How to be prepared in the event of winter weather emergencies

by Jeff Mitchell, EMT-P
Veterans Memorial Hospital EMS Coordinator
 
How to Dress for Being in the Cold
Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to insulate your body by trapping warm, dry air inside. Loosley woven cotton and wool clothes best trap air and resist dampness. The head and neck lose heat faster than any other part of the body. The cheeks, ears and nose are the most prone to frostbite.  Wear a hat, scarf and turtleneck sweater to protect these areas.

Hypothermia and What to Do
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses more heat than it produces. Symptoms include change in mental status, uncontrollable shivering, cool abdomen and low core body temperature. Severe hypothermia may cause rigid muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heartbeat and respiration and unconsciousness.
Treat hypothermia by protecting the victim from further heat loss and seeking immediate medical attention. Get the victim out of the cold. Add insulation such as blankets, pillows, towels or newspapers beneath and around the victim. Be sure to cover the victim’s head.  Replace wet clothing with dry clothing. Handle the victim gently because rough handling can cause cardiac arrest. Keep the victim in a horizontal (flat) position until medical help arrives.

Items to Keep in Car for Winter Driving
Keep the car fueled and in good working order. Carry the following items in case you become stranded during a storm or have trouble in cold weather:
• Cell phone, portable charger and extra batteries
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper
• Battery-powered radio (and extra batteries)
• Flashlight (and extra batteries)
• Water
• Snack food
• Extra hats, coats, mittens
• Blankets
• Chains or rope
•Tire chains
• Canned compressed air with sealant (emergency tire repair)
• Road salt and sand
• Booster cables
• Emergency flares
• Bright colored flag or help signs
•First aid kit
• Tool kit
• Road maps
• Compass
• Waterproof matches and a can (to melt snow for water)
•Paper towels.
For more information on winter weather emergencies,  call Jeff Mitchell, EMT-P, EMS Coordinator at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.