EMSA Warns Of Cold Exposure Risks Amid Freezing Temperatures

EMSA is urging Oklahomans to take extra precautions in the dangerously cold temperatures following a rise in cold exposure calls.

On Thursday, paramedics responded to five cold exposure incidents, four of which required hospital transport.

As of Friday morning, two more cold exposure calls were recorded, with one patient also being taken to the hospital.

EMSA Chief Public Affairs Officer Adam Paluka emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately for the extreme cold and warned against using improper footwear, such as slippers or socks, when stepping outside.

"You need to make sure you have shoes with grip and traction, even if you're just going five feet to the mailbox," he advised.

Paluka also recommended walking on grass or mulch instead of ice-covered asphalt or concrete to reduce the risk of slips.

He further cautioned residents always to carry a phone when stepping outside, even briefly, in case of a fall.

As temperatures plunge, exposure risks such as frostbite and hypothermia are a serious concern.

"Any time that you feel your digits tingling or then you lose feeling in your fingers, your nose tip, your ears, that's a warning sign that you are in the early stages of frostbite," Paluka said. "Any time you have a loss of mental capacity, you're a little unsteady on your feet, that might mean that hypothermia is settling in."

Paluka added that wet clothing, even from sweat, can significantly increase the risk of hypothermia.

Residents are encouraged to keep a dry set of clothes available and to immediately change out of wet clothes.