Helpful Hints for the Hazards of Winter Hypothermia and Frostbite Winter can be an enjoyable time of year for outdoor enthusiasts. However, for maximum enjoyment and safety, it is important to avoid the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia. Hypothermia , which means a significantly low internal body temperature, is very serious and sometimes fatal. It is commonly seen in hikers and mountain climbers who get lost, but may occur in anyone with prolonged exposure to the cold.
Frostbite is actual freezing of body tissue.
The most susceptible areas are the fingers, toes, nose and ears. Subfreezing temperatures are not required to produce hypothermia or frostbite. Length of exposure, dampness and several other factors enter into play. In fact, it is possible to develop hypothermia on a hot summer day by, for example, prolonged immersion in cold water. In severe cases of hypothermia, it may be impossible to feel a pulse or hear a heartbeat, even though they are present.