PADUCAH - The National Institute of Health says about 25,000 Americans a year die from hypothermia. Numbers like that are why local medical professionals are encouraging you to know the signs of hypothermia.
Common hypothermia symptoms to look out for include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Pale and cold skin
- Slowed breathing or heart rate
- Shivering that cannot be controlled - but in some cases of extremely low body temperatures, shivering may stop.
Winter weather can be lots of fun, when you take the proper precautions. The National Weather Service labels hypothermia as the most common cold weather killer.
"With these temperatures like they are, it's very hard on them on the patient," said Steven Criswell.
Criswell is the paramedic captain with Mercy Reginal EMS. He says they've already treated a few cases of hypothermia this week.
"We have seen a few where they were exposed to the elements for a little bit longer than they should have been. Or maybe they underestimated the elements and didn't realize that that they were getting as cold as they were before they got bad," said Criswell.
In the back of each EMS unit is a heated blanket and lots of fluid for patients suffering from cold-related illnesses. Criswell says bundling up if you're out is key.
"It's very dangerous to have anything exposed, as far as skin, to these elements. Within minutes you can see that tissue start to freeze," Criswell said.
Steven Criswell with Mercy Regional EMS.
Criswell also highlighted that just like in the heat, its important to stay hydrated in these temperatures.
