Dangerous cold is raging across Metro Detroit, and emergency services say it’s leading to an increase in people in the hospital with cold-related medical conditions.
Local 4 spoke to the ER Medical Director at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, Dr. Candace Kimpson.
Kimpson says the number of people with frostbite and cold-related symptoms coming to the emergency room is increasing as temperatures drop and the arctic blast rolls in.
She says the numbers change by the day, but continue to ramp up.
Kimpson says the team is working hard to ensure patients wait as little time as possible to be seen.
Local 4 asked Kimpson about the common symptoms of frostbite.
“If you experience numbness in the hands, changing of colors, pressing on your hands and not seeing that color come back as quickly as you would expect,” Kimpson said.
Kimpson, it’s important to know when it’s time to go to the hospital for help.
“You’ve tried those measures that we talked about, covering up, putting your hands under warm water, and you’re still seeing some things that don’t seem quite normal,” Kimpson said. “The numbness just doesn’t go away. You’re seeing some changes in the appearance of your skin, some breakdown of your skin.”
Kimpson says people should be mindful of more than just frostbite.
“People who may not be in the best physical condition, who try to get out and take care of their homes, they may have underlying heart conditions, they are exposed to the elements, their lung conditions may be exacerbated,” Kimpson said. “COPD and asthma patients may have a more difficult time.”
In addition to recognizing the warning signs, it’s important to ensure people have a few essentials with them at all times.
“Make sure you have a blanket in your car,” Kimpson said. “Make sure you have some type of charger, so that if you are in trouble, you can call for help.”
For a list of warming centers, click here.
For a list of school closures and delays, click here.