Frostbite

In cold weather, blood vessels near the skin constrict to protect the core body temperature. When your body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, blood flow to your hands, feet, nose and ears can be severely restricted. The combination of poor circulation and extreme cold to these body parts can lead to frostbite (mild or severe).

Mild frostbite symptoms may include yellowish or white skin that is still soft to the touch. Skin may turn red during the warming process, but normal colour returns once the area is warmed. 

What to Do

If you suspect mild frostbite, it can be treated in two ways: passive warming and active warming. 

Passive Warming

Passive warming can be done by moving to a warmer room, wrapping yourself in blankets or reheating your body by skin-to-skin contact with another person.

Active Warming

Active warming can be done along with passive warming. Add heat directly to the frostbitten area, thawing the skin as quickly as possible without burning yourself. Place injured skin in water that is just above body temperature. Do not rub, massage or shake the injured skin because it can cause more damage.

Severe Frostbite

Severe frostbite can cause permanent nerve damage to body tissue if not treated immediately. Symptoms may include discolouration and blackening of skin and loss of feeling and blisters in the affected area. If the skin is broken and becomes infected, gangrene can set in which can result in loss of limbs. 

Important: severe frostbite needs immediate medical attention.

While waiting for medical attention, treat the area with passive and active warming.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops below normal (which is 37°C) for a long time. There are three stages of hypothermia. Advanced stages of hypothermia can be life-threatening. 

Stage 1

Cause: happens when your body temperature drops by 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. 

Symptoms:

• Shivering 
• Goosebumps 
• Numb hands, feet, fingers, or toes 
• Breathing fast and shallow 
• Feeling tired or sick to your stomach 

What to Do: find shelter, keep your muscles moving, dry and slowly warm your body, drink warm liquids, don't fight shivering, this is how your body warms

Stage 2

Cause: happens when your body temperature drops by 2 to 4 degrees Celsius.

Symptoms: 

• Strong shivering 
• Muscles feel unsteady or shaky 
• Slow, hard-to-do movements 
• Feeling confused 
• Pale skin 
• Lips, ears, fingers, or toes may turn blue 
• Hard to touch your thumb to your little finger on the same hand 

What to Do: Call 911. This is a medical emergency. While waiting for help, find shelter, keep muscles moving, drink warm fluids

Stage 3

Cause: happens when your body temperature drops by 5°C or more. 

Symptoms: 

• Shivering stops 
• Trouble speaking, thinking, or walking 
• Memory loss 
• Skin that’s showing turns blue and puffy 
• Hard to move muscles 
• Acting confused or strangely 
• Slow heartbeat and breathing 

What to Do: Call 911. This is a medical emergency. While waiting for help, find shelter, keep muscles moving, drink warm fluids

Protect Your Skin

• On sunny days, wear sunglasses, lip balm, and sunscreen. This helps protect your skin from UV rays and keeps it from getting dry or windburned. 
• Wear a face mask and goggles if you are participating in winter activities. 

Drink Fluids

• When it’s cold, drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Avoid caffeine, which can cause you to become dehydrated

Avoid Substances

• Drinking alcohol in the cold can increase your risk of getting hypothermia. 
• If you take medicine or have a health condition, ask your doctor if the cold could make it worse. Follow their advice to stay safe. 

Keep Moving

• Keep moving to keep your blood flowing and maintain your body heat

Seek Shelter

• Check the weather and listen for warnings from Environment and Climate Change Canada. When it’s really cold, try not to stay outside too long. 
• Winterize your home.