Little Rock, Arkansas – Medical professionals are warning about the risks of frostbite as the area experiences extreme cold.
Depending on the weather, frostbite can happen in a matter of minutes, according to Brandon Hooper, a training officer with the Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS) in Little Rock.
“The main cause of frostbite is exposure to cold.” It ranges in severity from rather mild to much more severe,” Hooper stated.
He clarified that the onset of frostbite is significantly influenced by variables like temperature and exposure duration.
“Mild cases of frostbite can occur at temperatures as high as 40 or 50 degrees. The onset can occur more quickly in colder climates with higher wind levels.
In Arkansas, frostbite is prevalent at this time of year, according to Hooper.
“There have been extremely low temperatures. It’s cold and a little windy right now. It does happen here, and it can happen here,” he remarked.
Lately, MEMS has been treating one or two frostbite cases every day.
Hooper stressed the significance of identifying the signs of frostbite, which usually manifest in the extremities, including the ears, toes, fingertips, and the tip of the nose.
“They may catch fire. They begin to get a slight tingle. “They may begin to turn white and blanch,” Hooper stated. “It can even start to blister and resemble a thermal burn.”
According to Hooper, prevention is key, and layering can help prevent frostbite.
“If the tissue freezes, it can be even worse to try to thaw it outside the supervision of medical professionals,” Hooper stated.
Access to emergency services is crucial if you believe you have frostbite, according to Hooper.
