Press release from Mission Hospital:
Mission Hospital remains open and prepared to serve our community as the region’s Level II trauma center for all emergent care and all in-patient services. We urge anyone experiencing a medical emergency to call 911.
For the safety of our patients, staff and visitors, all Mission physician practices are closed for the remainder of the day Friday. If you have any questions, please call the appropriate office to speak with an on-call provider. Mission retail pharmacies and out-patient x-ray and imaging offices are also closed on Friday. Our webpage (www.mission-health.org) will be updated regularly with services that may be closed or opening on a delayed schedule.
Anytime we experience severe winter weather, it’s important to be mindful about the risk of both hypothermia and frostbite. Do not leave the house without adequate clothing and protective wear. Be sure there is adequate fuel in any vehicle for prolonged travel and take blankets and charged cell phones. Remember, travel during this weather should only be when absolutely necessary.
Hypothermia occurs when body heat is lost faster than it can be produced, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Frostbite is an injury to body tissues caused by exposure to extreme cold, typically affecting the nose, fingers, or toes. Signs and symptoms of frostbite may include tingling, numbness, and changes in the color and texture of the skin. The hands and feet are most commonly affected by frostbite, but the nose, cheeks, shins, ears, and even the corneas of the eyes also may be affected by frostbite. Early signs of frostbite may be reversible, but in its most severe state frostbite can lead to loss of limbs and potentially death.
When your body’s temperature drops, every vital organ system gradually becomes affected including your heart, lungs, muscles and nervous system. Left untreated, these critically important organs begin failing, which can ultimately lead to death. Signs and symptoms of mild hypothermia include shivering, dizziness, hunger, nausea, fast breathing, and trouble speaking. Some symptoms of more severe hypothermia include confusion, lack of coordination, fatigue, and increased heart rate.
Someone with hypothermia may not be aware of his or her condition because the symptoms often begin gradually. Also, because hypothermia causes confusion it’s sometimes difficult for someone affected to recognize how severe their condition may be. This means it’s even more important during winter weather to closely monitor young children, elderly family members, friends and neighbors.
Seek medical treatment immediately by calling 911 if you or someone you know is experiencing signs and symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and healthy!
For winter weather tips, please visit (https://www.facebook.com/MissionHealthNC/).
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