Hypothermia is a general condition of a person when their entire body surface is exposed to cold, and their body temperature drops below 35°C. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures leads to freezing, the body's functions are suppressed, and with prolonged exposure to cold, they may cease altogether.
Hypothermia is a general condition of a person when their entire body surface is exposed to cold, and their body temperature drops below 35°C. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures leads to freezing, the body's functions are suppressed, and with prolonged exposure to cold, they may cease altogether.
Frostbite is damage to body tissues under the influence of cold. It is often accompanied by general hypothermia and particularly affects parts of the body such as the earlobes, nose, inadequately protected extremities, primarily the fingers and toes.
There are several degrees of hypothermia: 1st degree occurs when body temperature drops to 32-34 degrees Celsius. The skin becomes pale, accompanied by shivering and speech difficulties, and "goosebumps". In the 2nd degree of hypothermia, body temperature drops to 29-32 degrees Celsius. The pulse slows down. The skin becomes bluish and cold to the touch. Sudden drowsiness often occurs with moderate hypothermia. It is strictly forbidden to allow a person to sleep in such conditions, as energy production decreases significantly during sleep, and a person in this state can die. In the 3rd degree of hypothermia, a person loses consciousness, their pulse slows to 36 beats per minute. Convulsions and vomiting often occur. There is acute oxygen starvation of the brain. Frostbite in this degree of hypothermia is very severe, and if immediate assistance is not provided, rigor mortis and death will occur.
Frostbite is also divided into different degrees.
Frostbite of the 1st degree usually occurs after short-term exposure. The first signs of such frostbite are a burning or tingling sensation followed by numbness of the affected area. Then, itching and pain appear, which can be either minor or sharply expressed. Full recovery occurs by day 5-7 after frostbite.
Frostbite of the 2nd degree occurs after more prolonged exposure to cold. Initially, there is paleness, coldness, loss of sensation. In the first few days after the injury, blisters form.
filled with clear content.Frostbite of the III degree — the duration of the cold exposure period and the decrease in tissue temperature increases. All skin elements die, resulting in granulations and scars after frostbite.
Frostbite of the IV degree — occurs with prolonged exposure to cold, with the greatest decrease in tissue temperature. All layers of soft tissues become necrotic, and bones and joints are often affected.
Cold injuries are also common, occurring when warm skin comes into contact with a cold metal object. These types of frostbite are particularly common in children.
Such wounds are rarely deep, but they still need to be disinfected urgently. First, rinse it with warm water, and then with hydrogen peroxide. The released oxygen bubbles will remove dirt that has entered. After that, the bleeding must be stopped. However, if the wound is very large, you must seek medical attention immediately.
Sometimes, a child who is stuck to an object cannot detach themselves from the treacherous metal and calls for help. To avoid injury, pour warm water on the stuck area; if water is not available, you will have to use warm breath.
There are a few simple rules that will help you avoid hypothermia and frostbite in severe frost:
- Do not drink alcohol — alcohol intoxication (like any other) actually causes significant heat loss (due to the dilation of peripheral blood vessels) while creating an illusion of warmth. An additional factor is the inability to concentrate on the signs of frostbite;
- Do not smoke in the cold — smoking reduces peripheral blood circulation, thus making extremities more vulnerable;
- Do not go outside in frosty weather when hungry or tired;
- Do not walk in frost after injuries or blood loss;
- Wear loose clothing — this promotes normal blood circulation;
- Outer clothing must be waterproof;
- Tight shoes, lack of insoles, and damp, dirty socks are not only a cause of blisters but also often serve as the primary prerequisite for chafing and frostbite. Special attention should be paid to footwear by those who often have sweaty feet. Warm insoles should be placed in boots, and wool socks should be worn instead of cotton ones — they absorb moisture, leaving feet dry;
- Do not go out into the frost without mittens, a hat, and a scarf.
