Winter Weather Safety Tips
During the recent statewide snowstorm on Jan. 4-5, HaysMed treated 25 injuries from ice-related falls—making it one of our busiest and most severe weekends of the season.
Dr. Nathan Smith from the HaysMed Emergency Department shared insights with the local media on the challenges we faced: “We definitely have lots of falls when there’s ice or snow outside, but this was even worse than our typical winter weather,” he said.
Some injuries, including hip fractures and a brain bleed, were particularly severe, highlighting the dangers of icy conditions. Most hip fracture patients were over 60, emphasizing the importance of caution for those with more fragile bones.
Dr. Smith’s Winter Safety Tips:
-Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
-Plan ahead to avoid trips during hazardous weather.
-Wear shoes with good traction, dress in layers.
-Keep your hands free to help maintain balance.
-Hidden ice can linger, even after snowstorms, so take extra care while shoveling.
Let’s work together to stay safe as we face another round of cold temps and possible snow this weekend! Bundle up and avoid unnecessary risks. Stay safe!
Dr. Nathan Smith, HaysMed Emergency Department
