[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/prevent-trauma-and-emergency-winter-accidents\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/prevent-trauma-and-emergency-winter-accidents\/","headline":"Prevent Trauma and Emergency Accidents Over the Winter Months","name":"Prevent Trauma and Emergency Accidents Over the Winter Months","description":"Winter in Pennsylvania can be treacherous. The bitterly cold weather mixed with snowstorms, ice, wind, rain, sleet, and whatever else Mother Nature throws our way, often can cause serious, life-threatening injuries no matter how careful we are. Charissa Pacella, MD, Chief of Emergency Services at UPMC Presbyterian, explains some of the common injuries that happen […]","datePublished":"2014-01-22","dateModified":"2023-02-03","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","name":"Trauma & Emergency Medicine","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/emergency-medicine","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/trauma-emergency-medicine\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/prevent-trauma-and-emergency-winter-accidents.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/prevent-trauma-and-emergency-winter-accidents.jpg","height":325,"width":752},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/prevent-trauma-and-emergency-winter-accidents\/","about":["Safety"],"wordCount":468,"keywords":["Charissa Pacella MD","cold weather","heart attack","ice skating","shoveling","skiing","sledding","UPMC Presbyterian","winter weather"],"articleBody":"Winter in Pennsylvania can be treacherous. The bitterly cold weather mixed with snowstorms, ice, wind, rain, sleet, and whatever else Mother Nature throws our way, often can cause serious, life-threatening injuries no matter how careful we are.Charissa Pacella, MD, Chief of Emergency Services at UPMC Presbyterian, explains some of the common injuries that happen in the winter months and offers some helpful tips for staying safe.Slips and Falls We spend a lot of time walking around outside, and sometimes not in the best conditions. \u201cA lot of times we see people who slip and fell on ice who just weren\u2019t paying attention, so it\u2019s always best to make sure you carefully watch were you step and avoid any terrain that looks like it might be unsafe,\u201d says Dr. Pacella.Make sure you also:Ensure your walkways and driveway are properly cleared of snow and ice.Wear appropriate shoes or boots, selecting footwear that will provide good traction and stable footing.Tread carefully, particularly at night, when you may not be able to see ice on the ground.Winter Sports Injuries As fun as winter sports are, snow and ice can bring it all to a sudden stop with an injury or accident. Whether you\u2019re skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or sledding, there is always a risk for fractures and ligament damage, as well as head and spine injuries.Warming up properly, wearing protective gear, and using the right equipment will help minimize and prevent injuries on the slopes, hills, or ice rinks.Shoveling-Induced Heart AttacksShoveling heavy, wet snow can cause strain on the heart, especially for those who aren\u2019t normally physically active, are smokers, or have heart disease or other health risks.It\u2019s best to stretch out your body before even picking up the shovel.\u00a0 While shoveling snow, be sure to dress warm, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks if you need to.\u00a0 \u201cMost importantly, don\u2019t ignore heart attack symptoms that include chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath,\u201d says Dr. Pacella. \u201cMake sure to call 911 if you think you\u2019re having a heart attack.\u201dExposure To the ColdBeing out in the elements unexpectedly, underdressed, or underprepared can put you at a greater risk for developing hypothermia or frostbite.\u00a0 But even when under cover, you can still develop hypothermia.\u201cMake sure your home is kept warm by keeping the thermostat set at least 68 to 70 degrees,\u201d says Dr. Pacella. “Keeping a home even mildly cool at temperatures between 60 to 65 degrees can lead to mild hypothermia, especially in the elderly.”When outside in the elements, hypothermia and frostbite can be avoided by wearing loose-fitting, lightweight layers of clothing, a hat, gloves, insulated socks, and water-repellent shoes.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 22, 2014, and was last reviewed on February 3, 2023."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2014","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Prevent Trauma and Emergency Accidents Over the Winter Months","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2014\/01\/prevent-trauma-and-emergency-winter-accidents\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]