Winter in Alaska is beautiful but hazardous. When temperatures drop below freezing, our bodies face risks from the cold. As we get older, these dangers become even more serious. But when you know what to watch for and how to respond, it can make all the difference between a minor problem and a medical emergency.
Our bodies work hard to keep us warm, but sometimes the cold wins. Two main problems happen when we get too cold: frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite happens when our skin and the tissue underneath actually freeze. Hypothermia occurs when our whole body temperature drops too low. Both conditions need quick attention.
Frostbite usually starts in our fingers, toes, nose, ears, and cheeks. These parts of our body are farthest from our heart and lose heat fastest. Your skin feels numb or looks very pale or white. Sometimes the skin turns grayish-yellow. You might also feel a stinging sensation that goes away as the area gets numb. If you notice these signs, it’s time to get warm right away. This is called frostnip and is your first warning. Frostbite is when the cold injury worsens, and can cause serious injury including loss of fingers, toes, and other body parts.
When treating frostnip and frostbite, never rub the frozen area. This actually causes more damage. Instead, move to a warm place as quickly as possible. Remove all wet clothing and wrap the area in warm blankets. You can run warm water over frostbitten fingers or toes but should not soak them or immerse them. Make sure the water is not hot, though, as this will cause other injuries. Keep the affected area under fresh running water for about 30 minutes. The skin might turn red and increasingly hurt as it warms up. This is normal.
Hypothermia is even more serious than frostbite. When your core body temperature drops, you might start shivering uncontrollably. You could feel confused, tired, or clumsy. Your speech might become slurred, almost as if you’ve been drinking. When you get severely hypothermic, you stop shivering, which is a very critical sign. If you see these symptoms in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.
While waiting for help, move the person inside or to a warmer place. Remove all wet clothes and cover them with blankets. If they are alert and can swallow, give them warm drinks. Once again, only warm and never hot. Never give alcohol, and avoid anything with caffeine. These drinks actually make hypothermia worse. Make sure you do not allow the person back out into the cold until help has arrived.
Prevention is always better than treatment. Dress in layers when going outside, and make sure your head and hands stay covered. Many seniors take medications that can make them more sensitive to cold, so talk to your doctor about your specific risks. Try to stay inside during the coldest parts of the day and always let someone know when you’re going out.
Remember, winter’s cold doesn’t have to be scary. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can enjoy our beautiful state safely all year long. Keep this information handy, share it with friends and family, and ask for help when you need it. Stay warm out there.
Christian M. Hartley is an Alaska resident with almost 30 years of public safety and public service experience. He is the public safety director of the City of Houston and serves on many local and state workgroups, boards and commissions related to safety. He lives in Big Lake with his wife and their three teenage sons.
