This Top NYC Scientist Explains How You Freeze To Death

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A top New York doctor has warned that the subzero temperatures sweeping the upper Midwest and Northeastern US are a “whole different animal,” which could cause an underdressed person to succumb to hypothermia within just five to seven minutes of exposure to the extreme cold.

Emergency physician Dr. Robert Glatter, of Lenox Hill Hospital, told Live Science that the danger of freezing to death so quickly arises when the thermometer falls to between minus 40 and minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it is slightly warmer (minus 30 F), hypothermia can set in within 10 minutes.

A dramatic drop to a person’s core body temperature (normally around 98.6 degrees F) prevents vital organs, such as the brain and heart, from working correctly.

Improper functioning of the heart results in reduced blood flow to many organs, putting the body in a state of shock and increasing the risk of conditions like liver and kidney failure.

The doctor told The Post that babies and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

“The very young and the very old are a greater risk for hypothermia because they generally have weaker heart muscles,” he says. “They should not venture outside and definitely stay inside where it is warm during this period.”

In addition, elderly people are more likely to take medications such as beta blockers that can slow heart rate — further increasing the risk of hypothermia.

“Homeless people who are mentally ill are also at a higher risk of hypothermia,” he adds.

But it’s not all bad news — the body has two built-in cold protection mechanisms to protect itself from bone-chilling conditions.

As soon as bitter air hits your face, blood moves away from the skin and outer extremities, such as fingers and toes, and toward the body’s core. “Your body will try to insulate itself,” according to Live Science.

The second response is shivering, which creates heat and helps raise body temperature.

The best way to help your body combat hypothermia is to dress appropriately for the frigid conditions.

“It is really essential to wear three layers of clothing, including a wicking layer to keep moisture away from the skin, an insulating layer and an outer layer to protect against the wind,” says Glatter. “Wind chill is particularly concerning.”

It’s also advisable to wear thick insulated boots to guard against frostbite, the effects of which are not reversible.