December Member Meeting

Presentation Title: Cold Weather Safety – Hypothermia Prevention and Emergency Care for Outdoor Workers

Speaker: Daniel Hatlestad, Public Information Officer, Paramedic

Working in extreme winter environments poses severe health risks, with hypothermia being one of the most critical yet preventable occupational hazards. This introductory presentation equips individuals with essential knowledge and practical skills to protect themselves and their team members during extreme cold exposure.

Participants will explore the primary causes and environmental compounding factors—such as wind chill, wet clothing, and prolonged exposure—that accelerate body heat loss. The session details the progressive signs and symptoms of hypothermia, emphasizing early recognition of warning signs like uncontrollable shivering, impaired coordination, and cognitive changes.

Finally, the presentation outlines actionable prevention strategies, including layering principles and work-rest schedules, alongside critical emergency first-aid protocols to safely shelter and rewarm a victim while awaiting professional medical care. By the end of this training, you will be prepared to maintain safety and respond effectively in hazardous cold-weather environments.

Daniel Hatlestad is a retired volunteer firefighter/paramedic with over 45 years of experience in pre-hospital care. He has delivered multiple presentations on medical topics at conferences across the US. He is currently an EMT and paramedic instructor at St. Anthony Pre-Hospital Services and Red Rocks Community College. He has over 20 years of experience as a Public Information Officer with the Jefferson County Incident Management Team, responding to wildfires, floods, tornadoes, disease outbreaks, and blizzards. As a contract instructor for FEMA and Colorado DHSEM he teaches emergency management courses.