Safety First – Protect Yourself from Frostbite and Hypothermia
Winters can get really chilly in Vancouver, and the frigid conditions can be dangerous for people who work outdoors. With temperatures often dipping well below freezing, hypothermia and frostbite are ever-present threats, which is why it's essential to know emerg ency first aid measures. Frostbite When our body feels cold, it sends blood to the vital organs (the core) to stay alive. However, it can leave our limbs and extremities more vulnerable to the cold. The blood circulation slows down in the extremities, making them more susceptible to frostbite. Frostbite is the most common condition caused by extreme cold . If it's not diagnosed and treated early on, it’s likely to cause permanent damage and may result in amputation. There are two types of frostbite; superficial and deep frostbite. Superficial frostbite affects the skin surface; however, the underlying tissue remains soft. The skin may appear white and numb. On the other hand, Deep Frostbite affects all the l...