Cold injury can occur whenever air temperature is below freezing (32 degrees F). Freezing of the skin surface is called ‘frost nip‘. When freezing extends deeper though the skin and flesh, the injury is called ‘frostbite‘.
Hypothermia is a life threatening condition in which deep-body temperature falls below 95°F (normally 98.6°F).
While you can get hypothermia even during relatively warm conditions, when temperatures plummet the danger and risk of getting frost nip, frostbite, or hypothermia becomes even greater – because it can come on much faster.
Tips to prevent hypothermia…
Body temperature falls when the body cannot produce heat as fast as it is being lost.
Heat Loss Through The Head
At rest, the body core loses about 7 percent of its heat through the head.
When exercising, the head will lose more body heat which can ramp up to 50 percent heat loss, but the heat loss percentage will then diminish when you start to sweat and when your muscles start demanding more blood flow.
When in hypothermia however (shivering), core body heat loss through the head increases to as much as 55 percent and remains at this high level.
Cold Injury and Hypothermia Prevention Tips
Stay hydrated. A dehydrated body will slow blood circulation.
Avoid smoking – nicotine will constrict the blood vessels.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine which can lead to dehydration.
If cold, it is better to be active than to huddle up.
Heat production is increased by physical activity, but avoid sweating.
Don’t skip meals which will lead to slower metabolism and blood flow.
Wear the right clothes the right way.
Too much clothing can cause overheating and dehydration.
Avoid tight fitting clothing.
Clothes should be worn loose and in layers.
Clothing should be made of material that water vapor can pass through.
Avoid 100 percent cotton. Use synthetic fabrics for wicking moisture.
Use water and wind resistant outerwear. Nylon, Gore-Tex.
Socks should be changed frequently.
Keep hands well protected. Mittens are better than gloves.
Cover your head. Wear a hat!
Use insulated hats and gloves made with materials such as Thinsulate™
Stay Dry. Stay Dry. Stay Dry.
A very lean person is more susceptible to cold (fat is an insulator).
Self Check by pinching your fingernail to watch how fast the blood returns to your finger.
Avoid being alone in the very cold. Buddy system.
Keep an eye on your children who don’t know about the dangers of cold.
Keep a survival kit nearby which should include a means to make fire.
Know how to build a fire and how to procure tinder and kindling in wet conditions.
Understand ‘wind chill’ and avoid windy places.
What are some of your recommendations or experiences with very cold weather?
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Some additional tips used atleast in Finland’s army:
-If possible, keep your water bottle in the pocket of your pants. It will help to prevent it from freezing (doesn’t directly help with hypothermia but staying hydrated does)
-In buddy system, occasionally check the visible skin of the other person. It’s normal for skin to go red in cold but if the red turns to white patch, hold (dont massage) something warm on it
-If your foot or hand swells after returning to warm, wear more clothes next time if possible
-If possible, dry all equipment while sleeping. The person maintaining fire must not let his sleeping companions (or their equipment) to move too close to the heat source since it can quickly burn a hole in a sleeping bag or sock
-Before passing out, someone with hypothermia can start to act “drunk” and move and talk irrationally and even start to take off his clothes
-If someone goes unconsious, evacuate him in lying position to prevent the colder blood from limbs from cooling the heart. There is real risk of heart failure and it can be very difficult to hear the pulse in a cold body (and winter clothes make it even harder and you dont want to strip the person who is in life danger if you haven’t moved him in warm)
-Brain survives lack of oxygen better in cold than in warm condition. A person without pulse and breathing and a “death stare” (eyes dont seem to react in light) can be fully saved if there is chance to get him in warm
-A frostbite area can be hold in 42C water for 15-30 minutes. Dont rub or massage it. The normal color of the skin should return in 1 hour. If it doesn’t, seek medical attention if possible
-Move your fingers and toes. A deep frostbite can make walking impossible and it’s easy to forget toes
-Humans have naturally a protecting fat layer also above the skin. Dont take shower before going out. If you do, dont use soap, everything you use it for dies before you anyway in freezing conditions
-There is no “immunity for cold”, if you’ve had a body part with deep frostbite, there can be nerve damage that makes it feel like that part doesn’t suffer from cold
one line to add LAYERS LAYERS AND LAYERS
This is excellent information that all should know