With all the ice on sidewalks and roads, someone is bound to get hurt eventually. Here is how you can help them while getting the cold in mind.

When someone gets hurt, we often treat their injuries. But we may forget about the extreme cold and not think to protect them from that. Richard Fetherston, Director of Training and Operations at St. John Ambulance, says it's great to help, but you need to think about your situation first.

"The first thing you got to take into mind is your own personal safety," Fetherston stressed.

Fetherston recommends checking your surroundings out for helping someone. If they have fallen or been hit on a sidewalk, treat them where they have fallen. If they are on a street or somewhere else unsafe for you to treat them, leave them there unless it is safe to move them. Fetherston says you have to watch for head injuries in situations like that. Paramedics are better equipped to handle those situations.

One thing you can do in all situations though, whether you're certified in first aid or not, is to make sure the victim is warm.

"You want to try and keep them warm," Fetherston instructed. "When they are lying on the cold ground, you have the potential of losing heat by conduction [to the ground]."

Breathing and exposed skin also cause heat loss. And when the windchill is closer to -40°C, exposed skin can get frostbite within two minutes. That's why Fetherston is important to cover them up, with a particular focus on their chest.

"If you can surround the arms and the legs and the head as much as possible, that would be ideal," Fetherston said. "But if you just have the ability to keep the core warm, that's where all the vital organs are."

A wool blanket or a heat-reflective survival blanket are great for keeping the heat in. If you are able to move them into a nearby store, that is even better.

While Fetherston points out that most Winnipeggers are dressed for the weather, it's still possible that people may be lacking proper protection for staying outside longer than a couple minutes.

Fetherston repeated his most important tip, which is to stay safe and not become a victim yourself.

"Stay warm and protect yourself."