Old Man Winter’s visit to the Triangle made for a busy few days at WakeMed’s seven emergency departments. A winter wonderland is beautiful, but it’s often icy and dicey when we start to venture out.
WakeMed Emergency Departments treated approximately 70 patients with winter weather-related injuries. Here is a breakdown of winter weather injuries from January 17-18:
- 30 slips/falls (3 of which were pediatric patients)
- 22 motor vehicle accidents
- 11 sledding accidents (6 were pediatric patients)
- 2 snowboarding injuries (1 was a pediatric patient)
- 4 injuries related to chest/pain complaints from shoveling snow
- 1 asthma flare up while outside in the snow
Falls = Still a Leading Injury at Emergency Departments
Falls are typically the most common injury we see in our Emergency Departments during the winter, but we also treat injuries from motor vehicle accidents, sledding accidents and traumas.
Prevent falls by staying inside when there is snow or ice outside. If you do have to travel outside of your home during a winter weather event, exercise caution and follow these tips to prevent falling.
WakeMed Emergency Departments Are Open 24/7
Remember, WakeMed emergency departments are always open – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Not sure if it’s worth a trip to the ER? View these helpful tips on when to visit the emergency department.
If you are visiting another one of our facilities, please check our website for the latest closings & delays.
