Newswise — The arctic freeze followed by a warm-up have led to the accumulation of ice and snow on roofs, electrical wires and buildings. While it may be tempting to knock off the icicles, be very careful says a Loyola University Health System emergency medicine physician.
“An icicle is like a sharp, stiletto-shoe heel-like dagger,” says Mark Cichon, DO, chair, Department of Emergency Medicine at Loyola University Health System. “Coupled with the forceful dynamics of impact from falling a sizeable distance, a person can sustain serious injury.”
The increasing number of posted signs warning of falling ice and the cordoned sidewalks around buildings are there to protect passersby. “It may be annoying to have to walk around a roped-off area but it is better to take extra safety precautions than to wind up injured and in the emergency department,” he says.
Here are six winter icicle safety tips from Dr. Cichon:
Tread carefully“Be mindful of ice above your head and below your feet,” says Cichon. “Avoid walking under hanging ice and walk carefully on ice-coated sidewalks.”
Plan ahead“Removing icicles and snow from the roof of your house has its benefits but also its dangers,” says Cichon. “I’ve had patients who fell off ladders and the roof while removing heavy snow and also those who got splinters in their eyes when knocking off hanging icicles.”
Wear protective gear“When removing ice and snow, safety glasses and hardhats are often overlooked but may be a wise investment to prevent injury,” says Cichon.
Tap lightly“Lightly tap icicles with a long-handled shovel to gently dislodge rather than giving a forceful whack,” says Cichon. “Make sure people and pets are not around to suffer injury and it is best to make others aware of your action.”
Talk to family members about safety“Kids especially can be tempted to knock off frozen spikes and they are the ones most prone to injury,” says Cichon. “Talk to your kids in advance about safety.”
Trust professionals“No one should be on a snow-covered roof unless you are a professional specially equipped and trained to handle the dangers,” says Cichon. “Paying a service may be a wise investment rather than risking your health.”
Loyola’s emergency department receives some of the region’s most critically ill and injured patients and the severity level of emergency admissions is among the highest in the country. Loyola emergency medicine physicians are board-certified and treat more than 50,000 seriously ill and injured patients every year, including major trauma, high-risk obstetrics, unstable cardiac conditions , poisonings and severe illnesses. The 31-bed emergency facility is one of the most advanced in the Midwest and contains specialty care sections for trauma, cardiac care and pediatrics. Specialty services at Loyola include a level 1 trauma center, aeromedical transport, chest pain emergency evaluation center, pediatric emergency care and stroke center.
As an academic medical center, Loyola offers professional education to emergency medical technicians and also conducts clinical research trials. As part of Loyola’s leadership in preventing and diagnosing infectious disease, Loyola offers a free HIV test to all emergency department patients.
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