Cold Weather Safety: Hypothermia and Frostbite Explained
- Sospita Safety Management
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Cold weather poses real risks that go far beyond discomfort. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, both of which can develop quickly and cause serious, long-term harm if not treated properly. Understanding the symptoms and the reasons behind first aid steps can help prevent a minor exposure from becoming a medical emergency.
Hypothermia: A Dangerous Drop in Core Body Temperature
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core temperature to fall below 35°C.
Mild hypothermia
Shivering
Cold, pale skin
Fatigue
Slurred speech
Poor coordination
Moderate hypothermia
Intense or uncontrollable shivering (which may later stop)
Confusion or altered behaviour
Slowed breathing and heart rate
Difficulty speaking or moving
Severe hypothermia
Little or no shivering
Loss of consciousness
Weak or irregular pulse
Shallow or absent breathing
High risk of cardiac arrest
Why hypothermia is serious:
As the body cools, the brain and heart become less able to function normally. In severe cases, even small movements can trigger dangerous heart rhythms.
Treatment and Why It Matters
Move to a warm, dry environment: This stops further heat loss, which is critical since continued exposure worsens the condition.
Remove wet clothing: Water conducts heat away from the body much faster than air, accelerating cooling.
Insulate with blankets or coats: Trapping body heat helps the person rewarm gradually and safely.
Warm the core first (chest and abdomen): Focusing on the core protects vital organs; warming arms and legs first can push cold blood back to the heart.
Avoid vigorous rubbing or rapid movement: Rough handling can trigger dangerous heart rhythms in moderate to severe hypothermia.
Seek emergency medical care: Moderate and severe hypothermia require professional treatment, including controlled rewarming and cardiac monitoring.
Frostbite: Freezing Injury to Skin and Tissue
Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze, most commonly affecting fingers, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks.
Symptoms
Cold, numb, or tingling skin
Skin that appears white, grayish-yellow, or waxy
Hard or stiff-feeling tissue
Blistering or swelling after rewarming
Why frostbite is serious:
Frozen tissues are deprived of blood flow and oxygen, which can lead to permanent nerve damage, tissue death, and in severe cases, amputation.
How Quickly Frostbite Can Occur
(Approximate times with wind exposure)
Up to -25°C: 30-60 minutes
-25° to -35°C: 10-30 minutes
-35° to -50°C: 5-10 minutes
-50°C or colder: 5 minutes or less
Treatment and Why It Matters
Get out of the cold immediately: Prevents further freezing and tissue damage.
Rewarm slowly using warm (not hot) water: Gradual rewarming restores blood flow without causing burns or additional tissue injury.
Do not rub or massage affected areas: Frozen tissue is fragile; rubbing can cause internal damage.
Avoid direct heat (fires, heating pads): Numb skin can burn easily without the person realizing it.
Do not rewarm if refreezing is possible: Repeated freezing causes far more severe tissue damage.
Seek medical care for moderate or severe frostbite: Advanced treatment may be needed to preserve tissue and prevent infection.
Final Thoughts
Cold-related injuries are preventable, but they require awareness and prompt action. Knowing the symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite - and understanding why first aid steps matter - can save lives, reduce long-term injury, and turn a dangerous situation into a manageable one. Preparation, proper clothing, and early response remain the best protection against cold weather hazards.
Comments