Hypothermia and Frostbite in Jail

Cold temperatures are a very common complaint in jail and prison facilities. Every winter season a number of inmates are so cold that they are getting frostbite and hypothermia–while in custody.

Freezing Conditions

Inmates, and even medical officials, frequently note the challenge of dropping temperatures at facilities during the winter months. But many are unaware of how cold facilities are, or the effects on inmates.

During an exchange between investigators about the death of an inmate, this question was asked: “How do you get hypothermia in a prison? … You shouldn’t.” The thought that an inmate housed in a facility that was supposed to provide shelter and basic needs getting hypothermia was unfathomable. Worse yet, this inmate had been repeatedly hospitalized for hypothermia. This situation is unfortunately all too common across detention facilities in the United States. So much so, that national and international agencies have expressed their extreme concern about these conditions.

How do inmates get hypothermia?

Lack of blankets
- This can occur during suicide watch or other confinement situations wherein inmates are issued paper gowns, and no sheets.
Poor or absent unit heating
- In some asylum centers there are reports of extremely cold temperatures, with little reprieve from detention officers.
- More than 30 Texas prisons had broken or problematic heaters during a recent bout of cold-weather.
Thin clothing and uniforms
- Clothing drives are held in some communities to help provide extra socks, underwear and t-shirts to help inmates.
- While inmates receive basic clothing, they may need to purchase additional clothing for added warmth.
Prison-Yard Searches
- A case in New York highlighted the concern of outdoor prison-yard searches in cold weather. In that instance, is was only between 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit in the yard and inmates were required to remove their hat and gloves in response to a fight that occurred.
- As the situation was resolved, they all had to stand against a chainlink fence with their hands on the fence resulting in many cold-weather injuries to include frostbite, blisters and loss of fingernails.
Lack of cold-weather gear
- Many facilities provide layers of clothing appropriate for the weather such as sweatshirts and winter coats. But these same facilities may not provide something like gloves.
- Some facilities will issue thermal underwear or other gear as needed, but this often means the most extreme temperature drops.
Rules against inmates congregating
- Sometimes inmates will huddle together in an attempt to warm up, but congregating so closely can be discouraged by guards.
Old buildings, Facilities and Heating Equipment
- Many prisons or jails are much older, which means they are ill equipped to maintain heat and not as efficient as modern infrastructure.
- Similarly, funding issues can mean that equipment is not replaced as often–and it can become harder to get parts for repairs as the systems age.

Cold-Weather Injuries to Watch For

While in jail, it is very important to be aware of the potential dangers posed by cold weather. Seeking treatment early, or taking small actions to minimize the loss of heat can be a big help.

Hypothermia: As the body loses heat from prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, hypothermia can develop.

Symptoms can include shivering, loss of coordination, confusion/disorientation, and fatigue.
When the inmates stops shivering, it can actually mean that hypothermia has worsened. At these later stages, their skin may get blue, their pulse and breathing may slow down, and they could lose consciousness.

Frostbite: When parts of the body experience freezing, it can cause permanent damage to body tissues, and sometimes require amputation. Frostbite is most common with extremities or parts of the face.

Reduced blood flow to an area of the body (such as the fingers or toes).
Tingling, numbness, stinging and a loss of sensation.
Aching, blueish, pail or waxy skin.

Trench Foot: Exposing feet to wet and cold conditions for an extended period of time can cause trench foot. Even just having wet socks all day, and not allowing the feet to have a chance to dry out can cause this condition. Eventually, skin tissues can die and complications occur.

The feet will often have very red skin as circulation begins to slow.
Numbness, swelling, cramps in the legs, and tingling likely will also occur.
As the condition progresses, blisters, ulcers, bleeding and gangrene can occur.

Chillblains: Repeated exposure to cold temperates can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the skin (capillaries). This will lead to permanent redness and itching that will occur during cold weather, and often occurs on parts of the face, fingers or toes.

Symptoms include itching, redness, possibly blisters, some inflammation and ulceration in some instances.

If you or a loved one has experienced cold weather conditions and injuries while in jail, consider reaching out to one of our experienced attorneys to see if we can help.

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