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Hypothermia: A Firefighters Risk
By Becky Sherek, RN/EMT
With winter here, it is time to prepare for the problems that go along with it. One of the
biggest concerns, especially in our region, is exposure to cold.
Firefighters may suffer injury from potential adverse effects of overexposure to the
cold. These exposures may occur when firefighters are exposed to low temperatures, wind
and /or moisture for significant time periods. A person’s normal body temperature is
approximately 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. The body is usually very good at maintaining this,
but when the body loses heat due to exposure to the cold, the following conditions can
develop. These cold stress symptoms can be displayed as either frostbite or
hypothermia.
Frostbite: A cold –induced condition by the formation of ice crystals in exposed body
parts. It occurs when extremities such as hands, feet, ears, and nose are exposed to cold
for extended periods of time. Superficial frostbite is characterized by grey or yellowish
patches on the affected areas. Deep frostbite is characterized by waxy and pale skin, the
affected parts feel cold, hard and solid which may turn blue or purple upon thawing.
Hypothermia: Hypothermia literally means “low temperature” and is diagnosed when an
individual’s body core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. A cold induced
condition which results from over cooling the body due to excessive loss of body heat.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, numbness, drowsiness, dizziness,
impaired vision and judgment and loss of coordination.
It is important to manage cold stress by modifying work practices during emergency
operations according to environmental conditions. These measures are recommended:
*Wear multiple layers of light, loose-fitting clothing
* Pay particular attention to protecting feet, hands, face and head
* Report any cold-stress-related symptoms in themselves or their co-workers
* To perform at the highest level, firefighters must remain hydrated and refuel their energy
with food. Yes, I said hydrated which means drinking at least 64 ounces of water daily.
Northern Health & Fitness Plus’s goal is to promote the importance of firefighter safety by
instilling the need to keep your body hydrated. Your body is like an engine, if you don’t
keep it fully hydrated it’s not going to work at peak efficiency or, in the worse case it may
not perform at all.
(See article on dehydration below)
Cold weather firefighting is unlike any incident alarm response that may be attended in
summer, it requires an understanding and respect for its impact, potential, and demands,
and the ultimate consideration for personnel safety.