Cold, snow, and ice are part of life in Wisconsin during winter, but they can make staying healthy a challenge. Emergency departments often treat preventable cold-weather injuries. Here’s how to protect yourself and stay safe during the winter season.
Prevent Slips and Falls
Icy outdoor surfaces make people vulnerable to slips and falls. The resulting injuries can include broken bones, hurt backs or sprained joints. Head injuries are also common. February is the busiest month at the adult Level I Trauma Center at Froedtert Hospital for treating injuries due winter weather-related falls. Each winter, an average of 40 people are admitted to Froedtert & MCW hospitals for serious injuries sustained during a slip or fall caused by snow or ice. People who are admitted following a slip on snow or ice usually spend about four days in the hospital.
Tips to Reduce Risk
- Walk like a penguin: short, slow steps with knees slightly bent and arms out for balance.
- Avoid keeping hands in pockets; use handrails when available.
- Treat all walkways as if they have black ice.
- Allow extra time to reach your destination.
Getting In and Out of Cars Safely
- Park in well-lit areas and check footing before stepping out.
- Use both legs together for support when entering or exiting.
- Carry salt or cat litter to improve traction near your car door.
Choose Footwear That Grips
If you know you will have to walk in snow or on ice, your footwear choice matters to prevent slips and falls.
- Wear shoes that fit will and have good treads.
- Rubber soles provide better traction.
- Consider adding cleats for extra grip.
- If you use a cane, add a non-slip tip for snow and ice.
- Always carry a cell phone in case you fall and need to call for help to get up.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found these products reduce the risk of outdoor falls and winter injuries.
Dress Smart for Visibility and Safety
- Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking in the dark.
- Keep hats, scarves, and masks from obstructing your vision.
- Prevent fogging on glasses to maintain a clear view of your path.
What To Do if You Fall
Appropriate care after a fall is always important, and this is especially true for older adults. Older people, especially those over 65, can be severely injured as a result of what in younger people might constitute a minor fall, such as slipping while stepping off a curb.
Broken hips, head injuries and other serious injuries can significantly impact overall health, well-being and longevity and should not be underestimated. An urgent care clinic may be appropriate if you think you have a sprain or strain. Many minor injuries can be treated by rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Call your primary care provider for advice, or try an online virtual clinic.
If you fall and are unable to get up, think you may have a broken bone or are in severe pain, you probably need emergency care. This is especially important if you have or think you may have a head injury, as it may be serious. Seek emergency care if you have a loss of consciousness, a severe headache after the fall, nausea and vomiting, confusion or disorientation after the injury, increased sleepiness, seizures or are on blood-thinning medications.
Protect Your Back and Heart While Shoveling
Shoveling snow or using a snow blower can be strenuous work, especially for someone whose heart may not be used to that amount or type of exercise. If you have one or more risk factors for heart disease, avoid overexerting yourself in cold weather.
Back and Neck Safety
- Push snow instead of lifting
- Keep knees slightly bend.
- Warm up muscles before shoveling.
Heart Health
Shoveling and snow blowing can strain the heart. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure, while the heavy exertion of shoveling increases heart workload. This combination can trigger a heart attack, particularly in people with underlying heart disease or risk factors. If you experience shortness of breath, chest pain or any other heart attack symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.
- Take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion. That means taking frequent breaks from shoveling or having someone else do it for you, and going inside if you start to overheat.
- Schedule a checkup if you haven’t seen your doctor recently.
Watch for Hypothermia
The body does an excellent job of maintaining a constant temperature, but extended exposure to cold can overwhelm its auto-regulation. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95°F. Elderly individuals and young children are often at more risk, but hypothermia can affect anyone. Alcohol use can also make you more susceptible to hypothermia. If you must be outside during frigid weather, wear plenty of layers and stay as dry as possible.
Warnings signs of hypothermia include shivering, loss of dexterity, impaired thinking, high pulse and increased breathing. Shivering is one way the body maintains its temperature. As hypothermia progresses, the body’s shivering mechanism may stop working, people may get more confused and the heart can stop working normally.
If you think someone is suffering from hypothermia:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Move the person indoors and remove wet clothing.
- If you think someone does not have a pulse, start CPR.
Prevent and Treat Frostbite
Frostbite damages skin, nerves, and tissue, especially on hands, feet, ears and nose. Common signs like numbness, clumsiness, cold or discolored skin can occur. If someone develops frostbite, the affected skin and underlying tissues can freeze, leading to permanent damage such as nerve injury, tissue death or even the need for amputation in severe cases. Untreated frostbite can also increase the risk of infection and long-term complications like chronic pain or sensitivity to cold.
Ways to Prevent Frostbite
- Limit time outdoors in extreme cold.
- Wear gloves, warm socks, and hats.
- Invest in a heated vest and thermals.
- Add heating packs in boots and gloves.
Frostbite Treatment
- Seek emergency care.
- Rewarm affected areas (only if no risk of re-freezing).
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: The Silent Winter Danger
Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas found in exhaust fumes from fuels like gas, wood and coal. Winter risk factors are increased use of fireplaces, furnaces, kerosene heaters and generators. Inhaling CO prevents oxygen from reaching your organs, which can cause brain and heart damage. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue.
Prevention Tips
- Have your heating system inspected annually.
- Ensure proper ventilation for fuel-burning devices.
- Clean chimneys and flues every year.
- Never “warm up” your car in a garage. This can lead to a build-up of carbon monoxide.
- Install and regularly test CO alarms.
If you suspect CO poisoning, get the person outdoors immediately and call 911. Fire departments can test for CO and provide emergency care if you need it.
Your best options for emergency care are closer than you think.
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