Nearly 80% of the US experienced subzero temperatures just overnight. Because of this, schools all over the country were forced to close today.
Wind Chills Posing Grave Health Threats
Over two dozen individuals received treatment due to frigid temperature exposure on Sunday and Monday in Austin. This came as a cold snap ruled over the terrain.
In the last two days, 27 people in total were treated by the Austin-Travel County EMS. Nine of them were treated on Sunday, with two brought to the hospital. Eighteen were treated on Monday, with eight brought to the hospital.
Across the entire Texas, nearly 40 individuals have been treated for hypothermia since Friday. One was found to be in a serious condition on Sunday. The oldest one to get treatment was 72 years old.
At least seven individuals are known to have died due to the freezing cold. However, there are several other possible and suspected deaths.
With the deadly cold weather, over 140 million individuals have been placed under wind chill warnings or advisories. Authorities advise individuals to remain indoors and to be careful when traveling. It is also recommended to wear layers of clothes in order to offset cold effects.
ALSO READ: How Does Our Body Deal with Cold?
Hypothermia: Signs, Symptoms, Treatment
Both hypothermia and frostbite are common conditions that are caused by the cold. In most cases, they tend to send people to the hospital.
Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than its own production of heat. This medical emergency results in a dangerously low body temperature. While a normal body temperature is roughly 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 F), hypothermia happens when the body temperature goes below 35 degrees Celsius (95 F).
The main symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, exhaustion, fumbling hands, memory loss, and slurred speech. Children and babies are the most susceptible to experiencing extremely low energy and bright red skin.
Young children and older adults are the ones who have the highest risk of getting hypothermia due to the cold. Users of illicit drugs or alcohol also have a higher hypothermia risk. However, the condition may also affect anybody who stays outdoors for prolonged periods and does not have enough heating, clothing, or food.
Individuals dealing with hypothermia need immediate medical attention. If medical assistance is not readily available, the person should be warmed up according to the guidelines of the CDC. These guidelines include removing wet clothing, seeking warm rooms or shelter, warming the head, neck, cheek, and groin of the person through blankets or direct contact, offering warm drinks unless the person is unconscious, and continuously trying to seek medical aid.
RELATED ARTICLE: 'Frozen Solid' for 6 Hours Yet She Survived; What's the Science Behind the Story of This Woman Who Survived the State of Hypothermia?
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