Nebraska
Nebraska health officials warn of hypothermia, frostbite risks during extreme cold
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – One of the biggest health concerns during the extreme cold settling into Nebraska this weekend is hypothermia and frostbite.
It can occur quickly, especially among older adults and young children.
Officials with CHI Health Saint Elizabeth in Lincoln, which is the only burn unit in Nebraska, often treat frostbite injuries.
“So really it’s about making sure we dress in layers. Really limit our exposure outside. Limit exposed tissue. so as much as Mom may have told you to wear that scarf, i’m probably not the best at it. during these times its really important we are wearing that scarf and cover up all that exposed tissue. That’s really going to decrease that time needed to be out in the elements,” said Nurse Eric Jensen, Burn and Trauma Program Coordinator at CHI Health St. Elizabeth.
They tell people to limit time outside and wear proper clothes.
If you start to feel numbness at all while outside, get indoors as quickly as possible. St. Elizabeth has treated three cases of frostbite this winter.
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