Bike courier layers up for day spent working outside in bitter cold

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Temperatures Wednesday night, December 11th were dangerously low, with wind chills between -10 and -20 -- and the bitterly cold weather had first responders gearing up for a busy night. Some may believe they are tougher than the cold weather, but minutes outside in bitterly cold temperatures can mean health problems like hypothermia and frostbite.

Ross Matlock was hard at work for Breakaway Bike Courier on Wednesday -- braving the elements on a bike.

"It's pretty fun once you get out here.  You don't really notice after awhile," Matlock said.

Matlock was sure to take some trips indoors to warm up -- and said he just tried to stay focused on doing his job.

"It`s a little brisk at first, but once you get out there and once you get moving you start to get comfortable," Matlock said.

Paul Biedrzycki with the Milwaukee Health Department says the deep freeze can have a serious health impact.

"It can be very serious. There can be significant health risks for the population. Frostbite can occur in a matter of minutes if skin's exposed to temperatures well below 20 below zero," Biedrzycki said.

That's why Matlock was sure to bundle up on Wednesday to do a job that doesn't stop.

"Any weather, 365 days a year! I got some Under Armour on, a long-sleeved shirt, a fleece," Matlock said.