Tips for cold weather

[WolfmanHarris]

And the biggest mistake I see with people and keeping their feet warm when I'm camping or running outdoor ed, is they layer on the socks like crazy, but they're too tight and the boots too tight and the compression decreases circulation as well as squishing out a good chunk of the air space needed for insulation. Also don't layer three of four polyester tube socks when a think moisture wicking sock under a good pair of wool socks will do the job better.

[rock_shoes]

And the biggest mistake I see with people and keeping their feet warm when I'm camping or running outdoor ed, is they layer on the socks like crazy, but they're too tight and the boots too tight and the compression decreases circulation as well as squishing out a good chunk of the air space needed for insulation. Also don't layer three of four polyester tube socks when a think moisture wicking sock under a good pair of wool socks will do the job better.

You make a very good point with regard to taking layering too far. All the layering in the world won't help if you bind things so tight you impede circulation.

[Laura Anne]

Well obviously if you try to put on 7 pairs of socks and can fit em into your boots then you're either a magician or just plain dumb!! Bring extra socks with you to change and wear two pair, not the thick chunkie type of wool socks....ok, well I am a woman. I wear girlie socks. First pair is thin, like dress socks, then I put on the thicker, warmer pair(s) as the day goes on...changing them when needed. Yes, circulation can/will be cut off if you're not smart about it....so just be smart about it.

K, I'm going back to my gin and tonic cause THAT keeps me warm, too!

off duty, of course. 8)

[WolfmanHarris]

So obvious that I see it constantly. Remember that the fallacy of common sense is that it's only common to shared experiences; someone who hasn't spent time in cold weather won't have common sense about it. As fair as polyester or cotton tube socks go I'd still advise against them strongly. Wool will still keep you warm when wet, cotton won't. Smart wool is so worth the money!

[tniuqs]

K, I'm going back to my gin and tonic cause THAT keeps me warm, too!

Ah the antifreeze application

A study was done by the US marines in BC the Whistler area concerning socks .... did you know that the vast majority of people wear the wicking type socks the WRONG way ... fuzzy stuff should be worn to the outside as this increases the surface area for evaporation. The feet should be about 5 to 8 Degrees F lower than body temp so as not to have the feet perspire wet=cold... the concept of keeping the feet "really" warm is a actually negative factor in survival in cold enviroments. I no longer use my -140 C boots (called the High Level shuffler's) unless .... I will be living outside in the winter.

The in and out working in gut wagons hot, warm, hot, cold, warm, cold again is a tough one but change of socks when feet get damp is the best way to avoid frost bite.

Off the topic but once my ex ... was shopping for me for socks "NATO" type and being blonde to the roots asked the clerk if there was red or blue ones ... ok so only the military guys and gals will get the humour in that.

Mobey I wish it would stay below freezing because this freezing rain and the deer in rut causing havoc was at 2 roll overs and 9 fatalities (deer that is) just driving home from a job.

cheers

[Laura Anne]

HOLY CRAP... deer know how to drive ur way?!!?!? :shock: :shock: :shock:

Yea, that gin and tonic is really feeling kinda good right now.....

I don't have great circulation to begin with, so my feet are constantly cold. They turn purple and ache in the winter. Cute, eh?

[tniuqs]

Remember that the fallacy of common sense is that it's only common to shared experiences;

Yes: Common sence is no longer Common there Doc.

Have your tried the higher tech Gore tex socks they work great when fording creeks, SAR work or hunting in the "skeg" ...ie muskeg ... :wink:

I sure wish we had a Cabellas up here ... take the Wal Marts back please.

Laura: the deer are smarter than drivers in some cases ... :shock:

[WolfmanHarris]

Wow those look nice. Wouldn't use them on the ambulance, but some of the trails I hit are less trails and more clearer parts of the woods. Those might do the trick for camping and keeping the trench foot at bay. lol

[scope2776]

Always leave your ambulance running. Turn the heat on in the back before you get out to attend to the pt. Don't set your bags down in the snow, it will melt and cause the bottom of your bags to get soggy. Leave the cot in the ambulance until you are ready to use it or you see that you can take it inside, otherwise it gets icy cold and snowy. Getting IVs and clean 12 leads are hard if your pt is shivering. Steal loads of blankets from the hospital and hoard them. Wear your stethoscope on the inside of your jacket.

[Richard B the EMT]

Always leave your ambulance running.

Might I amend that?

Due to security concerns, only leave the ambulance running if there is a "key remove" system installed on the vehicle, one that stalls out the vehicle when anyone attempts to move it (as in "steal it") when the ignition key is removed, but allows the engine to keep pumping heat (and in the summer season, cold) to the entire ambulance.