Keep kids safe, warm during winter weather

12/11/2014

By Lisa Williams, RN, BSN
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Emergency Department Director

With the sudden cold snap this November, it’s a good time for a reminder about bundling up children during winter months. Hypothermia and frostbite are both conditions children face when spending time outdoors and they need extra protection.

Children are more at risk because they lose heat faster than adults. When they are cold, children just do not have as much energy to burn as adults do. And babies cannot shiver which is a way to generate body heat.

Children also may not notice they are getting too cold when they are outside playing and having fun. Parents should be vigilant while their children are playing outside in the cold.

Tips to ensure children stay safe and warm while outdoors include:

Dress in layers so moisture can be kept away from the skin. Wet layers should be removed so children stay warm and dry.

Dress children in fleece, wool or other fabrics that help keep moisture away from the skin. Avoid cotton clothing which does not insulate, but absorbs moisture.

Make sure your child wears a hat. Hats are key to retaining up to 60 percent of a child’s body heat.

The ears, nose, hands and feet should always be covered and kept as warm as possible. This helps prevent frostbite as well.

Take breaks. Make sure children come inside and warm up periodically.

Once indoors, children should immediately remove any wet clothing and warm up.

Hypothermia
Hypothermia is when someone has an abnormally low body temperature and occurs anytime the body loses more heat than it can generate. Heat loss can be caused by water or air.

There are signs parents should take note of that indicate a child is suffering from hypothermia. If a child is shivering, looks pale, looks bluish and has cold hands, feet, nose or ears it’s important to get them inside at once. Children may experience drowsiness, slurred speech or confusion in extreme cases.

If a child has these more serious symptoms get them inside immediately; put them in warm, dry clothing; wrap the child in a blanket; and call 911.

With infants, warning signs include bright red, cold skin and lethargy. Infants are at increased risk since it is difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. Infants should not sleep in cold bedrooms and should wear warm clothing to sleep in.

Frostbite

Frostbite develops quickly and areas it may be found on include the fingers, toes, ears and nose. If a child has white or gray skin, blisters or if your child has skin that feels numb or burns – get them inside immediately and call 911.

Frostbitten areas should be placed in warm – not hot – water and the area should not be rubbed. It could cause damage. Also, give the child something warm to drink.

It’s important to remember children have a different response to the cold than adults do, and as parents it’s our job to make sure they stay safe – even when they’re having fun.

About Siloam Springs Regional Hospital
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital is a 73 licensed bed facility with 42 private patient rooms. It is accredited by the State of Arkansas Department of Health Services and The Joint Commission. Some services include inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency medicine, medical, surgical and intensive care units, obstetrics, outpatient diagnostic services and inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation. With more than 30 physicians on the medical staff, Siloam Springs Regional Hospital provides compassionate, cutomer-focused care. The new facility, which opened April 2012, is located at 603 N. Progress Ave. in Siloam Springs, Ark.

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