Cold Stress — poster
Cold kills quietly. Hypothermia starts with shivering and clumsy hands — then bad decisions, because your brain cools too. Wind and wet clothing multiply the danger even above freezing.
Three layers: wicking base, insulating middle, wind/waterproof shell. Cotton kills — once wet, it pulls heat from your body. Cover head, hands, and feet: that's where heat escapes.
Numbness, waxy pale skin on fingers, toes, ears, nose. Warm gently with body heat or warm (not hot) water. Never rub frozen tissue and don't thaw it if it might refreeze.
Uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness. Move them somewhere warm, remove wet clothes, warm the core first (chest, neck, head). Severe cases: call 911, handle gently.
Warm-up breaks every hour in extreme cold. Buddy system always. Warm sweet drinks help; alcohol and heavy caffeine don't — they speed heat loss.
Full certification online: Cold Stress Prevention and Safety — scan the QR.
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