Old man winter has taken his toll on some Calgarians.
A spokesperson with EMS in Calgary says that so far there has been eight cases of cold related emergencies since Friday morning.
“That all carried from people who work outside, to commuters, to homeless population to people who were just ill prepared for the weather,” says spokesperson Adam Loria. “Luckily none of those have resulted in any life threatening injuries, however definitely some serious and significant injuries from hypothermia and frost bite.”
Wind chill warnings were issued for several areas in Southern Alberta this weekend.
On Saturday the wind chill hovered around the -40 mark.
Emergency officials say in temperatures like Calgary is experiencing, any exposed skin can become prone to frostbite in just minutes.
“Dress in layers,” Loria says. “If you get too warm you can always take them off and put them back on rather than if you don’t have enough layers you’re scrambling and that’s how hypothermia sets in”
EMS will be keeping a close eye around the city for anyone who appears to be stuck outside in the cold.
Officials also suggest anyone that has to spend time outside team up with a friend so that they can help out if any problems arise.
Symptoms include confusion or difficulty thinking, stumbling, weak pulse and shallow, slow breathing.
Comments