CHARLESTON, S.C. – Diann Krywko, MUSC emergency physician, professor, and chair of the department of emergency medicine, says cold-related injuries can occur even when temperatures do not drop below freezing.
“We do have an increase in patients presenting with cold-related illnesses this time of year,” according to Krywko. “In the United States, cold-related illnesses cause more than 1,000 deaths each year. We’re praying for none of that here in Charleston. However, a large number of these occur in southern climates.
To help provide warm clothing to individuals in need, MUSC intends to set up a donating tree in its front lobby. They are accepting donations for hats, gloves, and scarves. Those products will be available to anyone who needs them.
If someone’s hands or another bodily part freezes, they may choose to run them under hot water. However, Krywko believes that is not always a smart idea.
“We see a lot of injuries from patients utilizing too hot of water or even putting their feet up next to a space heater or fireplace,” Krywko told me. “When you have more significant cold-related illnesses in your extremities… frostbite, you might not be able to feel that heat is actually burning your skin.”
While the affects of this cold front begin to fade, Holy City Mission held a warming center training on Tuesday evening to prepare volunteers for any forthcoming chilly days this winter when their services are required.
