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New Vernon, NJ
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With colder weather coming there is a greater risk of hypothermia. The risk is greatest in small children, older adults and those exposed to the cold for long periods of time. When the body loses heat faster than it can produce it the body’s core temperature begins to fall. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees.
As the body’s temperature begins to drop, shivering begins to occur. Shivering is the body’s first mechanism to produce additional heat. As the body’s temperature continues to drop the body shifts blood flow to the core to protect itself. As blood flow to the brain is reduced a feeling of drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech, and lack of coordination can occur, all of which can result in further risk of hypothermia.
Hypothermia can be caused by staying out in the cold too long, being in wet clothing or inadequate clothing for the weather. Heat loss primarily occurs from radiation off of exposed skin areas, the head the face and neck. Heat loss also occurs from contact with either the cold ground or cold water. Wind dissipates the thin warm layer of air surrounding your body. Wind chill can be a major factor in the loss of body heat. Being out in wet, wind driven snow, when not properly dressed for the conditions, can result in significant loss of body heat. Parents with children should be especially mindful of this.
If you suspect either you or someone else is suffering from hypothermia, call 9-1-1. Gently move the person out of the cold to a warm dry location, if possible. Insulate the person’s body from the cold ground. Remove wet clothing and, cover the person with layers of blankets or coats. Use warm compresses, if available, to the neck, chest and groin area. f traveling in a car, in addition to carrying the equipment necessary to keep you moving on the road during winter conditions, carry extra blankets or a large garbage bag (cut a hole in the top for your head and place the garbage bag over you) to trap body heat. STAY WARM, avoid hypothermia.
