Doctors warn of frostbite and risk of hypothermia over next seven days

MADISON, Wisconsin. – Doctors warn of the dangers that the extreme cold could present in the coming days.

“Typically, when you see the temperatures getting this cold, you start to see a few more cases of frostbite,” said Dr. Jeff Pothof, director of quality at UW Health. “People who don’t have the capacity to seek shelter and are out there in the cold and trying to do their best, but with these temperatures it’s hard to do well.

Pothof said when temperatures hit near zero degrees, frostbite can occur within 15 to 20 minutes. On Saturday evening, the wind chill temperatures are expected to reach -20 to -35 degrees.

“You think you’re doing something pretty safe. Sure, when it’s 30 degrees outside, that’s for sure. Now it’s 40 below, and you end up in a bit of trouble, ”said Pothof. “Your ears are numb, your fingers are numb, you can’t feel your feet. These are some of those warning signs that you are heading for frostbite. “

At Tenney Park on Friday afternoon, the skaters layered down to brave the cold.

“I dress in layers,” John Bloodgood said. “But the best way to stay warm when you’re outside is to keep moving. Get that blood flowing. Don’t fall.

“I wear two pairs of socks,” said Brendan Kielczewski. “Gloves and a hat are absolutely necessary.”

Fingers, ears and toes that start to feel numb are a warning indicator for frostbite, Pothof said.

“When it’s really cold, the time between when I start to feel numb and when I start to lose color and my tissues freeze, it does real damage, it’s much shorter,” says -he.

“Don’t feel uncomfortable wearing as many clothes as you need,” Kielczewski said. “Definitely as many clothes as possible. None of us look so beautiful here when it’s cold, so you don’t have to worry about that either.

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