- in windy, cold weather, before going outside, apply a special protective cream to exposed areas of skin; do not use moisturising cream for the face and hands;
- shelter from the wind – the risk of frostbite is significantly higher in windy conditions;
- do not carry heavy items (bags, baskets, etc.) that constrict blood vessels, particularly in the hands, as this promotes freezing;
- do not wear metal (including gold, silver) jewellery – rings, earrings, etc. – in freezing temperatures. Metal cools down much faster than the body to low temperatures, which can cause it to "stick" to the skin, leading to pain and cold injuries. Furthermore, rings on fingers impede normal blood circulation.
- monitor your friend's face, especially their ears, nose, and cheeks, for any noticeable changes in colour, and they should do the same for you;
- do not allow a frostbitten area to freeze again – this will cause much more significant skin damage;
- do not remove footwear from frostbitten limbs in freezing temperatures – they will swell, and you will not be able to put the footwear back on. You must get to a warm place as soon as possible. If your hands are frozen, try to warm them under your armpits;
- upon returning home after a long walk in freezing temperatures, be sure to check for frostbite on your limbs, back, ears, nose, etc. Untreated frostbite can lead to gangrene and subsequent limb loss;
- as soon as you feel hypothermia or your limbs are freezing during a walk, you must go into any warm place as soon as possible – a shop, cafe, entrance hall;
- if your car breaks down far from a populated area or in an unfamiliar location, it is best to stay in the car, call for help by phone, or wait for another vehicle to pass;
- Do not go out into the cold with wet hair after a shower. Wet clothing and footwear (e.g., if a person has fallen into water) must be removed, water wiped off, and if possible, dry clothing put on, and the person taken to warmth as quickly as possible.
It should be taken into account that children's thermoregulation is not yet fully developed, and in older people and with certain illnesses, this function can be impaired. These categories are more susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite, and this should be considered when planning a walk. When allowing a child to walk outside in freezing temperatures, remember that it is advisable for them to return to warmth and warm up every 15-20 minutes.
First aid for hypothermia
First and foremost, the affected person should be moved to a warm, or at least wind-free, place and wrapped warmly in a fur coat or a thick blanket. Wet clothing should be removed immediately and replaced with dry clothes. The affected person must remain still. If the person is unconscious, their breathing and pulse must be constantly monitored, and if they are not palpable, begin indirect chest compressions and artificial respiration.
If the affected person is conscious, give them hot tea, fruit drink, or milk to drink, but alcohol and coffee are strictly forbidden! Do not attempt to warm the person up quickly, do not give them a hot bath, do not take them into the shower, do not rub them vigorously, and do not apply hot water bottles. Such manipulations can have devastating consequences of hypothermia. Heart rhythm disturbances and internal bleeding may occur. If only the feet or head have been affected by frostbite, remove tight and wet footwear and put a hat on the person, thus warming them up gradually.
Frostbite is often accompanied by general hypothermia. Therefore, first aid consists of rapidly restoring blood circulation and warming the affected person.
To warm the victim, they should be brought into a warm room and freed from shoes and clothing. The patient should not be placed near a heat source (radiator, heater, fireplace, fire, hot stove) or have their affected areas treated with a hairdryer: the victim cannot feel the frostbitten tissue and can easily get burned. A warm blanket, hot tea, or milk will suffice. If there are no blisters or swelling on the frostbitten area, rub it with vodka or alcohol and, with clean hands, massage the frostbitten body part with movements towards the heart. If blisters appear, do not massage, as this can introduce infection and cause unnecessary pain. Often, until sensitivity returns, the skin needs to be rubbed for a long time until it becomes red, soft, and warm. The massage should be done very carefully to avoid damaging the blood vessels.
If the cheeks or nose are frostbitten, warming can be done by rubbing them in the cold, and then taking the affected person indoors. It is not recommended to rub frostbitten areas with snow. Snow contributes to further cooling, and sharp ice crystals can damage the skin.
After providing first aid, the patient must be quickly transported to the hospital, as even minor hypothermia reduces the body's protective forces and causes stress.
changes in blood vessels and the brain may occur, frequent ARZ may appear – these are only mild consequences of hypothermia.
Take care of yourself!