when frost crystals begin to form in the skin, causing it to feel warm and start to swell. • Deep Frostbite Third-degree inju- ries can occur when blood flow to blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and bones stops. This can cause perma- nent damage, depending on how deep and how long the tissue was frozen. Amputation may be needed if the frozen tissue dies. As in cases of hypothermia, if a person experiences dangerously cold weather conditions for an extended time, blood flow to the extremities can be reduced, causing frostbite in the fingers, toes, hands, and feet. The constriction of blood vessels redi- rects blood flow to the vital organs, sup- plying them with much needed oxygen and maintaining the body’s core tem- perature. If prolonged, this will cause the skin and nearby tissues to begin to die from the outside in. DRESS FOR PROTECTION Wearing proper winter-rated gear is ex- tremely important in preventing cold stress. Choose wool or synthetic materi- al over cotton, as these materials retain their insulative ability even when wet. To increase insulation, consider wear- ing at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing with wool or a synthetic as your inner and middle layers. Wear a water-resistant outer layer that also allows ventilation to alleviate overheat- ing. Change out of wet clothing oen. Since much heat is released through the head, be sure to wear a hat or hood. Balaclavas are also a good choice to keep the face and neck protected. Keep your extremities warm by wearing wa- terproof, insulated boots and gloves. Moreover, have on hand extra socks, gloves, hats, and changes of clothing.
heat is lost so it can concentrate on keeping the vital organs warm. The hypothalamus also commands your muscles to shiver to produce more heat for the body, kicking the metabo- lism into overdrive at a rate of two to five times what’s normal.
But don’t think you’re in the clear if the shivering stops. The opposite, in fact, has occurred. You’ve now progressed into severe hypothermia. If le in this state, your brain will stop properly functioning. This may make you feel disoriented, dizzy, and even make you want to take all your clothes off. You’ll be in serious trouble if you don’t get to safety soon, as permanent brain damage can occur. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and hypertension can put tree workers at greater risk of succumbing to the elements. While avoidance is best, catching these types of injuries early and streamlining the reporting process is crucial to protect- ing tree worker crews. EFFECTS OF FROSTBITE Frostbite occurs when the body is ex- posed to low temperatures, resulting in freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. Frostbite is most common in the fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks, and chin. In ad- dition to temperature, it can also result from direct contact with frozen metal, ice, and very cold liquids. Even protect- ed skin can succumb to frostbite.
Signs of Hypothermia
• Shivering • Drowsiness • Exhaustion or feeling very tired • Confusion • Lack of coordination • Slurred speech • Memory loss How to Treat • Call 911 and check breathing and responsiveness • Begin CPR if unresponsive and not breathing normally • Gently move the victim into a warm place • Remove wet or damp clothing • Slowly warm the person with warm blankets • Place the victim near a heat source (ONLY if far from medical help) • Do not rub the person’s skin • If they can easily swallow, give warm (not hot) drinks. • Never give the victim alcohol or caffeine.
There are three degrees of frostbite:
• Frostnip A milder first-degree in- jury that doesn’t cause permanent damage to the skin. • SuperficialFrostbite More serious, this second-degree injury occurs
Check out our Cold Weather Gear guide on page 20 for high-tech solutions to keep you warm on the job site.
16 | ArborTIMES Winter 2024
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