By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — Ascension St. John Medical Center shared safety tips and reminders ahead of the expected winter storm moving in Green Country.
St. John said the hospital often sees more patients during winter weather, specifically after initial storms are over, with snow and ice still on the ground.
FOX23 spoke with Rachel Tyler, trauma surgeon at St. John Medical Center.
“We see a lot after people start to get out and about, once the storm has passed. We’ll see a lot of ground level falls, so people that come in with traumatic brain injuries or brain bleeds, and then broken bones, particularly broken hips,” said Tyler.
Tyler said walking on ice is a common cause of these injuries.
“Additionally if people get out and about around when the storm is going on, we’ll see motor vehicle collisions. We ask people to try to stay inside and be prepared in that way to not have to go anywhere,” said Tyler.
Green Country is also preparing for extreme wind chills, which Tyler said also requires preparation and caution because of the risk of frostbite.
“You have to really dress warmly, make sure you take breaks and go inside. Just try to stay in if you can,” said Tyler.
Tyler said prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can lead to frostbite. Try to wear warm clothes such as gloves, scarves and hats.
Although there are techniques for preventing injury, you should avoid walking on ice, if possible.
“First of all I will just say that once the storm passes, it’s not worth a broken hip to go out and get your mail, or go out and get the newspaper. If you do have to get out in the snow, you want to try to take slow, small steps at first to get your balance. If necessary, we often recommend people who are going to be walking on ice walk like a penguin, which means you have your toes pointed out and you kind of lean forward with your center of gravity, but not too much, and just take it real slow when you’re trying to walk,” said Tyler.
Tyler said all Ascension St. John facilities are fully prepared to treat patients during and after the storm.
“We are fully prepared. We will remain open during the storm and after the storm. We have generators and there will be no issues with electricity,” said Tyler.
You can learn more about Ascension St. John Medical Center by clicking here.
