There are several simple rules that, if followed, will help you avoid hypothermia and frostbite in extreme cold: do not drink alcohol—alcohol intoxication contributes to high heat loss, while at the same time creating an illusion of warmth. An additional negative factor is the inability to concentrate on the first signs of frostbite; do not smoke in the cold – smoking reduces peripheral blood circulation and makes the extremities more vulnerable to the effects of cold; wear loose-fitting clothing – this promotes normal blood circulation. Dress so that there is a layer of air between the layers of clothing to retain heat. It is advisable to wear waterproof outerwear. Tight shoes, lack of insoles, dirty socks can create conditions for frostbite. People with sweaty feet should pay special attention to their footwear. Warm insoles should be placed in shoes, and wool socks should be worn instead of cotton socks — they absorb moisture and keep feet dry. Do not go out in the cold without gloves and a scarf. The best option is gloves made of water-repellent fabric that does not let air through, with fur inside. Gloves made of synthetic materials do not protect well against the cold. In windy weather, apply a special cream to exposed areas of the body. Do not wear metal jewelry (including gold and silver) in the cold. Firstly, metal cools down to low temperatures faster than the body, which can cause these items to "stick" to the skin, resulting in pain and cold injuries. Secondly, rings on the fingers impede blood circulation and contribute to frostbite of the extremities. Ask your friends for help. Keep an eye on your friends' faces, especially their noses, ears, and cheeks, and watch for any changes in color. Your friends should do the same for you. Don't let the frostbitten area freeze again, as this can cause more serious damage. Do not remove shoes from frostbitten feet in the cold—they will swell and you will not be able to put your shoes back on. You need to get to a warm place as quickly as possible. If your hands are frozen, try warming them under your armpits.
When you return home after a long walk in the cold, be sure to check for frostbite on your limbs, back, ears, and nose. If necessary, begin treating frostbite immediately. Delayed treatment can lead to gangrene and loss of limbs. If you feel the onset of hypothermia while outdoors, immediately go to a warm place — a store, café, or building entrance—to warm up and check for potential frostbite. If your car breaks down far from a populated area or in unfamiliar territory, it is better to stay in it and call for help by phone or wait for another car. Hide from the wind. The likelihood of frostbite increases in windy conditions. Do not wet your skin — water conducts heat faster than air. Do not go out into the cold with wet hair. Wet clothes and shoes (for example, if a person has fallen into water) must be removed, the person must be dried off, changed into dry clothes if possible, and taken to a warm place as quickly as possible. In the forest, you need to light a fire, undress, and dry your clothes. While drying your clothes, do vigorous physical exercises and warm yourself by the fire. It is advisable to take a change of socks, gloves, and a thermos with hot tea with you on a long walk. It is advisable to eat before going out into the cold — you will need extra energy. Keep in mind that children's thermoregulation is not yet fully developed, and in elderly people with certain diseases, it is impaired. These categories are most susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia, so take this into account when planning winter walks. Remember that a child should not stay in the cold for more than 15-20 minutes, after which they need to be warmed up in a warm room.
Finally, remember that the best way to get out of an unpleasant situation is to avoid getting into it in the first place. If you don't like extreme sensations, don't leave the room unnecessarily in severe frost!
