Hypothermia and Frostbite
Even though we have made it through the most recent arctic weather conditions, winter isn't over yet! With cold rain on the way and likely more cold weather in the near future, we should talk about hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can lead to health problems like heart attacks, kidney problems, liver damage, or death. Warning signs include:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Memory loss
- Fumbling hands
Frostbite is an injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. It can happen when temperatures fall below 31 degrees (and warmer in certain conditions). 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. Symptoms include cold skin and a prickling feeling followed by numbness and inflamed or discolored skin.
If you are planning outdoor work or activities when temperatures are below 31 degrees or there are other inclement weather conditions such as a cold rain, make sure you know what to watch for and how to prevent these conditions.
Click the link below for more information and guidance such as:
- What is hypothermia?
- How to treat hypothermia
- What is frostbite?
- How to treat frostbite
- How to prevent hypothermia and frostbite
- How to prepare for a cold-weather emergency
Hypothermia and frostbite: Easier to develop than you might think
De-Escalation Training
Mark your calendars! In early March (actual date TBD) Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) will be providing a de-escalation training in both the North and South regions for IDL employees. I have been working with POST to coordinate this training that is only available to IDL and will be geared to our unique interactions with the public.
The recent influx of people into Idaho can increase the possibility of experiencing more frequent difficult interactions with the public.
This 3–4-hour training will provide you with tools and techniques to better prepare you for the possibility of interacting with a disgruntled customer.
This is for ALL IDL employees. I encourage you to plan on participating in this training as it is a unique opportunity you don't want to miss.
I will notify you when a date and locations are determined.
How are your smoke alarm batteries?
Jeanne Bradley, Program Manager, Forest Practices and Stewardship, and also a member of the Safety Committee shared an experience she recently had with her smoke alarm that she wanted to share with all of you! She didn't want others to experience what she went through.
Not too long ago, in the middle of the night, the smoke alarm just outside her bedroom sounded off immediately waking her up. She went all through the house to check where the smoke might be coming from and couldn't find anything.
She took the smoke alarm down and discovered that low batteries had caused the alarm to sound. Normally, if a smoke alarm battery is low or dead the alarm will sound a persistent beep much like a microwave when your food is done. Hers actually sounded the alarm, which you can imagine, was very concerning. Thankfully it was a false alarm!
She changed the batteries, but by then she was wide awake for the remainder of the night! Her message to you is to be sure to check your smoke alarm batteries regularly so you don't lose a night's sleep over a low battery!
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