Specialists at the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center provide helpful tips for negotiating slippery wintertime surfaces

This most recent storm has created some very slick and potential dangerous conditions outside. Doctors at the Smith Level I Shock Trauma Center at Eskenazi Health recommend extreme caution during this time of year as sometimes a thin sheet of transparent ice or “black ice” can be found lurking below your feet. They also recommend shoes with non-skid soles and good traction, in addition to wearing gloves to help protect the hands in case of a fall. Elderly people should be especially careful during this time of year since injuries to them could be of much greater consequence.

The Road Safety Authority recommends several safety tips to avoid serious injury, including:

• If a journey must be made outside, walk on a footpath not the street. If there is no footpath, walk on the right hand side of the roadway (towards oncoming traffic)

• Footpaths may not be treated, so walk with caution and in extreme conditions consider using an appropriate walking stick or walking pole

• Visibility is reduced in snowy conditions so wear bright, reflective and/or high visibility clothing

• Use extra caution when crossing roadways and always cross at pedestrian crossings

• When walking outside, bend your knees slightly and take slower, shorter steps to help reduce the chance of a slip and fall

• Be aware of overhead hazards such as icicles and large chunks of snow. Avoid walking near edges of buildings and always be aware of what’s happening above you.

Eskenazi Health treats more than 2,000 trauma patients each year and became the first verified adult Level I trauma center in the state in 1992. It remains one of only three adult Level I trauma centers in Indiana.

A Level I trauma center is a comprehensive regional resource that is central to the trauma system. Trauma centers verified as Level I are capable of providing total care for every aspect of injury, from prevention to rehabilitation. Key elements of a Level I trauma center include 24-hour, in-house coverage by trauma surgeons and prompt availability of care in specialties such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, radiology, internal medicine and critical care.

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CONTACT: Tom Surber
Phone: 317.880.4793
Cell: 317.402.9327
Pager: 317.310.5972 
Email: thomas.surber@eskenazihealth.edu