A doctor gave tips on avoiding injuries during icy conditions

An unfortunate fall for any person can result in injuries, but there is a group of people who are particularly dangerous to fall. Nina Zubova, a surgeon and expert physician at Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia about how to avoid injuries during ice.

"Over the years, bones become brittle, break more easily, and fuse worse. Therefore, people of age in the ice is better not to leave the house or take ski poles or special walkers with sharp legs for additional support, wear stable and non-slip shoes," - said Zubova.

According to her, first of all, the risk group includes the elderly and pregnant women, as a fall can cause serious bleeding or premature labor. Pregnant women are not recommended to move on slippery pavements without an escort. Also, injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol can have dangerous consequences. People under the influence of alcohol are less sensitive to pain and, even when seriously injured, often do not seek medical attention, which can lead to complications.

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According to the specialist, first aid after a fall depends on the type of injury sustained. In the case of a simple bruise of the arm or leg, it is enough to apply ice and rest, but broken bones and concussions need professional medical care.

"A contusion is a soft tissue injury when the bone is intact. The injured area is sore and swollen and bruised, but the person can still move without much discomfort. <...> To prevent severe swelling and relieve pain, cold should be applied to the bruise and provide the injured person with rest," the doctor said.

According to Zubova, there is reason to suspect a fracture if, soon after a fall, the pain becomes acute with any movement and it is impossible to move the injured limb normally, as well as if there are strange sounds, such as crunching, or unusual position of the bone. If a fracture is suspected, an ambulance should be called or the victim should be taken to the nearest trauma center. Before doing so, it is important to rest and apply cold to the injured area to reduce swelling and relieve pain.

A head injury from a fall can also be mild or severe. Mild ones include a bruise that can completely go away within a few weeks, while severe ones include a hemorrhage, concussion or brain swelling that is dangerous to leave untreated as it can lead to complications.

"If you hit your head, you should apply cold to the injured area to relieve pain and prevent swelling. <...> It is better to lie on a high pillow, so that the head was above the body - this will reduce swelling. If after a few hours the pain does not disappear or there are other unpleasant symptoms (nausea, cramps), you need to seek immediate medical attention, "- summarized the specialist.

In March, doctor - traumatologist of JSC "Medicine" (clinic of academician Roitberg) Alexander Shelepov told "Izvestia" about how to fall correctly. According to him, it is necessary to sit down during a fall in order to reduce the height from which you fall and thus the likelihood of complications.