.
• Can Cause Permanent Tissue Damage.
• Victim Can Become Unconscious
• Death May Result From Heart Failure.
• If Necessary, Seek Medical Assistance & Give CPR.

Care Of Frostbite

• Don’t Rub Affected Part.
• Don’t Use Hot Baths, Or Heat Producing Devices.
• Don’t Break Blisters.
• Warm The Frozen Part With Clothing, Blankets, Or With Room Temperature Water.
• Once Warm, Exercise The Part.
• Exception: Do Not Walk On Frostbitten Feet.

Driving Emergency Preparedness

• Serviceable Clothing (Sweatshirt, Jeans, Coveralls, Coat).
• Distilled Water And Anti Freeze.
• Easily Stored Food (Chips, Candy Bars, Cookies, Some Canned Foods, Etc.)
• Matches, In A Waterproof Container.
• Large Candles
• Tool Kit (Pliers, Screwdrivers, Crescent Wrench, Jumper Cables, Duct Tape Electrician's Tape, Etc.)
• A Couple Quarts Of Motor Oil And Multipurpose Lubricant, Such As WD40.
• Ice Scraper, Sand or Kitty Litter, Traction Mat, Shovel.
• Road Atlas.
• Reflective Triangles or Flares.
• Couple Blankets Or Comforters.

Be Prepared for A Driving Emergency

• THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS:
  
  
  • A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR YOUR SAFETY IN COLD WEATHER !! AND
  • A CELLULAR PHONE!!

Protection

• Prevention Is The Best Way To Deal With Cold Stress.
• Don’t Drink Alcohol, Bathe, Smoke, Or Take Drugs Before Being Exposed To Cold.
• Dress In Loose Layers Of Dry Clothing.
• Cover Hands, Feet, Face, & Head.
• In Cold Environment, Keep Moving.
• Take Regular Breaks in Warm Places.