The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division’s

Out of Harm’sThe Trauma Prevention Publication

January 2014 • Issue 7

There are a number of risks associated with the harsh, winter weather, besides the frigid temperatures. One of the most threatening winter hazards is the potential for slipping and falling on patches of ice or snow. These falls can lead to a variety of injuries, from cuts and scrapes to broken bones. In fact, fractured ankles (at any age) and broken hips (especially for those over 50) are two of the most frequent, common injuries that can result from falls on snow or ice. Below are tips to help you avoid winter falls:

• While warm coats, mittens and hats can help to keep you warm, appropriate footwear during the winter months is essential. Rubber or neoprene soles, especially those with plenty of tread, provide better traction on snow and ice than either leather or plastic soles. "Comfort" shoes, which are popular with seniors, have smooth soles and should be avoided.

• Planning ahead is essential. Think about the best route to your destination and add extra time to get there. Avoid rushing or taking shortcuts through the snow or over icy areas.

• Be cautious if you believe an area may be slippery. If you have to walk over slippery surfaces, bend your body slightly forward, take shorter strides, or shuffle your feet for better traction and stability.

• Be careful getting into and out of the car. This is when many falls occur. Take a quick look around to make sure your footing is clear when you step out of the car.

• Be aware of "black ice," which is hard to see. Walk on clean, clear pathways or ones that have been treated with sand or salt.

• If you have to shovel, make sure you clear a level pathway to stand on, so you don't lose your balance.

• Take advantage of floor mats when you enter buildings. These help remove moisture from your shoes. Once indoors, avoid walking on wet or slippery surfaces.

Preventing Winter Weather Slips and FallsWayThe January

Line-UpPreventing Winter WeatherSlips and Falls 1

ATSPA’s 2014 AnnualTrauma Conference 1

New Winter Sports SafetyResource 2

Safe New Year’s Resolutions 2

How to Safely Deal With the Bitter Cold 2

Every year, new challenges arise, in Pennsylvania, that affect all levels of care provided by pre-hospital personnel, physicians, nurses, administrators, social workers, rehabilitation specialists, and others. The Conference Planning Committee of the PA Division of the American Trauma Society examines these issues relevant to trauma prevention and care, and attempts to provide speakers with the greatest expertise in current trends and up-to-date information in these areas. This year’s two-day conference, on Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17, 2014 will emphasize planning for, responding to, and coping with trauma.

Among the many highlights of this year’s conference will be the Templeton Lecture. This year’s Keynote Speaker will be Major Christian Labra, M.D. Currently, Dr. Labra is a Family Medicine

Staff Physician with the U.S. Army. During a late-night patrol outside of Baghdad, in 2003, while Labra was searching out the source of mortar attacks, a cinder block wall collapsed on him, breaking both of his legs and his pelvis. Dr. Labra will present, “When Things Go Right.”

John M. Templeton, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. will be presenting, “Trauma Update – 2014.” Jim Morrison, M.D. will speak about the emergency response plan that went into effect immediately after the Texas fertilizer plant explosion, on April 17, 2013. Colonel Russ Kotwal, M.D., M.P.H. will present, “Saving Lives on the Battlefield.” Nick Stremble, R.N., Moore Medical Center Emergency Department Manager, will speak to the injuries presented as a result of the deadly tornadoes that struck Moore, Oklahoma in May, 2013. JoAnn Grif Alspach, R.N., M.S.N., Ed.D. will present findings on the issue of gender bias in trauma response.

J. Spence Reid, M.D. will open Thursday’s segment of the conference with a presentation entitled, “Motorcycle Crash: From Pavement to Independence.” Following Dr. Reid, Lucy Rorke-Adams, M.D. will present, “Whiplash Injury in Inflicted Neurotrauma.” Lieutenant Colonel Kimberlie Biever, R.N., B.S.N., C.C.R.N., M.S. will present, “Combat Casualty Care During Evacuation.” Leon Sanchez, M.D., M.P.H., Emergency Department Medical Director at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center will present the Webb S. Hersperger, M.D. Lecture entitled, “Lessons Learned from the Boston Marathon Bombing.” The Webb S. Hersperger, M.D. Lecture is given in memory of Dr. John Pryor, an American hero.

Register NOW for ATSPA’s 2014 Annual Trauma Conference on April 16 & 17

*To register for the 2014 Conference, please visit www.atspa.org. You will be able to register online or you can download our conference brochure and mail, email, or fax the registration page to ATSPA.

