Orthopedic injuries, hypothermia and other adverse health events may result from severe weather conditions such as the recent “bomb cyclone,” the severe winter storm that swept much of the nation, emergency room physicians said in describing a recent uptick in winter-related ER cases in an article posted in Men's Health Magazine.
Dr. Ali Raja of Massachusetts General Hospital cited many a snowblower accidents resulting in injuries requiring emergency hospital visits in the article. He pointed to injuries sustained by individuals maneuvering the machines after dark, when accidents related to cleaning out debris are more common.
Raja also cautioned about using power generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide exposure, recalling an incident involving a family that tried to use the generator indoors, risking carbon monoxide poisoning.
In extreme conditions, Raja suggested commuters should consider taking public transportation rather than driving in deep snow and risk becoming stuck in sub-freezing temperatures.
Doctors also warned about alcohol consumption with exposure to frigid temperatures in the article. Dr. Robert Glatter, a New York City-based emergency physician working at Lenox Hill Hospital, described an incident involving an intoxicated youth who sustained a broken wrist after attempting to use a hoverboard on a snow-filled street.
“Mixing alcohol and portable devices in snowy conditions is a recipe for disaster," Glatter said in the article.
