LINDA HENNINGSEN, allied health department chair at BROWN MACKIE COLLEGE in Salina, Kan., can comment on frostbite and necessary steps one should take to prevent it from happening: “To prevent cold-related injury, you need to dress in layers.
Multiple layers will trap body heat and keep you warmer than one bulky layer. Heads need to be covered — a head can lose heat faster than the total of the rest of the body. Just a few minutes in zero wind chill can cause frostbite to noses and ears. If cold exposure has occurred, the skin needs to be warmed as soon as possible with a tepid water bath (not hot). Avoid vigorous rubbing of frostbitten skin. You can literally rub off the skin without the victim knowing because the feeling has been diminished due to the cold exposure.”