Cold Weather: Prevention of Injury

1
Cold WeatherPrevention of Injury

• Welcome to our web-based course for Cold
  Weather Prevention of Injury.
• Self-testing questions are posed throughout the
  course for you to check your comprehension of the
  material. Note the sidebar, which allows you to
  see where you are in the training, as well as the
  ability to use the search box to look for
  specific words.
• Navigate by using the arrow at the bottom of the
  screen which allows both backward and forward
  movement.
• If you do not understand any information
  provided, please direct your question via email
  to ehs_at_wright.edu, or via phone to 937-775-2215.
  We will respond during normal business hours.

2
Frostbite

• Is the freezing of tissue on areas such as the
  fingers, toes and ears, and could involve only
  superficial tissue or could extend to the bone.
  Constriction of an extremity may reduce blood
  flow and increase the chances of frostbite.
• Symptoms include Redness, pain, burning,
  stinging or prickly sensation. Pain disappears
  and a sudden blanching of the skin occurs. Skin
  is firm to the touch, but resilient underneath.
  When thawing, thre is an aching pain or browness.

3
Frostbite-continued

• DO NOT
• Rub the frozen part
• Rub with snow
• Attempt to thaw in cold water
• Use high temperatures to thaw
• Break blisters that may form
• Treatment involves rapid re-warming in warm water
  between 100F to 108F, and allowing to air dry,
  protecting from trauma, and preventing
  refreezing. If body part feels dead and hard,
  and is hard to move, get the person to a hospital
  ASAP.

4
Hypothermia

• Is the lowering of the inner core temperature of
  the body. This can and usually does happen at
  temperatures above freezing.
• Symptoms include
• The person feeling chilled
• The skin may be numb with goose pimples
• Minor impairment may be evident in still and
  clumsy fingers.
• Mental deteriouation and shivering may begin at
  the same time.

5
Hypothermia-continued

• As the body temperature continues to drop,
  muscular and mental coordination continue to
  deteriorate.
• If symptoms of mild to moderate hypothermia
  occur, get the person inside, have them change
  their clothing, and then contact a hospital for
  treatment advice.
• In severe hypothermia, in the person cannot walk,
  does not shiver, and has an abnormal level of
  consciousnessthe person must be taken to a
  hospital ASAP.

6
If a person who has been out in the cold stops
shivering and sems disoriented, he/she should be
taken to a hospital.
Correct - Click anywhere to continue
Try again. (Review by going back one slide)
You must answer the question before continuing
7
To Aid in Prevention of Cold Injuries

• Layer your clothing. Wear several layers of
  light, loose fitting clothing instead of one
  heavy layer.
• Keep yourself dry from the weather and
  perspiration. Change clothing if necessary.
  (Wool retains most of its insulation properties
  when wet).
• Wear a pair of synthetic blend socks, such as
  polyporpylene, under a pair of wool socks in
  increase insulation and to take perspiration away
  from your feet.
• Wear gloves or mittens, along with a warm head
  covering.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

8

• Congratulations!
• You have completed the
• Cold Weather Prevention of Injury training module
• Please click the following link to document your
  training
• Training Certification
• Thank You!