In the emergency room at the National Institute of Children’s Diseases (NÚDCH) in Bratislava on Tuesday morning, doctors dealt with six cases of children falling due to the unfavorable weather. These were mainly injuries of the upper limbs. One child was hospitalized. This follows from the statement of the spokeswoman of the institute, Dana Kamenická, for TASR.
“In the course of this morning, in connection with the unfavorable weather, the doctors of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Clinic of the Faculty of Medicine of the Comenius University, UK and NÚDCH dealt with six falls in children, mostly of school age. They suffered injuries to the upper limbs without fractures, and one child suffered a closed head injury. The medical condition of one of the children required hospitalization,” said Kamenická.
On Tuesday, from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., rescuers responded to 86 injuries and 36 traffic accidents in connection with the weather. The most injuries are recorded in the Bratislava Region, the most accidents in the Bansko Bystrica Region. Petra Klimešová, spokeswoman for the Operation Center of the Emergency Medical Service (OS ZZS) of the Slovak Republic, told TASR. “We ask the public to exercise caution, limit movement and travel to essential cases and be considerate of the rescue services,” added the spokeswoman.
Level one and two ice warnings have been in effect in the southwest since Tuesday morning. They are tentatively issued until 6:00 p.m. The Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic advises to increase caution outdoors. It is important to choose suitable non-slip shoes, keep your hands free when walking, take smaller and shorter steps for stability and use handrails if available.
Slipping on an icy pavement can lead not only to fractures, but also to serious head injuries, the consequences of which may not be immediately apparent. It was pointed out by the Emergency Health Service ZaMED. At the same time, the rescuers warn that if a fracture of the femur is suspected, it is a mistake to sit the affected person down.
According to paramedics, head injuries are frequent and at the same time more dangerous than, for example, broken limbs. “Symptoms can appear immediately after the fall, but also hours or days after. So they may not be visible at first glance. Traumatic head injuries are among the frequent causes of death,” said Diana Mikešová, chief paramedic of ZaMED Emergency Health Service. According to her, a concussion is also dangerous, requiring hospitalization and observation.
In case of unconsciousness, disorientation, vomiting or bleeding from lacerations, it is necessary to call the emergency medical service. Rescuers point out that during the winter months and icy conditions, wrist, elbow or forearm fractures are no exception. Warning signs include bruising, swelling, severe pain, or trouble moving the arm. “If a fracture of the upper limb is suspected, it is important not to move it and seek professional help,” explained Mikešová.
Thigh fractures are equally serious. “Any movement or effort is very painful. A broken bone can damage the muscles or blood vessels in the limb and cause a lot of bleeding,” the paramedic pointed out. She added that a common layman’s mistake is also sitting the patient down before the ambulance arrives.
ZaMED appeals for prevention and increased caution during the winter months. He recommends avoiding unkempt and icy sidewalks, adapting to the walking surface and using non-slip shoes. The use of crutches for seniors or thicker clothing that can absorb the impact of a fall can also help. “It is also important to take your time, keep your hands free and avoid using a mobile phone while walking, as inattention is one of the frequent causes of winter accidents,” she added.
