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CORTLANDT, N.Y. Although northern Westchester has enjoyed a mild winter so far, first responders are keenly aware that ice skating and cooler temperatures are around the corner and bring their own set of dangers.
Brian Wolert, Lake Mohegan Fire Chief, recalls one winter when a boy tried to rescue his dog from thin ice. When the dog went on the ice, then he went to get the dog. Then he became stranded, so then we have a twofold problem, he said.
Most publicly owned ponds and lakes fly green flags when its safe to ice skate, and red flags when the ice is still too thin. Private owned lakes and ponds, which often make popular skating spots, often dont fly these flags.
Each year the Hudson Valley Hospital Center also treats a small number of severe hypothermia cases, and a few less serious hypothermia and frost bite cases. Dr. Ron Nutovits, Director of the Emergency Department at the hospital says most people will suffer frostbite on the nose, fingertips or earlobes. He also says people who dont dress properly, are dehydrated or work outside are more likely to suffer the effects.
Typically it starts with changes in the skin so you could start stinging, if you start looking at the fingers they become more white, and they get pasty or waxy and then there will be pain in them, and theyll try to warm up their fingers, says Nutovits about frostbite. Once it progresses from that, then nerves dont fire anymore and then its more severe. In severe frostbite, says Nutovits, patients may not feel any pain because of nerve damage.
Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, trouble speaking, confusion, stumbling and apathy about ones conditions. These symptoms can set in gradually, so those suffering often dont notice they are hypothermic.
The best ways to avoid frostbite and hypothermia is to wear layered clothing, Nutovits recommends three layers or more, earmuffs, gloves and a hat. Also, stay hydrated to keep warm. Wolert says when getting ready to skate on a pond, go out gradually or cut a hole in the ice near the shore of the pond to see how much ice there is. Be careful of aerators in lakes and stay alert.
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