Winter Weather Injuries: Frostbite, Slips and Falls

Winter is beautiful in the Pacific Northwest, but it also brings hazards that can cause injuries. According to the National Safety Council, injuries from slips, falls and exposure increase by nearly 30% during winter. From icy sidewalks and snowy drives, residents face a variety of risks. Knowing what to watch out for and when to get help from BestMed Urgent Care can help keep your family safe this winter.

Common Winter Weather Injuries

Even in states that aren’t covered in snow, winter weather can lead to serious accidents. From outdoor slips to weather-related accidents, here are some of the most common winter injuries:

• Slips and falls: Icy sidewalks, wet leaves and slick parking lots are major hazards. Simple slips can result in sprained ankles, broken wrists or even head injuries. Even with proper footwear, anyone is at risk, especially during early mornings when nighttime frost hasn’t melted.
• Frostbite and hypothermia: Frostbite happens when skin and tissues freeze, often affecting the fingers, toes, nose and ears. Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in core body temperature that can occur after just 30­–60 minutes in extreme cold. Montana and Wyoming residents, in particular, need to be cautious during outdoor winter activities like skiing, snowmobiling or hiking to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.
• Car-related injuries: Snow, ice and freezing rain make driving dangerous. Fender benders and major accidents are more common on slippery roads. If you live in extremely rainy or foggy areas, you’ll need to be extra careful when driving. Even minor crashes can cause whiplash, strains or bruising that may require urgent care.

By knowing the risks, you can take small steps to protect yourself and your family from these winter weather injuries.

Prevention Tips for Winter Weather Injuries

Preventative measures are one of the best ways of avoiding accidents during the colder months. Something as small as wearing sturdy shoes or boots with good tread can make a big difference when sidewalks and parking lots are covered in ice. Wearing warm layers is equally important, as gloves, hats and scarves help protect against frostbite and keep in body heat. When walking outside, slow your pace, shorten your steps and use handrails to minimize the risk of slips and falls.

For drivers, prepare your car with winter tires, an emergency kit and de-icing tools for added safety on the road. You should generally limit your time outdoors during extreme cold weather to prevent serious cold-related injuries, especially children, people over 65 and those with chronic health conditions.

These small steps can lower your risk of common winter weather injuries. If an accident does occur, you can count on BestMed Urgent Care for winter injuries to provide trusted care at any of our locations.

Visit Urgent Care for Winter Injuries

Even if you take every precaution, accidents still happen. That’s why knowing when to get medical care for an injury becomes crucial. If you’re dealing with persistent pain, swelling or what feels like a fracture after a fall, it’s best not to wait. Burns or frostbite that cause blistering, numbness or changes in skin color also need medical attention right away. Sprains or strains that don’t improve with rest, ice, compression and elevation are another sign it’s time to get checked.

With locations across Oregon, Montana, Washington and Wyoming, BestMed Urgent Care is ready to provide you with reliable, expert care for winter weather injuries. Whether you walk in or book online, you’ll receive care that helps you recover safely and return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.

Stay Safe This Winter

Winter in the Northwest can be as dangerous as it is beautiful. By taking simple precautions, you can avoid winter weather injuries. If an accident does occur, visiting urgent care for winter injuries ensures you will receive treatment quickly, preventing complications and helping you return to the winter fun.

Visit your nearest BestMed Urgent Care location or contact our team to get the care you need, when you need it.