Ukraine officials warn of safe outdoor time limits as the bitter cold sets in

Ukraine’s State Emergency Service is urging the public to follow updated guidance on surviving extreme cold, including how to properly treat frostbite and limit time outdoors during freezing temperatures. The Medical Department of the State Emergency Service strongly advises against rubbing frostbitten areas or immersing them in hot water. 

Nataliia Yashan, head of the agency’s Medical Support Department, shared the recommendation during a briefing at the Media Center Ukraine.  

“Older advice used to suggest rubbing the affected person, but I would not recommend that now, as it only worsens the hypothermia,” she said. “Rubbing with snow or alcohol will further aggravate the injury and deepen the hypothermic process. The best approach is to wrap the person warmly in a blanket, possibly a thermal one. Children and the elderly should avoid going outside in weather like this. If you’re engaged in active leisure or work outdoors, take regular breaks every three to four hours to head indoors,” Yashan added. 

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news