Winter in Australia is as varied as you can get. Some areas have heavy snowfall, some are below freezing for weeks on end, and some are still bright and sunny and ever so slightly less warm than usual.
With the change of season comes a change of hazards and common injuries. Here we take a look at some of the most common winter injuries in Australia, and how first aid can help.
Slips and Falls
During winter months, slips and falls are some of the most common causes of injuries to Australians of all ages.
The ground can be slippery and icy, especially in areas with very low temperatures. Without proper footwear, it is very common to slip and fall.
Slips and falls during winter can cause mild to life-threatening injuries:
- Bruises and lacerations
- Fractures and broken bones
- Dislocations
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Tendon strains
- Unconsciousness
- Brain trauma
Snow Injuries
For areas where snowfall occurs in Australia, the risk of injury is greater.
Shovelling snow is hard – while snow may look soft and fluffy, it is incredibly heavy. The repetitive movement can cause strain on the body, and combined with the weight of the snow and twisting motions, can cause a range of injuries:
- Muscle strain, particularly in the arms and lower back
- Ankle sprain
- Knee joint issues
- Wrist pain
- Neck pain
- Dislocated shoulder
- Cuts and bruises from a mis-placed shovel drive
A whole host of injuries can occur when playing in the snow, regardless of your age and fitness level. If you live in a snowy area or are planning a snow trip, read about How To Stay Safe At The Snow.
Dehydration
Dehydration during winter months is an often-overlooked hazard.
When the temperatures are lower, people don’t feel as thirsty, and as a result don’t drink as much as they would during warmer months.
Sweating, surprisingly, can occur just as much in winter as it can in summer. Extra exertion for activities, combined with extra layers of clothing, means you could be sweating more than usual. The sweat can then evaporate quickly in the colder, dryer air, so you may not even notice this contribution to dehydration.
You also lose water vapour through your breath – that’s the little clouds you can see when you exhale in cold air.
Burns
Staying warm is no joke in winter, and it is something to be vigilant about.
Burn injuries can increase during colder months, as people are looking to keep their body temperature in a comfortable state. They will turn on their heaters, stoke up their fireplaces, and huddle close to bonfires.
- Ensure that heaters are turned off when you are not in the vicinity, and never left in the reach of unsupervised children.
- As tempting as it is to warm your clothes and pyjamas, heaters and heat vents should be left uncovered as this poses a fire risk.
- Fireplaces should be equipped with a grate/grill/door to stop incidental access, with a good ventilation system to protect you from inhaling smoke.
- Use electric blankets that have variable heat control, as well as a timer, to reduce the risk of contact burns and incidental fires.
- Hot water bottles should be checked regularly for leaks, be covered appropriately, and never be filled with boiling water.
Sunburn can and does occur during winter, particularly on clear days in snowy areas. Sunscreen should still be worn, along with sun-protective clothing.
Ice burns can occur when skin is exposed to extremely cold objects and is damaged. Prolonged exposure can result in frostbite, where the cells in the tissues become frozen. If you suspect an ice burn, you can treat this by soaking the limbs in warm water; if you suspect frostbite, seek urgent medical attention.
Car Accidents
Winter can bring fog, frost, snow and ice to the roadways of Australia, a potentially deadly combination of driving hazards.
Visibility on the road can be significantly impacted by fog and snow. This of course makes it more difficult to see obstacles such as other cars, motorbikes, people and animals. It also makes it harder to judge distances, which is why it is important to slow down a little when driving in foggy or snowy conditions.
Ice, particularly black ice, reduces the grip that your tyres have on the road, meaning you are more likely to drift and slide. If you do end up losing control over a patch of ice, the best course of action is to release the breaks and turn your wheels gently in the direction the back of your car is going. Once you have slowed down enough, you can gently ease on the breaks and regain control.
Remember to always drive to conditions: slow down, put your lights on (fog lights if appropriate), and make sure your tires are equipped for the environment you drive in.
Treating Winter Injuries
Treating injuries in winter can pose different challenges than treating injuries in warmer months.
Keeping the injured person and yourself warm are equally important, especially if the accident occurs outdoors. If it is safe to do so, move out of the cold air and winds, and take cover from snow and rain.
Keep in mind that dehydration can be an unseen danger in winter, and that everyone needs to stay hydrated as best you can.
Follow DRSABCD for any incidences you come across, and book in now if your first aid and CPR training needs a refresher!
