Slips and falls are most common ER visits during winter
The winter season can have its ups and downs. Literally. You can fall down and quite easily especially with all of the ice on the ground. Injuries from slipping this time of year are very common and can land you in the emergency room.
For Dr. Jeremy Monroe, Physician at Portneuf Medical Center, says cold weather accidents are his most frequent emergencies. “So the most common injury we see related to cold or winter time are falls from slippery surfaces. Falls on ice is very common.
Most of these slips and falls are not life-threatening. But, the winter season can bring some unexpected health concerns. “Some people don’t get a lot of physical exercise. And, when it snows and they’re shoveling snow, it can be quite an exertion. They can start having chest pain you can start to see people having heart attacks.”
One incident was not too long ago.
“Yesterday there was a gentleman who was snow blowing who had a heart attack and was found down.”
Another hazard is taking down the Christmas lights. “Falls off ladders,” Dr. Monroe explains, is “a common thing… people try to take down Christmas lights or putting things up.”
According to The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were over 15 thousand injuries involving Christmas decorations; 35% involving ladders.
“That would something I would recommend people not be on ladders when it’s really cold and slippery outside… just let the Christmas lights sit for a little bit.”
