Don’t get caught slippin’: Colorado doctor offers ways to avoid winter storm injuries

DENVER, Colorado — After Colorado received its first real taste of winter weather, doctors at UCHealth advised caution working in the heavy snow to avoid injuries or a trip to the emergency room.  

Dr. Ben Usatch, a medical director for UC Health, said injuries pop up in extreme weather every year. 

“We absolutely did see some slips and falls people came in with some wrist fractures we did see an occasional hip injury just because people weren’t paying attention to how slippery the environment is,” Usatch said. 

The latest winter storm delivered heavy, wet snow. Usatch said shoveling heavy snow can cause heart problems for people who are not used to that much physical exertion. 

“Much more exertion with this heavy wet snow people have to be absolutely in-tune with themselves if they are starting to get winded, starting to feel sick. First of all, I really want to see you if you are having a heart problem I want to get you quickly,” Usatch said.  

The other health issue to pay attention to during a winter storm is too much exposure to the cold temperatures. 

“That old adage of cover your head as your mom used to tell you makes nothing but sense because the truth is we lose heat in the windy weather much more than we do when the air is still,” Usatch said. 

Usatch said UCHealth always brings in more staff when a winter storm is expected. “There is never a question that we ramp up our availability for example having those specialists closer to the hospital if it’s needed,” he said.   

Despite the trips some people took to seek medical attention, Usatch said he was proud that most people took care of themselves during the storm.  

“We did see some increasing cold exposures but I have to tell you it’s such a smart population they have so much experience here in Colorado. I was very impressed with how few cold weather injuries we did see,” he said.