NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) – Health officials are reminding the public to take it slow in order to avoid a trip to the emergency room.
Whether it’s driving a car or just walking to get the mail, everything needs to be done more cautiously with these type of severe winter conditions.
Dr. Ray Georgen, Director of Trauma at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Neenah, says everyday tasks carry with them heightened risks in this weather.
He adds that people might be surprised to find out what brings a majority of people to the emergency room this time of year.
“People talk about motor vehicle crashes, shootings, and those types of things, [but] its falls,” he explains. “And that’s why this kind of weather makes our number one admission to the trauma center even worse.”
The cases they receive can range from multiple broken bones to a bad bruise, but he says there are a few tips to help ensure that you aren’t a victim this winter.
“Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets,” explains Dr. Georgen. “When you fall you’re not going to be able to break your fall and can certainly sustain greater damage from it.”
His advice may seem childish, but says it works.
“I often tell my patients that they should walk like a penguin in this type of weather,” he says.
That means taking short strides and shuffling feet to avoid slipping and falling on ice.
In addition to that, wearing footwear with solid soles can also be important.
The motto of taking it slowly also applies to driving, where dangers are present for both the motorist and pedestrians.
“You got to remember that your visibility is impaired,” he says. “There could be children playing in snow forts, like we all did, crossing guards, all those types of things,” explains Dr. Georgen.
And always be prepared for the possibility that you’ll become stranded.
Prepping a vehicle with a few winter items could turn out to be a very fortunate decision.
“You got to have some blankets,” he says. “That could be the difference between living and dying if you’re in a crash.”
The major concern early this week is snowfall, but that will quickly be replaced by blistering cold temperatures that will make anyone outside susceptible to frostbite.
Dr. Georgen has a few tips to stay safe when the temperatures become dangerous.
“For sure protect your head,” he says. “This is the time of year you need to be thinking of that, because we lose so much heat from our head and our face.”
Beyond that, don’t make matters worse by ignoring signs of trouble.
“If you think you’ve got frostbite, come and see a health care professional,” he says.
