Warning Signs and Symptoms to Recognize

Cold-related injuries affect the body both systemically (hypothermia) and locally (frostbite). Understanding the progression of each is crucial for proper treatment.

Understanding Hypothermia:

Mild Hypothermia (90-95°F core temperature):

- Shivering (body's attempt to warm itself) - Impaired judgment - Clumsiness or lack of coordination - Apathy or listlessness - Cold, pale skin - Quick breathing - Fatigue

Moderate Hypothermia (82-90°F):

- Violent shivering stops - Muscle stiffness - Slurred speech - Paradoxical undressing - Confusion and poor decision-making - Slow, shallow breathing - Weak pulse

Severe Hypothermia (Below 82°F):

- Unconsciousness - Cardiac arrhythmias - Barely detectable pulse - No apparent breathing - Rigid muscles - Dilated pupils - Appears dead

The "Umbles" - Progressive Signs:

1. Stumbles - Loss of coordination 2. Mumbles - Slurred speech 3. Fumbles - Loss of fine motor control 4. Grumbles - Personality changes

> Quick Reference Box: > - Death possible below 70°F core temperature > - Shivering stops around 86°F > - Confusion begins around 91°F > - Water conducts heat 25x faster than air > - 50/50/50 Rule: 50°F water + 50 yards = 50% chance of drowning

Understanding Frostbite:

First-Degree (Superficial):

- Skin is red and painful - Numbness and tingling - No permanent damage - "Frostnip" stage - Affects outer skin only

Second-Degree:

- Blisters form 24-48 hours later - Skin appears red and swollen - May have permanent nerve damage - Hard or waxy appearance - Affects outer and some underlying skin

Third-Degree:

- Deep frostbite - Affects all skin layers and tissue below - Skin appears white, blotchy, and/or blue - Area is hard and numb - Joint or muscle involvement

Fourth-Degree:

- Affects muscles and bones - Area appears black and hard - Extremely high risk of amputation - Often combined with hypothermia - Permanent damage certain

Common Frostbite Locations:

- Fingers and toes (90% of cases) - Nose - Ears - Cheeks - Chin - Any exposed skin in severe conditions

Risk Factors:

Environmental:

- Temperature below 32°F - Wind chill factor - Wet conditions - High altitude - Duration of exposure

Personal:

- Inadequate clothing - Wet clothing - Tight clothing/boots - Previous cold injury - Poor circulation - Alcohol or drug use - Dehydration - Fatigue