Cold temperatures can be dangerous for outdoor workers. One of those dangers is hypothermia, which occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95° F, the National Safety Council says.
Shivering, drowsiness, confusion, fumbling and slurred speech are all signs that a worker may be experiencing hypothermia.
If you suspect a co-worker may be experiencing hypothermia, follow these “dos and don’ts” from NSC.
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Do:
- Take the victim’s temperature and, if it’s 95° F or below, call 911 or ask another co-worker to do so.
- Move the victim into a warm room and have them drink a warm, nonalcoholic beverage if they’re conscious.
- Remove any wet clothing.
- Warm the center of the victim’s body first (head, neck and torso) with an electric blanket, layers of blankets or skin-to-skin contact.
Don’t:
- Assume an unconscious victim is beyond help. Call 911 and administer CPR while the victim is being warmed. “Victims of hypothermia are often successfully resuscitated,” NSC notes.
- Rub or massage the victim’s skin.
