With frigid temperatures on the horizon for Connecticut, American Medical Response is letting residents know about the risks beyond travel.
“Exposure to extreme cold places added stress on the body, increasing the risk of hypothermia, heart-related complications, and respiratory emergencies — particularly among older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without reliable heat,” according to American Medical Response.
“Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to tighten and blood pressure to rise, placing additional strain on the heart,” American Medical Response went on to say. “Breathing cold air can also irritate the airways, worsening conditions such as asthma and COPD. These effects can develop quickly and may not always be immediately recognized.”
Frigid temperatures, up to foot of snow on the horizon for CT. What to know.
“Cold weather emergencies aren’t always obvious, but they can escalate quickly,” said Mike Turcio, pperations manager for AMR New Haven. “Extreme cold puts significant strain on the heart and lungs, and leads to a higher risk for serious medical events especially among vulnerable populations. We urge residents to take the cold seriously and seek help at the first sign of trouble.”
American Medical Response has a lot of important information worth knowing ahead of the freezing weather. Check it out below:
Preventing Cold-Weather Emergencies
Preparation is the best defense against cold-related illness. AMR recommends the following precautions:
Limit time outdoors during extreme cold
Dress in warm, layered clothing and cover exposed skin
Ensure homes are adequately heated
Avoid alcohol, which increases heat loss
Check frequently on elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone without reliable heat
Recognizing Hypothermia
One of the most dangerous — and often overlooked — cold-related conditions is hypothermia, which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia does not always begin with obvious symptoms.
Warning signs may include:
Uncontrollable shivering — or shivering that suddenly stops
Confusion or slurred speech
Trouble walking or clumsiness
Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
Cold, pale, or numb skin
When to Seek Emergency Help
Cold-related conditions can worsen quickly and become life-threatening.
Call 911 immediately if someone:
Becomes confused or difficult to wake
Has chest pain or trouble breathing
Stops shivering
Does not respond when spoken to or touched
While Waiting for Emergency Responders
If you suspect hypothermia or cold-related illness:
Move the person indoors or to a warm, sheltered location
Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm layers
Cover the person with blankets or coats to retain body heat
Offer warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free fluids if they are awake and able to swallow
