Ottilia Lewis is the trauma outreach and injury prevention coordinator at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. With nearly a decade of experience in trauma care, she knows just how dangerous the cold can be. “Winter months don't just bring snow days; there is always an uptick in injuries during periods of winter weather. We see patients come in for slipping on ice, hypothermia or motor vehicle collisions because of icy roads.”
The good news is that many of these injuries can be avoided. Ottilia shares her advice to help you stay safe during the colder months:
1. Dress Smart
- Layer Up: Wear layers to trap body heat and adjust as needed. Focus on covering areas with a high amount of heat loss like your head, hands and feet.
- Choose the Right Fabrics: “Opt for fabrics that wick moisture away from the body as well as thermal options for layers,” explains Ottilia. “That will keep you warmer by holding in your body heat and removing chilly moisture.” Avoid cotton—it retains moisture and steals body heat.
2. Plan Ahead
- Pack a Winter Kit: Keep essentials like food, water, blankets and extra clothing in your car. This allows you to hunker down safely if the roads become too messy for travel. Add sturdy shoes in case you need to walk for help.
- Stay Home if Possible: The majority of winter injuries occur when people go outside or try to stick with their usual routines. “Falls on ice can happen even just in your driveway. So unless you absolutely have to leave, it's better to stay home and weather the storm in place,” says Ottilia.
- Prepare for Outages: “Make sure you have a plan if there is a power outage,” Ottilia recommends. “This could be something as simple as having sufficient fuel in your car—this gives you a way to charge your devices or any other equipment you need.”
3. Watch Out for Hypothermia
Many may anticipate the risk of hypothermia when there is snow on the ground, but hypothermia is a risk even at 50 degrees. Hypothermia can be life-threatening. Look for these early signs, often called the “umbles”:
- Mumbling (slurred speech)
- Stumbling (difficulty walking)
- Fumbling (trouble with fine motor skills)
If you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else:
- Warm up gradually: Use blankets and warm beverages, and stay indoors for the rest of the day. Avoid direct heat like hot water—it can make things worse
- Seek medical attention if symptoms continue
4. Check on Your Friends, Family and Neighbors
Cold weather can be dangerous, especially for older individuals or those with chronic health conditions. “Make sure they have enough supplies and the ability to keep warm,” says Ottilia. “A lot of our elderly patients are on a fixed income and may not be able to heat their homes the way others can.”
- Check In Regularly: Make sure they have enough warmth and supplies
- Help Shovel Snow: Avoid letting them overexert themselves, as this can lead to injuries or heart strain
If an accident does happen, Carilion Clinic Emergency Medicine is here for you—no matter the weather.
