Page 10 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 108

10 Issue #108 January 2022 www.sportsenergynews.com

911 Checking In with Our First Responders

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

Deputy Chief Wayne Markell

Cold Emergencies

As winter settles into our region, it not only brings beautiful scenes of snow collecting on the boughs of
evergreens or children playing hockey on a pond, it brings cold temperatures that demand respect. If you,
your children, or your elderly family members venture outdoors to enjoy a walk, go snowshoeing, skiing, or to
build a snowman, please do so with the proper precautions in place and guard against becoming a victim of a
cold emergency.

There are two main types of cold emergencies:
Hypothermia is a drop of body temperature below normal (37°C) that results from prolonged exposure to frigid temperatures.
The signs and symptoms of the three different stages of hypothermia are:
• First stage: shivering and reduced circulation,
• Second stage: slow, weak pulse, slowed breathing, lack of co-ordination, irritability, confusion, and sleepy behaviour,
• Advanced stage: slow, weak, or absent respiration and pulse and possible loss of consciousness.
Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue caused by exposure to freezing temperatures, typically any temperature below 0oC
(320F). Frostbite can affect any part of your body, but the extremities, such as the hands, feet, ears, nose, and lips are most likely
to be affected. The signs and symptoms of frostbite include:
• At first, cold skin and a prickling feeling, numbness
• Red, white, bluish-white, or grayish-yellow colour to skin,
• Hard or waxy-looking skin,
• Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness,
• Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases.
Know the weather conditions and pay attention to local forecasts. Dress in layers with a wind resistant outer layer. Don’t drink
alcohol as it will make you feel warm even though you are losing heat. Keep moving to help your body create heat and stay warm.
Limit the time you spend outside or intermittently find shelter to warm up while outdoors.
Enjoy what winter has to offer us, especially this year. Get outside, stay active, and stay warm.

Cornwall Fire Services

with Chief Jeff Weber

New Year’s resolutions should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.
Luckily for you, I have some resolutions that are SMART, and fire-safe too!
S: Start with Smoke Alarms
Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in case of fire. Installing them on every floor and outside all sleeping areas
is just the start. You should test your alarms once a month and replace them once they have passed their expiration date.
M: Make a Plan
You can be your family’s hero if a fire were to break out in your home. Make a plan! Where are your exits, and how would you
get to them? Where is your family’s safe gathering point? Who is responsible for ensuring loved ones with low mobility can safely leave
the home? Make a plan and practice it!
A: Apply for your Permit
Campfire permits (also known as open air burn permits) will be available this spring from Cornwall Fire Services. Applying for a permit
ensures you have enough space to safely have a fire. It also helps us verify that you know the precautions necessary to have a safe campfire.
R: Remember PASS
You should only use a fire extinguisher to put out a small, contained fire. Never let the fire get between you and the exit! If you do have a
fire extinguisher in your home, learn how to use it correctly. Remember PASS: pull the pin, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, squeeze
the trigger, sweep until the extinguisher is empty.
T: Take it Outside!
Smoking is a significant cause of fires in our community. You can help lower the risk by taking your cigarette or joint outside to smoke.
When you are done, butt-out in a deep ashtray, never in a potted plant, garden, or grass. Never smoke in bed.
On behalf of all of us at Cornwall Fire Services, I wish you a safe, happy, and healthy 2022.