OUTDOORS: Frostbite can be a hazard for outdoorsman
The past few days of bitter cold weather and wind have caused many people to stay inside and throw another log on the fireplace. However, some outdoor enthusiasts such as snowmobiliers, skiers, ice fishermen and others have welcomed the snow or ice that accompanied it and have been active in pursuing their favorite sports. There are also a lot of other people whose occupation requires them to be outside, even in nasty weather.
For all these people there is always the danger of frostbite in cold weather. The danger is increased by wind chill. Fortunately there are usually ways to avoid the situation.
Frostbite is the freezing of an area such as nose, ears, cheeks, fingers or toes. There are different degrees of it ranging from "frostnip" which is the relatively minor freezing of a small surface area of skin to the more serious levels which can cause serious damage to body tissue.
The biggest danger comes from bare flesh exposed to extreme temperatures, which will freeze the skin and the tissues below it. Other parts of the body which have poor circulation or don't receive as much heat, such as the hands or feet, can also suffer frostbite.
Windchill factor which we are all aware of, not only makes you feel colder, it actually does drop the bodily temperature by removing the tiny layer of warm air next to the body. Thus it hastens the cooling of the body and the onset of frostbite.
It is often on the days when it is cold and calm and we are active enough to not notice the cold as quickly that frostbite occurs without warning.
Just before the actual onset of frostbite the skin may appear slightly flushed. As frostbite develops the skin becomes white or grayish-yellow. The victim is often unaware until someone else notices. When hunting, ice fishing, etc. with friends, each person should be aware of the signs on their partners.
In the early stages the victim may feel pain which later subsides. The affected areas will later feel intensely cold and numb. This can be a serious danger if you are far from shelter or help and hands or feet get frostbite from serious cold or inadequate protection.
First aid is to enclose the frostbitten area with warm hands or a warm cloth using firm pressure. Do not rub the area with hands or use snow (as an old folk remedy used to suggest). Individuals can put their hands into their armpits to use the body's warmth. Cover the areas with woolen cloth whenever possible.
The person suffering from frostbite, even in the early stages, should get indoors or to shelter as soon as possible. Immerse the frostbitten area in warm (not hot) water. If that isn't possible, use warm blankets. Do NOT use hot water bottles, heat lamps or put the afflicted area near a stove. Continued...
After the area is warmed, move it gently and frequently. Consume warm drinks to help raise the body temperature. Seek medical attention as soon as possible afterwards.
Of course the best course of action is to prevent frostbite in the first place. Mainly this involves wearing adequate protection for head, hands and feet. Obviously a hat that offers ear protection is necessary for prolonged exposure in severe weather. Face masks, ski masks or scarves are important. Those who are skiing or traveling a distance should take them in case of emergency even if you don't initially wear them.
Since the body conserves heat for the trunk of the body by constricting blood vessels to the extremities, the hands and feet are first to feel the cold. Wear adequate footgear such as insulated boots and several pair of socks. Be sure that they are not too tight to cut off circulation.
Good gloves are essential for outdoorsmen in this type of weather. Carry a spare pair in case of emergency. Mittens are warmer and provide more protection than gloves.
No one plans on getting frostbite, any more than we plan on having an accident. By checking the weather carefully, taking some precautions, and using common sense we can make sure that our outdoor experiences are pleasant ones.
Apology: Last week’s Short Cast section of the column was cut due to lack of space. I apologize for any inconvenience this caused for those looking for updates or announcements. Frequently some items are cut due to space constraints but last weekend there was an abundance of sports stories that necessitated cutting all of the items.
Outdoor shows: Don’t forget the N.Y. Sportsman’s Expo at the State Fairgrounds this weekend, Friday evening through Sunday. Next week is the CNY Sportsmans Show at the Kallet Civic Center on Feb. 2.
Harrisburg show trip: The Chittenango Rod and Gun club will sponsor a bus trip to Harrisburg, Pa. to visit the giant Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show on February 9. The bus will leave Shoppingtown Mall at 5 a.m. and return at 10 p.m. The trip costs $60 and includes the bus ride, refreshments and a ticket to the show. Make reservations with Bruce Bream at 439-0260.
Don Dunn: Area sportsmen lost a friend this week with the passing of Don Dunn. For many years Don operated Phildon’s Sports and those of us who appreciated a small personal sports shop used to frequent it for guns, rods and reels, and supplies, as well as the latest news or stories. Don always made it a point to be of help for area sportsmen, whether it was repairing a rod and reel before your vacation trip or fixing your gun the day before the opening of deer season. He and his wife Phyllis were always generous when it came to donating items for various banquets, kids fishing derbies or any local cause. Thanks again Don, and we know the fish are always biting in Heaven. Continued...
NY Safe Act 2013: There are many questions regarding the NYS laws enacted Jan. 15. The laws affected many things and the original document is 73 pages. Some of the news articles or letters created erroneous impressions in their condensed versions.
A web site and hotline have been established by NYS to answer all questions about the SAFE (Secure Ammunition and Firearms Enforcement) Act. The web site attempts to explain in more detail and give timelines for various aspects to take effect. It will also have a section of frequently asked questions and answers.
The NY State police have also established a hotline: 1855-LAW GUNS (1-855-529-4867). It will be available Monday through Friday staffed by state police.
Revised O.D.D. Format: By now nearly everyone is aware that The Oneida Dispatch will only be printed three days and will focus on a updating its website everyday. Many people have asked me about the Fish and Game Column which I have been doing for 36 years. They still intend to run my column in the paper on Thursday and online. As of now the only major change in the column will be an earlier deadline, so anyone who has events or news should get them to me on Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
In response to several questions, I will not be involved in Facebook, Twitter, etc. That may be fine for some people but personally I would rather have bamboo splints driven under my fingernails and lit than be involved with those.
Multi-state pistol class: Those who hunt or travel in other states may be interested in a special class of pistol permit which allows concealed carry in 33 states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania. To obtain this permit you must take a special class. A group is being organized by Lou Pulverenti who will make arrangements for the class. If you are interested call Lou at 264-9033.
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