Cold-related emergencies may involve part of the body or the whole body. A cold injury to part of the body is called Frostbite. Hypothermia is a cold injury to the whole body and occurs when the bodies core temperature is cooled to below 95 degrees. Any combination of COLD (the temperature can be well above freezing), WIND, and WATER (in any form) can result in an individual becoming hypothermic.

The best prevention is to recognize when conditions exist to promote cooling of the unprepared.
If you or someone you are with is showing signs and symptoms of being too cold, it is important they get re-warming help immediately.

Frostbite

Signs & Symptoms:

• Skin over frostbite area is white, waxy or grayish-yellow.
• The frostbitten area is cold and numb.
• The frostbitten area is hard.

Actions to Take:

• Move victim to a warm place.
• Do not rub or massage the frostbitten area.
• Remove tight clothing, rings etc from frostbitten area.
• Remove wet clothing.

Hypothermia

Signs & Symptoms:

• Uncontrolled shivering.
• Confused
• Lack of coordination.
• Change in personality, very sleepy.
• Muscles become stiff & rigid.
• Unresponsive

Actions to Take:

• Move victim to a warm area.
• Replace any wet clothing with dry and handle victim gently.
• Keep victim lying flat.
• Place blankets, towels etc around victim including head- do not cover face.
• If victim becomes unresponsive phone 9-1-1 immediately.

Begin CPR if needed.

Remember, in an emergency Dial 9-1-1.

Source: American Heart Association - First Aid 2001