Nearly 1,500 Ukrainians hospitalized with frostbite and hypothermia in January

In January 2026, 1,642 Ukrainians sought emergency medical care for frostbite and hypothermia. The highest number of cases was recorded in the Dnipropetrovsk region (195), Kyiv city (183), and Kharkiv region (167).

Of those who sought help, 1,469 were admitted to hospitals.

As a reminder, to prevent cold-related injuries (frostbite or hypothermia) during winter, it is recommended to wear multiple layers of clothing, stay physically active, avoid alcohol consumption, etc.

Pay close attention to key warning signs of cold injuries. Hypothermia may be indicated by pale, cold, and dry skin (the skin and lips may appear bluish), body shivering, and, in more severe cases, slowed breathing or difficulty speaking. Young children may have reddened, cold-to-the-touch skin, appear unusually quiet or drowsy, and refuse to eat. Frostbite may be indicated by gray-yellow or sometimes waxy-white skin, numbness, and loss of sensation, with the skin failing to respond to touch.

How to provide first aid for frostbite and hypothermia: first, ensure that you, the injured person, and others are safe. Move the person showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite to a warm location. Next, call 103 or 112 to request emergency medical assistance. Carefully remove gloves, footwear, jewelry, and any wet clothing from the affected areas of the body. Cover the person with a thermal or regular blanket. If the person is conscious, offer warm, non-alcoholic drinks such as tea or water, and stay with them until medical help arrives. Clean, dry gauze bandages can be applied to the affected areas. Under no circumstances should alcohol be applied to the bandages! Do not rub the affected skin with snow, and do not attempt to warm frozen hands or feet in hot water.

If the person's condition worsens, call the emergency services again. Should they become unconscious and show no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.