The death of two elderly South Carolinians following Winter Storm Fern is bringing greater attention to the risks associated with freezing weather. With another round of winter storm conditions forecasted for the state this weekend, experts are urging South Carolinians to understand the risks of hypothermia.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia happens when a person is exposed to very cold temperatures for an extended period of time causing the body to lose heat faster than it's produced, ultimately leading to lower body temperature.
A body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the person unable to think clearly and move well.
Who's at risk?
Those who are most vulnerable to hypothermia are older adults without adequate food, clothing or heat, babies sleeping in cold bedrooms, people who remain outside for long periods of time such as those who are homeless, hikers and hunters, and individuals who drink alcohol and use illicit drugs.
Signs and symptoms
In adults, the warning signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion and drowsiness, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss and slurred speech. Babies might become lethargic and have very low energy as well as experience bright red, cold skin.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has reported two deaths caused by hypothermia following Winter Storm Fern: a 96-year-old Greenwood County woman who died Sunday and an 83-year-old Lexington County woman who died Monday.
Someone who is experiencing hypothermia should receive immediate medical attention. If you know of someone who has symptoms but a doctor's care is not readily available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps:
- Get the person inside a warm room or shelter
- Remove any wet clothing from the individual
- Warm the center of the person's body (chest, neck, and groin) with an electric blanket or by skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets
- If the person is conscious, warm non-alcoholic beverages may be consumed to raise body temperature
Once body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body (head and neck) in a warm blanket. Medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
Additional information about hypothermia can be found on the CDC's website.