Fall Protection Tips for Winter

An experienced emergency physician, Dr. Paul Bolger cares for emergency room patients at Unity Point Health based in Rock Island, Illinois. An MD and an advocate for safety first, Dr. Paul Bolger was featured on Radish Magazine where he shared tips on preventing falls during winter.

Many emergency room visits during winter are caused by falls. Snow and melting ice on the driveway, puddles of freezing rain on the sidewalk, and slush on the road are all very slippery and are the reason for many falls.

So what can you do reduce your chances of falling during winter? The best way to avoid falls in the cold season is to wear proper-fitting foot wear, preferably shoes that provide good traction in freezing temperatures. Rubber shoes supply good traction in the cold while polyurethane hardens and gets slippery. Boots are also a good option.

When walking, take small steps. Use aids such as walkers and canes, and use handrails when they are available. Always go out with a whistle to call for help in case you fall. Keeping driveways and sidewalks shoveled and salted will also reduce falls.