By Jeff Hansel
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
Don't kid yourself.
You really can die in just a few minutes in the kind of weather Minnesota is experiencing this week.
Current weather conditions can produce hypothermia within roughly 15 minutes, and death within 45 minutes, said Dr. Christopher Russi, an emergency physician at Mayo Clinic's Saint Marys Hospital in Rochester.
So it's essential for everyone to dress as if they're going to be outside a couple of hours -- even if they just plan to step out for a few seconds.
The National Weather Service in La Crosse, Wis., issued a wind-chill warning covering the entire three-state area of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa Wednesday, saying that "dangerously cold wind chills will persist into midday Friday with significant threat of frostbite."
Wind chills of 30 below zero to 40 below, with actual air temperatures as low as 20 below zero or colder, are expected. Russi warned residents to:
• Dress warmly in layers.
• Keep your feet, hands and head covered.
• Watch neighbors, and check on the elderly.
• Dress to stay outside long-term, even if you're only going for the mail.
"That's typically where people get in trouble is just throwing shoes and a light jacket on to run out and get the mail," said Tom Beniak, assistant coach of ambulance operations for Gold Cross Ambulance Service, which covers the Austin and Rochester regions.
A fall on the ice can mean getting stuck outside with potentially disastrous results. Plummeting body temperatures and hypothermia can lead to death when cold air combines with dangerous wind.
"It doesn't take long, and that's why we really encourage people to stay warm, dress in layers and avoid alcohol," Russi said.
Alcoholic beverages can make you feel warmer than you are, he said. People at greatest risk during subzero temperatures are those with neuropathy who might not feel their extremities getting dangerously cold; this group includes diabetics and vulnerable adults, including the elderly, Russi said.
Gold Cross Ambulance crews see cold-temperature effects first-hand, although they've no frostbite yet.
"What we have seen is some patients that may have fallen outside have become hypothermic rather quickly," Beniak said.
Victims of auto crashes are especially at risk, as are those whose cars stall. Keep an extra pair of warm boots in the car, along with a blanket or sleeping bag and food. Also, Russi said, make sure you've got a well-charged cell phone with you if you're going to be driving.
If you're injured in a car accident, stay with the vehicle, Russi said.
If you find someone who's in trouble because of the cold, call 911 first. Then, do what you can to start the warming process.
"If you live near, or if you know somebody who's at high risk or vulnerable, checking on them is always a good idea," Russi said.
Reporter Jeff Hansel covers health for the Post-Bulletin. Read his blog, Pulse on Health, at Postbulletin.com.
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