Newswise — As the snowflakes start to fall, many emergency rooms become busy with injuries specific to the winter months. Jeffrey S. Desmond, M.D., service chief of Emergency Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System, cautions us on common winter hazards and how to avoid them.
Injuries related to snow removal are among the most common winter-related injuries seen in the emergency room. Shoveling, trying to clear snow off the roof, or using a snow blower all can be hazardous. For example, snow blowers " even when turned off " have the ability to injure and maim.
"There may be some torque left in the machine so that when a snow jam is cleared out, blades can turn over and injure the hands," Desmond explains.
To clear out that snow jam, use the wooden handle of a garden tool or a stick. Be sure to stand to one side so that when the jam is freed, you aren't hit and knocked off your feet by the unclogged snow.
"Don't disable the blower's safety features, and be sure to read the owner's manual each year as the snowy season begins for important safety advice," Desmond adds.
Removing snow from sidewalks and steps " especially heavy snow " can lead to injuries from slips and falls, cause back strain, or put people at risk for a heart attack. Preventive measures include using a good shovel, keeping your back straight and pushing the snow, rather than trying to lift it. Avoid over-exertion by pacing yourself.
Injuries related to clearing snow or ice from roofs or gutters include falls from slippery ladders, or bruises and broken bones from being buried by a heavy load of snow. Make sure the ladder is on level ground that is free of snow and ice. Staying to one side of the snow or ice that is being removed will help avoid falls, bruises and broken bones.
Of course, injuries and hazards relating to cold weather aren't all associated with doing work. Sledding, ice skating, riding a snowmobile and other outdoor activities come with their own risks. Desmond reminds people to dress warmly and wear the right kind of equipment that was developed for their particular activity, such as helmets when skiing or snowmobiling. When sledding, use devises that really ARE sleds, and not trays, water toys, or something else not designed specifically for sledding.
And whether you're involved in snow removal, winter sports, or simply taking a walk in winter's wonderland, Desmond reminds people to bundle up, keeping as much of your skin covered up as possible. In addition, avoid consuming alcohol during winter activities. Not only does alcohol cloud judgment, it also cools your body down, making it more susceptible to hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when your body's control mechanisms fail to maintain a normal body temperature. Signs and symptoms that may develop include gradual loss of mental and physical abilities. Severe hypothermia can lead to death.
"It's time to come inside or seek shelter if you're shivering, or if you're developing numbness or tingling in those parts of your body that may be at risk for frostbite, especially your ears, nose, fingers or toes," Desmond says.
During the winter months, not all the hazards are outside the home. Indoors, carbon monoxide poisoning is a particular concern. This can come from a malfunctioning gas water heater or furnace, or an unvented kerosene or gas space heater. In the garage, carbon monoxide can build up if the garage door is closed while a car or generator is running.
Babies, older adults and people with anemia or heart or lung disease are especially at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Symptoms include shortness of breath, mild nausea, headache, dizziness, confusion and fainting.
Preventive measures include having your equipment checked and serviced regularly, Desmond says, and installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
"Virtually all the advice we hear about winter safety is based on common sense. So if people apply their common sense to indoor and outdoor safety this winter, the snowy season will be that much more healthy and injury-free," Desmond says. For more information, visit the following Web sites:
UMHS Health Topics A to Z: Carbon Monoxide Poisoninghttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_carbmono_crs.htm
UMHS Your Child: Sledding and Winter Sports Safetyhttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/wintsafe.htm
UMHS Your Child: Safetyhttp://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/yourchild/genlsafe.htm
AARP: Shovel Snow Safelyhttp://www.aarp.org/health/Articles/a2003-10-23-a2003-10-23-shovelsnow.html
KidsHealth: Safe Winter Sportshttp://www.kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/winter_sports.html
FEMA: Winter Preparedness Safety Tipshttp://www.fema.gov/hazards/winterstorms/wntsft.shtm
FEMA: Winter Drivinghttp://www.fema.gov/hazards/winterstorms/winterf.shtm KidsHealth: How to Be Safe in Ice and Snowhttp://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/out/winter_safety.html
KidsHealth: Safe in the Coldhttp://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/winter_safety.html
National Children's Center: Snowmobile Injury Fact Sheethttp://research.marshfieldclinic.org/children/resources/Snowmobile/FactSheet.html
National Institute on Aging: Hypothermia: A Cold Weather Hazardhttp://www.niapublications.org/engagepages/hypother.asp
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Sources of Indoor Air Pollution " Carbon Monoxidehttp://www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html
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