With wind chills as low as -30 degrees in some areas, the American Red Cross is urging Kansans and Oklahomans to take steps to avoid frostbite and hypothermia during an extreme cold event.
Staying warm indoors is the best thing people can do to avoid cold-related illness. Don’t spend extra time in the cold. Exposed skin and not dressing warmly enough add to your risk of frostbite and hypothermia. So, if you must go outside, wear multiple loose layers, a coat, hat, mittens, waterproof boots, and a scarf or other face covering.
- Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected.
- Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech.
What should you do if someone has hypothermia?
- CALL 911.
- Gently move the person to a warm place.
- Monitor breathing and circulation.
- Give rescue breathing and CPR if needed.
- Remove any wet clothing and dry the person.
- Warm the person slowly by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the person.
- Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying.oDo not warm the person too quickly, such as by immersing him or her in warm water.o Warm the core first (trunk, abdomen), not the extremities (hands, feet)
What should you do if someone has frostbite?
- Move the person to a warm place.
- Handle the area gently; never rub the affected area.
- Warm gently by soaking the affected area in warm water (100–105 degrees F) until it appears red and feels warm.
- Loosely bandage the area with dry, sterile dressings.
- 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.
Be Prepared for Emergencies. Accidents happen – but you can be ready to help yourself and your loved ones with the free Red Cross First Aid app. It puts expert advice for common emergencies at your fingertips. Select English or Spanish language with an in-app toggle. Get it in app stores or text GETFIRST to 90999.
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