COLD INJURIES
The winter sports season is in full swing as central Wisconsin again hosts the Badger State Games. While most of us are prepared for conditions when we go outside to participate in typical wintertime activities, you would be surprised how often cold-related injuries still occur. Many times, these injuries occur on more temperate days – conditions need not mimic those seen during playoff games at the frozen tundra of Green Bay for an injury to occur. Winter sports enthusiasts are at risk for cold-related injuries that include hypothermia and frostbite, so let’s take a close look at these two conditions.
What are cold injuries? The body is affected by low outside temperatures when it is unable to protect itself from the elements. As with other medical conditions, children and the elderly are most susceptible to cold-related injuries. Children have a physical constitution that promotes heat loss, while the elderly body is unable to compensate against the cold. Athletes are at risk due to prolonged exposure to the elements and wet, sweaty clothing generated by their activity that draws heat away from the body. All these circumstances lead to loss of body heat.
Hypothermia. When the loss of body heat is extreme, hypothermia can occur. When hypothermia occurs, the core body temperature falls below 95º F. Mild hypothermia is between the temperatures of 90º and 95º F. Moderate hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature is between 82º and 90º F, with severe hypothermia occurring when the core body temperature falls below 82º F.
It should be noted that heat loss could occur through a variety of mechanisms and in all parts of the country. The biggest risk for hypothermia occurs when the outside temperature is around 40º F and it is cool and damp. To a winter athlete, 40ºF is warm, but they don’t realize that they still lose body heat very quickly under these circumstances and therefore they do not dress appropriately or monitor their condition, as they should.
Early signs of hypothermia include confusion and loss of coordination, while later stages include a slow heart rate, extreme confusion, and loss of consciousness.
Frostbite and frostnip. These two conditions also affect the winter sportsperson. Exposed skin that has been frostbitten will appear whitish-blue. Fingers and toes can also be affected. When severe exposure occurs, frostbite will involve deep layers of the skin with very serious damage occurring. The greatest risk for frostbite is posed by very low temperatures, high winds, high humidity, and prolonged exposure to the elements.
What is the treatment? Preventive measures and preparation for winter conditions is essential. A key to preventing hypothermia is being aware of the symptoms (confusion and loss of coordination) and recognizing that if you are shivering, it’s time to seek warm shelter and rest.
Someone suffering from hypothermia must be moved into a warm, dry shelter and wet clothing must be removed immediately. Aggressive warming techniques must be applied through heating blankets, radiant heat, and warm water bottles. With severe hypothermia, rescuers must be very careful when moving the affected victim, as rough movements can cause a heart arrhythmia that could be fatal.
With frostnip and frostbite, the affected body part must be rapidly warmed. The patient must first be moved to a warm and dry environment and wet clothing must be removed as well. Warm water between 104º to 108º F should be used to treat the affected area.
With both of these conditions, it is advisable to seek medical attention. The above measures are a starting point for emergency treatment, but a professional examination is advised to assess other conditions.
Winter is a great time to excel in outdoor activities. Like any other season, it requires proper preparation for dealing with the elements. Doing so will make the event much more enjoyable and will help you avoid a trip to the emergency department.
