As temperatures drop across Colorado, winter brings more than snow-covered roads and chilly mornings. Cold weather also creates health and safety risks that can quickly become serious emergencies.
Whether you're enjoying outdoor activities, working outside, shoveling snow, or simply commuting to work, knowing how to recognize the signs of cold-related injuries can make a significant difference.
Two conditions everyone should understand are hypothermia and frostbite. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can help protect you, your family, coworkers, and community.
What Is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the body's core temperature to drop below 95°F.
Although many people associate hypothermia with extreme outdoor conditions, it can happen in less obvious situations, too. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, wet clothing, wind, and inadequate heating can all contribute.
Older adults, young children, and individuals who spend extended periods outdoors may be especially vulnerable.
Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia
Recognizing hypothermia early is critical. Watch for:
Shivering, which may become severe or eventually stop.
Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly.
Slurred speech.
Extreme fatigue or drowsiness.
Loss of coordination or stumbling.
Cold, pale skin.
Slow or shallow breathing.
Important: Someone experiencing hypothermia may not recognize how serious their condition has become. Confusion and impaired judgment can make it difficult for them to seek help.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect someone has hypothermia:
Call 911. Hypothermia can be life-threatening and requires prompt medical attention.
Move the person to a warm, sheltered location if possible.
Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry clothing or blankets.
Warm the person's core gradually, focusing on the chest, neck, and head.
Handle the person gently.
Monitor their breathing and responsiveness. If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an AED if available, following emergency dispatcher instructions.
Never use direct intense heat, such as heating pads or hot water, to warm someone with suspected hypothermia.
What Is Frostbite?
Frostbite happens when skin and underlying tissues freeze due to exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
It most commonly affects areas of the body that are exposed to the cold or have less protection, including:
Fingers and toes
Ears
Nose
Cheeks
Chin
Frostbite can develop quickly in extremely cold or windy conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Frostbite
Early warning signs include:
Numbness or tingling.
Skin that feels unusually cold.
Red or pale skin.
White, grayish-yellow, or waxy-looking skin.
Hard or unusually firm skin.
Blisters in more advanced cases.
A person experiencing frostbite may not feel pain because the affected area has become numb.
What Should You Do?
If you suspect frostbite:
Get the person out of the cold and into a warm environment.
Remove wet clothing and restrictive items such as jewelry.
Protect the affected area from further injury.
Seek medical attention promptly.
If the area may refreeze, do not attempt to thaw it. Refreezing can cause additional tissue damage.
If medical care is available, rewarming should be done using controlled warm-water immersion rather than direct heat.
Never rub or massage frostbitten skin, use a heating pad, or hold the affected area directly against a heater or fire.
Prevention Is Your Best First Aid
Many cold-weather emergencies are preventable with a little preparation.
Before heading outdoors:
Dress in layers and choose clothing that helps keep moisture away from your skin.
Wear insulated gloves, warm socks, and appropriate footwear.
Cover exposed skin, especially your ears, nose, and face.
Take frequent breaks in warm environments.
Stay dry whenever possible.
Pay attention to weather conditions, including wind chill.
Check on older neighbors and family members during extreme cold.
For businesses with employees who work outdoors, having appropriate cold-weather safety procedures and knowing how to recognize early warning signs is equally important.
Why First Aid Training Matters Year-Round
Emergencies don't follow a schedule, and they don't always happen in predictable circumstances.
Knowing how to recognize a medical emergency, provide appropriate first aid, and understand when to call 911 can make a meaningful difference while waiting for professional help to arrive.
First aid training teaches more than individual skills. It helps people recognize warning signs, respond calmly, and make informed decisions when someone needs assistance.
At Choice CPR Training & First Aid, we believe that preparedness starts with education. We offer training for individuals, families, businesses, childcare providers, and organizations throughout Colorado.
Whether you need CPR, AED, or First Aid training, we're here to help you build the knowledge and confidence to respond when it matters most.
Don't wait for an emergency to learn what to do.
Visit our Classes page to learn more about our available courses and onsite training options.
Choice CPR Training & First Aid – Transforming bystanders into lifesavers.
