Sunrise Can Be Too Cold To Melt The Ice! 

A stunning view of buildings in front of the Flatirons at sunrise, with an exaggerated amount of icicles to emphasize the extreme cold. This winter scene shows the buildings, resembling a mall, completely draped in icicles of various sizes, hanging heavily from every possible surface. The icicles are thick, long, and numerous, creating a dramatic and almost surreal effect. The rising sun in the background bathes the scene in a soft, golden light, highlighting the icy spectacle against the majestic Flatirons, illustrating a deeply frozen and beautiful winter morning.

The rising sun reflects with beauty off the frozen Boulder surfaces that surround us this morning. Rule #1, do not fall down. Rule #2, stay warm! Frostbite and hypothermia are a reality when the temperature is this low. But what is hypothermia? What is frostbite?

Frostbite and hypothermia are serious cold-related health conditions that occur when the body is exposed to freezing temperatures, commonly experienced in winter or cold environments. Both conditions require immediate medical attention and are preventable with proper precautions.

Frostbite is the freezing of body tissue, usually affecting extremities like fingers, toes, ears, and nose. It begins with a ‘pins and needles’ sensation followed by numbness. The affected area may appear pale or blue and hard to the touch. In severe cases, frostbite can lead to permanent damage, gangrene, and potential amputation. It occurs in stages, starting with frostnip, a mild form of frostbite that doesn’t cause permanent skin damage, and can progress to deep frostbite where all layers of skin and the tissues beneath freeze.

Proper clothing, from gloves to goggles, is essential to staying safely warm.

Hypothermia, on the other hand, occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce, causing a drop in core body temperature. Normal body temperature averages around 98.6°F (37°C). Hypothermia sets in when the body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). Symptoms include intense shivering, slurred speech, loss of coordination, fatigue, and confusion. Severe hypothermia can lead to unconsciousness and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

An intense scene at a hospital ER entrance, where an ambulance is parked with its doors open. Medical personnel are in the process of carrying a frozen person into the hospital on a stretcher. The patient is covered in icicles, illustrating the severity of their condition. The icicles are visibly hanging from the patient's clothing and limbs, adding a dramatic effect to the scene. The hospital entrance is bustling with activity, with medical staff moving quickly to assist. The environment is cold and snowy, with the ambulance's flashing lights reflecting off the snow and icicles, creating a sense of urgency and the critical nature of the situation.

Both conditions are exacerbated by wet conditions and wind. To prevent them, it’s crucial to dress warmly in layers, covering all parts of the body, especially in extremely cold or windy weather. Wet clothing should be removed immediately as it increases the risk of hypothermia. Understanding the signs and responding quickly by seeking shelter, using warm, dry clothing, and obtaining medical help is vital. In cases of hypothermia, warming the person’s core first, not the limbs, is important to avoid shock.

Prevention is key in avoiding both frostbite and hypothermia. It involves understanding the risks, preparing adequately for cold weather, and being vigilant about changes in body sensation and function in cold environments.

 

 

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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