MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
With dangerously cold temperatures and subzero wind chills moving into the region, longtime emergency room physician Bryan Henderson is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related emergencies.
Dr. Henderson has worked the past 25 years in the emergency department in Hutchinson and says exposed skin can freeze quickly when wind chills plunge to 20 degrees below zero or colder. Fingers, toes, ears, and noses are especially vulnerable because they are farthest from the body’s core circulation.
“It doesn’t take very long,” Henderson said. “If you start feeling pain in your fingers or toes, that’s your warning sign. Pain means you’re not prepared to be out in that cold.”
He explained that frostbite often begins with severe pain before progressing to numbness — a concerning sign that tissue damage may already be occurring. After rewarming, injured areas may blister, discolor, or turn black, sometimes requiring advanced medical care or even amputation.
Simple precautions can prevent serious injuries
Dr. Henderson stressed that most cold-related injuries are preventable. Dressing in layers, wearing hats, gloves, warm socks, and proper footwear, and limiting time outdoors during extreme conditions are critical steps.
He urged older adults who live alone to take special care, including carrying a phone even for short trips outside, such as checking the mail.
“One of the most dangerous situations we see is someone going out unprepared, slipping on ice, and not being able to get back up,” Henderson said. “That’s when hypothermia becomes deadly.”
He also encouraged residents to check on elderly, disabled, or isolated neighbors and to help them stock up on supplies before the worst weather arrives.
What to do if frostbite is suspected
If someone experiences numbness or loss of sensation after being in the cold, Henderson said the priority is to get out of the wind and into a warm environment. Gradual rewarming is key.
“Don’t rub the skin and don’t use hot water,” he said. “That can cause more damage.” Instead, he recommends gentle warming with warm towels or mild heat wrapped in cloth. Rewarming can be painful as blood flow returns, but slow warming helps reduce injury.
Hypothermia and carbon monoxide risks
While frostbite can cause permanent damage, Henderson warned hypothermia is often more dangerous and can be fatal. People who fall outdoors or become stranded can lose consciousness as body temperature drops, slowing heart rate and breathing.
He also cautioned against unsafe heating methods inside the home. Improper use of generators or makeshift heaters can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or house fires.
“Never bring a generator inside your house,” Henderson said. “Carbon monoxide can kill you quickly.” He added that small, properly rated propane heaters may be used carefully, but layering clothing and staying indoors is often safer during power outages.
Emergency rooms seeing flu surge
Henderson said the cold snap coincides with a surge in influenza cases in the emergency department, along with some COVID-19 infections. This year’s dominant flu strain has caused severe illness, especially among elderly patients and those with underlying health conditions.
“We’re seeing people develop serious pneumonia from influenza,” he said. “Some decline very fast.”
Final message: stay home if possible
As winter conditions worsen, Henderson urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary to reduce accidents and keep emergency resources available.
“The best first aid is preventing the injury in the first place,” he said. “If you don’t have to be out in this weather, stay home.”