Jammu, Jan 05: In view of the intensifying winter conditions across Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu has issued a detailed public advisory warning about the serious health and safety risks associated with extreme cold and outlining preparedness and preventive measures for individuals, families and communities.
The advisory highlights that prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to life-threatening conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide poisoning. It added that cold-related disruptions like power outages, frozen water pipes, and dead vehicle batteries can further endanger lives.
Major Health Risks Identified
According to GMC Jammu, hypothermia—a condition in which the body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C)—is among the most dangerous consequences of extreme cold and can prove fatal if not addressed promptly. The advisory notes that frostbite, which causes damage to body tissues due to freezing, can occur rapidly, especially in exposed body parts like fingers, toes, ears and the nose.
“Cold weather causes the body to lose heat faster than it can produce it, leading to serious medical emergencies if early signs are ignored,” the advisory states.
Another significant concern flagged by health authorities is carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur when people improperly use secondary heating sources such as coal burners, gas heaters, or generators in poorly ventilated spaces during power outages.
Vulnerable Groups at Higher Risk
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable during extreme cold. These include elderly persons, especially those lacking adequate heating, food or warm clothing, people staying outdoors for long durations, such as homeless individuals, hikers or workers, individuals consuming excessive alcohol or illicit drugs and infants sleeping in inadequately heated rooms
The advisory also cites statistics indicating that nearly 50% of cold-related injuries occur among people above 60 years of age, over 75% involve males, and around 20% take place inside homes.
Warning Signs of Hypothermia
Health experts at GMC Jammu urged people to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms of hypothermia appear. These include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, confusion or disorientation, memory loss, drowsiness and extreme fatigue
“Preventing hypothermia is far easier than treating it,” the advisory stressed.
For suspected hypothermia cases, the advisory recommends: moving the affected person to a warm, dry place, removing wet clothing and covering the person with blankets, warming the body slowly, starting from the core, avoiding rapid warming of arms and legs, as it may push cold blood toward the heart and trigger cardiac complications, providing warm drinks if the person is conscious
For frostbite, GMC Jammu advised shifting the patient to a warm environment, immersing the affected limb in warm (not hot) water until normal colour returns, removing tight clothing or jewellery from the affected area and avoiding rubbing or massaging frozen skin
Cold-Weather Safety Measures
The advisory also outlined a range of safety precautions, urging residents to: stay indoors during extreme cold spells, check on elderly neighbours and bring pets indoors, keep flashlights and extra batteries ready and avoid using candles due to fire risk, ensure proper insulation of water pipes to prevent freezing, use heating appliances cautiously and maintain adequate ventilation
Winter Travel And Vehicle Preparedness
Motorists have been advised to winterise their vehicles before travel by: Checking battery strength, antifreeze levels, tyre pressure and brakes, keeping fuel tanks near full to prevent ice formation, carrying a winter survival kit including blankets, flashlights, high-calorie food, water and a fully charged mobile phone
Drivers were also advised to clear snow and frost from windshields, headlamps and signal lights, use winter-grade washer fluid, and replace worn wiper blades to ensure visibility.
Dressing for Extreme Cold
GMC Jammu recommended wearing layered clothing to retain body heat effectively, including Thermal inner layers, Windproof and waterproof outerwear, Warm hats, gloves, face masks and insulated boots
It appealed to the public to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and assist vulnerable individuals during the winter season.
“We wish a happy and healthy winter season to all. Collective awareness and timely precautions can save lives,” the advisory stated—(KNO)
