Frostbite is the most common injury resulting from exposure to severe cold. At or below -15° C (5° F), blood vessels close to the skin start to narrow (constrict). This helps to preserve core body temperature.
In extreme cold or when the body is exposed to cold for long periods, this protective strategy can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body to dangerously low levels. The combination of cold temperature and poor blood flow can cause tissue injury. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart, and those with a lot of surface area exposed to cold. These areas include the toes, fingers, ears and nose. It is related, but not identical, to hypothermia. The early stages of frostbite are sometimes called "frostnip".
Wind Chill / Frostbite Guidelines
30° F or greater. Chilly. Generally unpleasant
15° F to - 30° F Cold. Unpleasant.
0° F to -15° F Very cold. Very unpleasant
- 0° F to - 20° F Bitter cold. Frostbite possible
- 20° F to - 60° F Extremely cold. Frostbite likely. Outdoor activity becomes dangerous.
- 60° F or less Frigidly cold. Exposed flesh will freeze within 30 seconds
>>>Wind Chill is a Guide To Winter Danger<<<
At -10° F with a wind of 5mph. the temperature adjusted
for wind chill is -22° F. Frostbite occurs in 15 min. or less
on exposed skin.
At 0° F with a wind of 15mph. the temperature adjusted
for wind chill is -19° F. Frostbite occurs in 15 min. or less
on exposed skin.
(chart on this page)
http://abcsafetyglasses.com/windchill.html
>>>><<<<
Superficial frostbite is characterized by white, waxy, or grayish-yellow patches on the affected areas. The skin feels cold and numb. The skin surface feels stiff but underlying tissue feels soft and pliable when depressed. Treat superficial frostbite by taking the victim inside immediately. Remove any constrictive clothing items that could impair circulation. If you notice signs of frostbite, immediately seek medical attention. Place dry, sterile gauze between toes and fingers to absorb moisture and to keep them from sticking together. Slightly elevate the affected part to reduce pain and swelling. If you are more than one hour from a medical facility and you have warm water, place the frostbitten part in the water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do not have a thermometer, test the water first to see if it is warm, not hot. Rewarming usually takes 20 to 40 minutes or until tissues soften.
Deep frostbite usually affects the feet or hands and is characterized by waxy, pale, solid skin. Blisters may appear. Treat deep frostbite by moving the victim indoors and immediately seek medical attention.
Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of this condition include change in mental status, uncontrollable shivering, cool abdomen and a low core body temperature. Severe hypothermia may produce rigid muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and respiratory rates, and unconsciousness.
Treat hypothermia by protecting the victim from further heat loss and calling for 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. Give artificial respiration or CPR (if you are trained) as necessary.
How to prevent cold-related illnesses
Avoid frostbite and hypothermia when you are exposed to cold temperatures by wearing layered clothing, eating a well-balanced diet, and drinking warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free liquids to maintain fluid levels.
Avoid becoming wet, as wet clothing loses 90 percent of its insulating value.
http://www.nsc.org/library/facts/frstbit.htm
Frostbite - Kids Health For Children
http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/emergencies/frostbite.html
2007-02-06 00:13:44
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answer #1
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answered by $Sun King$ 7
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For me, the wind/ windchill is a huge ingredient. there's a huge distinction between chilly and robust north wind chilly. as long simply by fact the wind isn't blowing too a lot, any temperature is pleased with me, as long as they're bundled up stable and not exterior for too long. yet, it relatively is coming from somebody in Texas and something under freezing isn't incredibly widely used (besides the incontrovertible fact that it happens... like on the instant!). If it have been a lot chillier the place we live, i might in all probability attempt to maintain them entertained interior if it have been in the toddlers or chillier. this is, till it snowed. it would be a uncommon case so we would all be exterior enjoying it.
2016-10-01 12:27:17
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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I know my school won't let us take kids out if it's below +20 degrees farenheight...
2007-02-06 00:12:32
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answer #3
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answered by carebearny1999 5
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then maybe you should take your "childish brain" outside and play...
2007-02-05 23:48:10
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answer #4
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answered by takeemout01 5
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