“What should be done in case of a person feels frozen?”
I live in a place where there is extreme snow during the winters, to the point where we feel like we're literally frozen. What should be done for someone who feels almost too cold?
1 Answer
If the individual is alert enough to feel this way, they may safely sit by a fire or heater or under an electric blanket and self-monitor for getting too warm--they need external heat applied, after outer and wet items removed. If the person is confused, intoxicated, frail/elderly or otherwise should not be relied upon to control their own rewarming and heat exposure, then someone must remain with them constantly to avoid thermal injury (/burn) while trying to rewarm from cold exposure. If awake and alert, warm liquids (cocoa, tea, broth, etc.) can be given as well. If they are mentally altered, then EMS should be contacted while starting initial warming as possible.
Donald W. Alves, MD, MS, FACEP
Donald W. Alves, MD, MS, FACEP
