Extreme Cold

More Australians die from the cold than the heat. Extreme cold can cause hypothermia. Keeping warm in winter is particularly important for people with health conditions such as respiratory issues or cardiovascular illness as well as colds and flu.

People most at risk

People most at risk from hypothermia (extreme cold) are:

Children - who have a faster rate of heat loss than adults due to their large head relative to their body
The elderly - who have an impaired ability to notice changes in temperature due to the loss of nerve endings to the skin. They also have a lower metabolic rate and so generate less heat themselves
People suffering dementia or immobilising illness - who may be unable to look after themselves independently, either physically or cognitively
Alcohol dependant people - who feel warm because it relaxes the blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow near the skin, providing a flushed appearance and a warm sensation
Drug-dependent people - who are less likely to take protective measures against heat because the person is less likely to recognise the environment and their own physical condition
Wet clothed people - who are immersed in water that is colder than body temperature will suffer significant heat loss this includes incontinence and sweating

Understanding and treating hypothermia

Illness	Symptoms	What to do
Mild hypothermia (35-32 C)	Pale and cool to touch as blood vessels constrict in the skin Numbness in the extremities Sluggish responses, drowsiness or lethargic Shivering Increased heart rate and breathing.	Remove the person from the cold environment Dry them if they are wet Do not massage them Warm them Do not give alcohol Stay with the person Monitor breathing
Moderate hypothermia (32-28 C)	Decreasing conscious state May have been incontinent of urine as a result of an increased workload on the kidneys related to blood being shunted to the major organs No longer shivering Slowed heart rate, breathing rate and low blood pressure.	Do the above Monitor breathing and heart rate
Severe hypothermia (below 28 C) (a life-threatening emergency)	Unconscious and no longer responding The heart beats more slowly and may become irregular before ultimately stopping if the person gets too cold No response to light in the pupil of the eye Rigid muscles – the person might feel like they are in rigor mortis Pulses and respiratory effort may be present but hard to detect	Do the above Call an ambulance Provide CPR if necessary

For 24 hour health advice contact Nurse-on-Call on: 1300 60 60 24

Preparing for cold weather

Prepare your home before winter sets in:

Get gas heaters serviced by a registered gas fitter at least once every two years
Check the wiring on electric blankets, heaters and other appliances
Have electric blankets tested for safety every three years
Clean heater filters of dust
Unpack winter clothes
Draft-proof doors and windows
Insulate your external hot water heater pipes
Check the batteries on your smoke alarms

Whitehorse Community Care may be able to help some people with some of these tasks

Prepare a plan if the gas or electricity is unavailable during a cold spell.

During cold weather

Keep your home warm during the day

Set heating to about 21°C during the day. Exposure to long-term cold can cause circulation and respiratory issues and make your home susceptible to mould.

Keep your home warm at night

Keeping warm at night will help ensure a good night’s rest and strengthen immune systems to fight colds and flus. To keep warm at night:

Use a heat pack or an electric blanket
Hot water should not be used with an electric blanket
Don’t leave electric blankets on for more than 30 minutes and turn them off when going to bed. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Keep rooms is well insulated - close windows, curtains and blinds

Dress for warmth

Layer your winter clothing

Cotton, fleece and wool help to maintain body heat
Wear heavier clothes and shoes when going outside. Cover your nose and mouth with a scarf
Wear bed socks and thermal underwear at night

Stay healthy

Regular warm meals and drinks help to raise body temperature
Move a little bit at least once an hour or use a blanket or heat pack
Phone or visit older or frail neighbours or relatives to make sure they are warm and safe
Annual flu vaccinations will reduce the risk of flu infections. Contact Whitehorse City Council or your doctor for more information about available immunisations
Look for the signs of hypothermia or cold-related illnesses such as shivering, numbness, drowsiness and sluggish response

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