Safety in extreme cold: Doctors from UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine offers advice

Doctors from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine offered their expertise on staying safe in extremely cold temperatures in two separate stories on WCSH.

Kathryn Brandt, D.O. ’97, chair of Primary Care, explained how quickly hypothermia can occur in extremely cold temperatures. “In five minutes, at those temperatures, it’s going to be too long,” said Brandt about the expected below zero temperatures forecasted for Maine in the coming days. She recommended making sure skin is covered, staying dry and not staying out longer than you need to.  She also recommended staying hydrated with warm liquids and covering your mouth and nose when outside because heat can be lost through the lungs.

In a separate story the following day, Daniel Pierce, D.O., explained how older adults lose heat more quickly and are at higher risk of hypothermia. 

Watch the story featuring Kathryn Brandt.

Watch the story featuring Daniel Pierce.

To learn more about the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit www.une.edu/com

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions