Due to the relatively nonexistent snow that amasses each year in Sampson, not only are those who may drive in the snow finding it difficult, those trying to walk have fallen victim to hazards produced from the slippery surfaces snow causes. Additionally, both young and old, who find themselves playing in the white fluff, also become a casualty in the snow.
Amber Cava, director of marketing and community relations for Sampson Regional Medical Center, noted this week that what started out as a slower-than-normal Sunday grew by Monday.
“SRMC’s emergency department actually saw fewer patients than normal on Sunday, Dec. 26, however, as roads cleared on Monday, the emergency department saw a surge,” Cava said.
“More than 100 patients were seen on Monday. Between Sunday and Monday, approximately 28 patients were treated for injuries resulting from weather-related falls,” shared Cava.
According to Emergency Department director Laurie Smith, RN, “There were a couple of injuries due to sledding and four-wheeling, but mainly falls.” The majority of injuries were sprains, although, there was one serious injury, a femur fracture, and the patient was transferred. There was also one fractured ankle.
“Surprisingly, we only saw four people who were involved in motor vehicle accidents on Sunday and four on Monday,” said Smith.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 28, the ER had treated two patients because of falls and medical personnel had seen patients as a result of two motor vehicle accidents. Sampson Regional medical staf also see patients at Clinton Urgent Care, a part of the medical center.
“Unexpectedly, Clinton Urgent Care saw very few patients at the clinic for ice or snow related issues,” explained Cava.
According to Dr. Ronald Krull, medical director, Monday was a very busy day, but of the nearly 50 patients seen during a nine-hour period, only three were related to the snow. Those few were due to falls and slips on the ice, he noted.
“Fortunately, nobody came in with lacerations or fractures because of weather conditions — just a few bumps and bruises,” remarked Cava. Clinton Urgent Care did not see any patients for snow-related motor vehicle accidents.
A spokeswoman for Huff Orthopaedic Group said that they had only seen about two cases related to the snow which was not out of the ordinary. However, their office did not open back up until Wednesday due to the poor weather conditions.
A nurse with Dr. Mac Herring and Dr. Bill Carr at Clinton Medical Clinic stated that they had seen a few more cases than normal, basically from falls and sledding accidents. “We have had mostly bruises and bumps from falls and slips on the ice. We also had a few broken wrists from sled mishaps.”
To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail siobits@heartlandpublications.com.
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