제  목 : Surviving the Cold Weather
  일  자 : 1998년 09월
  제공처 : Internet

                 Surviving the Cold Weather
                 ===========================

    Prolonged exposure to low temperatures, wind and/or moisture can result
    in cold-related injury from frostbite and hypothermia. With temperatures
    below zero throughout the Midwest and expected to drop further this
    weekend, the National Safety Council offers these suggestions on how to
    keep warm and avoid frostbite and hypothermia.

    Dress properly

    Wear several layers of thick, loose-fitting clothing to insulate your
    body by trapping warm, dry air inside. Loosely 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. Your
    cheeks, ears and nose are the most prone to frostbite. Wear a hat, scarf
    and turtleneck sweater to protect these areas.

    Frostbite: What to look for

    The extent of frostbite is difficult to judge until hours after thawing.
    There are two classifications of frostbite:

      Superficial frostbite is characterized by grey or yellowish patches on
      the affected areas. The skin remains soft and pliable, but becomes red
      and flaky after thawing.
      Deep frostbite is characterized by waxy and pale skin, the affect parts
      feel cold, hard, and solid which may turn blue or purple upon thawing.
      Large blisters may also appear after rewarming.

    What to do

      1.Get the victim out of the cold and to a warm place immediately.
      2.Remove any constrictive clothing items that could impair circulation.
      3.If you notice signs of frostbite, seek medical attention immediately.
      4.If a body part is partially thawed, place frostbitten part in warm
 water (102 to 106 degrees Fahrenheit). If you do not have a
 thermometer, test the water first to see if it is warm. Rewarming
 usually takes 20 to 40 minutes or until tissues soften.

    What not to do

      1.Do not use water hotter than 106 degrees Fahrenheit.
      2.Do not use water colder than 100 degrees Fahrenheit since it will not
 thaw frostbite quickly enough.
      3.Do not rub or massage the frostbite area.
      4.Do not rub with ice or snow.

    Hypothermia

    Hypothermia occurs when the body looses more heat than it produces.
    Symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, impaired speech and clumsy
    movements. 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. Carefully remove the victim's
    clothing if it is wet, but avoid rubbing the victim's skin.

    Finally, the best way to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to stay out
    of the cold. Read a book, clean house or watch TV. Be patient and wait out
    the dangerous cold weather.

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