Cold Injuries Emergency Response
The coldest days of the year have begun. Prolonged exposure to cold weather outside can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen explained the initial intervention process for frostbite and hypothermia.
Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen, Director of the Altınbaş University First Aid Training Center and a Sociologist, warned that irreversible serious damage can occur in tissues where blood circulation is insufficient due to freezing.
Emphasizing the need for sensitivity to the elderly and children in cases of cold injuries and frostbite, Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen stated that first aid interventions should not be based on hearsay information.
Reminding that the normal body temperature is 37 degrees, Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen pointed out that when this temperature drops below 25 degrees, a person will show signs of freezing and said, "Everyone can encounter first, second, and irreversible third-degree freezing cases. In such cases, due to insufficient oxygen supply to the tissues, swelling and discoloration may occur on the skin. Blisters may even form on the skin."
Describing another condition that may occur in cold weather as hypothermia, which is when a person's normal body temperature drops below 35°C, Çevirgen explained, "Hypothermia occurs when the body loses more heat than it can produce for an extended period. As exposure to cold prolongs, redness and pain develop first in the hands, feet, and nose. As the condition progresses, the person may experience roughness, tingling, and a feeling of burning on the skin with changes in color. Loss of sensation and a state of fatigue can be observed. As hypothermia progresses, the person may become drowsy, and the risk of death emerges. Therefore, individuals affected by the cold should be kept awake as much as possible."
Zehra Yıldız Çevirgen emphasized that the first thing to pay attention to in first aid is to move the person away from the cold and wet environment. She summarized the necessary actions as follows:
Frostbite on Hands:
- Remove jewelry such as rings, watches, and bracelets quickly but gently if possible.
- Wrap with a dry cloth.
- Keep the affected area elevated to reduce swelling.
- Do not rub the frozen area; allow it to gradually warm up on its own.
Frostbite on Feet:
- Do not walk on frozen feet.
- Transport using an appropriate method.
- Call for medical assistance (dial 112) or take the person to the nearest healthcare facility.
General Recommendations:
- Attempt to feed and hydrate with warm, sugary substances to prevent freezing.
- Dress the person in thick clothing and cover with heavy blankets.
- Do not allow them to sleep.
- Place them in a warm room, gradually increasing the room temperature.
- Do not give drinks containing alcohol.
- Avoid rubbing the body with snow or ice, and do not massage.