Your Interview

I would like you to remind people what to do and not do if you find someone suffering from frost bite or hypothermia.

I know rubbing of the skin for instance can cause damage but is the same not true from trying to heat up someone too rapidly or not recognizing the signs of hypothermia?

Dr.James Talbot: Excellent questions!

Frostbite is a serious medical condition. It can be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of frostbite because of the numbing effects of the cold, especially on the face. Frostbite is most likely to occur on the nose, cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes. As the area freezes it will turn white, look waxy, become numb and feel hard to the touch. When out in the cold, check yourself and others who may be with you regularly.

The first step is to get out of the cold. You can warm the affected part with body heat, e.g. warm dry hands on the face, or putting hands in your armpits. If warm water is available (about body temperature 37º C-39º C) this can be used to warm the affected area. If a thermometer is not available, use water that feels lukewarm, when tested with the skin covering the inside of your wrist. Do not use heating pads, heat lamps, stoves or fireplaces to warm the affected area directly.

The numbness will prevent the body from recognizing the external heat sources are burning or in severe cases literally cooking the affected flesh.

Rubbing the frostbitten area and walking on frostbitten feet can damage tissue and should be avoided. If the area affected by frost bite does not respond to these treatments, if it stays white, or numb, or blisters or swells, medical care should be sought. Most frostbite does respond well. The area will be painful while thawing and may be red after but most will recover completely. The area will be more susceptible to frostbite and should be checked carefully in future cold snaps.

Hypothermia is when the body’s core temperature decreases to the point that the affected person’s mental and physical functioning is impaired. Early symptoms include shivering, and having cold and pale skin especially on the extremities. More serious symptoms include poor judgment, confusion, staggering, and slurred speech. Late symptoms may include the loss of shivering, shallow breathing, the trunk of the body being cold to the touch and finally unconsciousness and death.

Once again, being alert and looking out for the symptoms in others is critical. The cold numbs the brain and the affected person may not think straight. The treatment for mild symptoms is once again to get the person out of the cold, warm with body heat, drink warm liquids, heat and warm blankets. If the symptoms are more serious, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Hope this was useful.

When working outside in the cold is it better to dress in layers of clothing or one heavy coat?

Dr. James Talbot: When working outside, it’s important to understand still air is your friend. Multiple layers tend to trap more air and keep it still so it serves as an excellent insulator. Fabrics that also trap air, e.g. fur, wool, and the new synthetic fabrics are excellent choices.

Wearing multiple layers also gives you the option to take layers off to prevent overheating. In wind, the air carries off heat (remember it’s still air that is good) causing you to cool off quicker. It is a good idea to wear a windproof outer layer.

Mitts have less surface area than gloves and will lose heat less quickly. A hat, or in severe wind and cold conditions, a balaclava are essential as 30 per cent of your body heat can be lost through the head area. A scarf and neck warmer can also be useful. Boots that repel water and are big enough to wear with several pairs of wool socks and thick soles to prevent heat loss are essential.

Wet skin loses heat more quickly than dry skin, so staying dry is very important. Fabrics like wool and the new synthetics wick water keep sweat away from the skin and help keep us warm. Cotton is brilliant in the summer to aid cooling by keeping sweat next to the skin but for the same reason it should be avoided in the winter.

The Inuit also move or work at a slower rate to keep sweating to a minimum to avoid dangerous cooling in extreme cold.

Doug: what would you recomend people carry in their vehicle in case they break down in remote areas?

Dr. James Talbot:

Below you will find a list of items to keep in your car during the winter:
·A cell phone and battery charger
·Blankets, and several of the reflective metallic blankets
·Candles, matches and/or lighter
·Water
·Energy bars
·Winter boots and perhaps a spare parka, mitts and hat especially if you usually travel in shoes and work clothes
·Jumper cables
·Sand or kitty litter for traction if stuck,
·Snow shovel, window scraper and tow rope
·Knife and tire repair tools and kit.
·Common tools like a screwdriver, crescent wrench and of course in Canada, duct tape.

Doug: What steps would you recomend people take to keep their home warm?

Dr. James Talbot: The following list should help to keep your house warm:

·Ensure that your home is properly insulated.
·Check and seal windows and doors to eliminate drafts.
·Be sure to have your furnace checked and serviced annually in the fall before cold weather arrives.
·Do not use space heaters with extension cords and under no circumstances use heaters that burn fuel indoors ( e.g. barbecues, propane heaters). These produce carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide poisoning is silent and deadly.
·If you are going to use your fireplace or wood burning stoves ensure that the flues or chimneys are checked and serviced annually. They need regular cleaning to prevent build up of flammable material that can ignite and cause fires.
·Check your smoke detector and ensure its batteries are changed twice a year. If you don’t have one, get one.

Would like to know what to do in extreme weather when you need to walk your dog for its needs.

Dr. James Talbot: Be aware of the weather and the forecast and dress appropriately. You should also dress your pet appropriately.

If in doubt wear more layers.

Regularly check for warning signs of hypothermia and frostbite (see above) or better yet go for a walk with someone else, so you can check each other.

If you are planning a long walk, make sure that someone knows when and where you are going, and when you plan to return. Pay attention to your pet’s condition and when they indicate they want to return or especially if they look like their feet are hurting or they behave unusually bring them back to a warm place promptly.

Finally be kind to your neighbors and their lawns and bring a plastic bag and pick up after your pet.

Lise: Also what to do to make sure your car starts if you don't have a block heater?

Dr. James Talbot: Have your car checked annually and have the electrical system and battery serviced if necessary. Remember to turn off all lights and anything that uses electrical power. Leaving your car in a garage, even an unheated one will keep it warmer than leaving it outside. Always have jumper cables and a battery charger with an extension cord available, if all else fails and your battery goes dead. Also, a membership in your provincial motor association provides access to boosting services, etc.