Tips are from www.hebrewseniorlife.org

American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division • 2 Flowers Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 • 717-766-1616 • atspa@atspa.org • www.atspa.org

How to Safely Deal with the Bitter ColdIt is best to stay home during extremely cold temperatures, especially if you do not have proper winter wear or will be outside for an extended period of time. But when you do have to leave home, medical experts advise taking precautions to avoid winter weather-related injuries.

■ Clothing should be layered, with an innermost layer that pulls moisture away from the skin, according to Henry Ford Hospital’s Department of Emergency Medicine. Middle layers should insulate and the outer layer should offer protection from the elements. Because 30 percent of the body’s heat loss happens through the head, hats are essential.

■ Frostbite, which is caused by exposure to below-freezing temperatures, can result in serious tissue damage and even lead to amputation. Fingers, toes, cheeks, ear lobes and the tip of the nose are the body parts most susceptible to it, according to Henry Ford Hospital. Anyone with symptoms such as numbness, tingling or skin that looks white or gray should seek immediate medical care.

■ Hypothermia also requires prompt medical attention. It occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95 degrees. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists shivering, exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness as symptoms.

■ When shoveling snow, it’s important to take frequent breaks, said Dr. Kristy Smith, a sports medicine and emergency room physician at Sinai-Grace Hospital. Using correct lifting techniques, and pushing snow rather than lifting it, can help you avoid muscular injuries. Smith said snow shoveling is a very strenuous aerobic activity. Because of the potential heart attack risk, it is not recommended for people who live a sedentary lifestyle or have certain medical problems.

■ To avoid a potential fire, never use a stove or oven to heat your home, advises the American Red Cross. Space heaters should be set on hard, level surfaces and kept at least 3 feet away from flammable items such as paper, clothing or bedding. Turn them off before leaving a room or going to sleep.

■ Remember: donating to agencies that run warming centers or overnight shelters is another way to help keep people safe during bitterly cold weather.

The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) welcomes any suggestions for future “Out of Harm’s Way” topics or ideas.

Please contact Kaitlyn Byrnes at kbyrnes@atspa.org.

American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division • 2 Flowers Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 • 717-766-1616 • atspa@atspa.org • www.atspa.org

Information from www.freep.com.

Wear a properly fitted helmet appropriate for winter sports.

Helmets should be flush against your child’s cheeks and forehead, making sure the back

of the helmet does not touch the nape of your child’s neck. It should be snug, but not

tight, with the chin strap fastened, sitting level on the head with the front edge being no more than one inch above your child’s

eyebrows. The helmet should not shift when head is shaken from side to side.

Helmets greatly prevent or reduce the effects of head injuries suffered by children while skiing, snowboarding or sledding.

Dress in layers and wear warm, close-fitting clothes. Gloves, boots and jackets should also be worn to protect from injuries. It’s also important to wear sunscreen and lip

balm with sunscreen.

Head injury is common in the higher speed winter sports including skiing,

snowboarding and snowmobiling. There is mounting evidence that head injury is

increasingly common among sledders as well, especially in young children.

ATSPA is offering a brand new Winter Sports Safety resource (printed on the front and

back) for you to utilize as you or your loved ones plan to partake in winter sports activities.

Winter Sports Safety gives great safety tips about dressing for the cold, how to sled properly, using appropriate helmets, etc.

With each winter sports helmet you purchase from ATSPA ($25 at cost) and get properly

fitted, you will get this safety resource.

To order Winter Sports Safety, please contact lmccarr@atspa.org or call 717-766-1616.

New ATSPA Winter Sports Safety Resource

What’s Your NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION?Why not make it about your (and others’) safety and health?

Are you (or do you know) a high school or middle school student that would be great at creating their own public service announcements with positive messaging? Below are two PSA contests to check out! Both deadlines are in February 2014, so don’t wait!

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) High School/Middle School Video Contest: Deadline is February 7, 2014. Visit http://www.lcb.state.pa.us/PLCB/Education/AlcoholEdAnnouncements/index.htm for more information.

Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative (PAYSPI) Public Service Announcement Contest: Deadline is February 28, 2014. Visit http://www.paspi.org/PSA_Contest.php for more information.

#1: Keep your phone in your purse/out of reach when driving to stop texting while driving.

#2: For any age, but especially older adults, work on stretching and light exercise to build strength and balance.

#3: Give back to the community by becoming a Certified Child Passenger Safety Seat Technician, and helping parents keep their children safe in a vehicle. Visit www.safekids.org for more information.

2014 Safety & Health Goals