The deep freeze that the tri-state area has been grappling with for more than a week is dangerous. This week, Mayor Zohran Mamdani said at least 10 New York City residents had lost their lives since they were found outdoors amid bitterly cold temperatures in the past few days. Of the 10 deaths in the city, hypothermia played a role in seven of them. WHAT IS HYPOTHERMIA? So, what is hypothermia? The CDC describes it as “a dangerous condition that can happen when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures” and they start losing body heat faster than it is produced, eventually lowering the body temperature. While hypothermia is more likely during extremely cold weather, it can still occur in cooler weather (around 40°F) if someone comes in contact with chilled rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water. WHY IS IT DANGEROUS? “Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous, because a person may not know that it’s happening and won’t be able to do anything about it,” according to the CDC. The body of a person with severe hypothermia can begin to shut down. That person may be unconscious and may not appear to have a pulse or may not be breathing. This could be fatal. Those who survive are susceptible to lasting kidney, liver, and pancreas issues. WARNING SIGNS Warning signs in adults include memory loss, uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If a person’s resting body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. Babies and children exhibit slightly different signs, most of the time showing bright red, cold skin and very low energy levels. WHO CAN GET HYPOTHERMIA? Everyone! However, older adults without proper food, clothing, or heating services, people who stay outdoors for long periods of time (homeless, hikers, hunters etc.), babies sleeping in cold rooms, and people who drink alcohol in excess or use illicit drugs are susceptible. HOW TO PREVENT HYPOTHERMIA In order to avoid hypothermia, the CDC recommends a specific clothing to fight the frigid outside temperatures. When going outside make sure to wear a: hat scarf or knit mask that covers your face and mouth a water-resistant coat mittens or gloves several layers of loose-fitting clothing water-resistant boots The body parts most affected by the extreme cold are your nose, ears, toes, cheeks, chin, and fingers, so prioritize adequately covering those parts of your body when travelling outside. WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE HAS HYPOTHERMIA Hypothermia is a medical emergency. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take that person’s temperature and if it below 95° F find medical help immediately! If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up by: Getting them into a warm room or shelter; Removing any wet clothing they may be wearing; Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if possible (you can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose and dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets). Beginning with the limbs can drive cold blood through the arteries to the heart, leading to possible heart failure; Provide them warm drinks, but do not give them alcoholic drinks! Also if a person is unconscious DO NOT try to give them anything to drink. After the person’s body temperature increased, keep them dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a blanket; Get them medical attention as soon as possible! Severe hypothermia A person may be unconscious and may not appear to have a pulse or may not be breathing. If this is the case: Handle the person gently, and get emergency assistance immediately! Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead. CPR should continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. Keep warming the person while performing CPR. There are cases in which hypothermia victims who appear dead are successfully resuscitated, the CDC said. A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ...read more read less