How to protect yourself from falls and injuries in winter? Tips for traumatologists

@ BeltaPlus In winter, the probability of “unsuccessfully slipping” and ending up at an appointment with a traumatologist increases many times (if not dozens of times). it is on level ground during ice that you can get injured - from the usual simple fracture, bruising of the limbs and sprains to more serious injuries. We figure out how to minimize the risk of falling, how to fall correctly if it is inevitable.

• First of all, pay attention to winter shoes. The soles should not be slippery, the ideal material is rubber, with a deep relief tread.

• For slippery soles, there are special removable tips for moving on ice. There are also “folk” life hacks - an ordinary fabric-based medical plaster that can be glued onto a slippery sole in the form of a “ladder”. This will give a short term effect. A similar technique can be done with liquid silicone, when it hardens, the result will be longer-term.

• Give preference to wide stable heels, it is recommended to refuse high and narrow ones. The larger the area of ​​​​contact with the surface, the more confident you will stand on your feet.

• When moving on the ice, do not raise your legs high. Move smoothly, like a skier - in small steps, stepping on the entire foot. Avoid uneven areas.
• Try to control the width of the step: it should not exceed the length of your foot.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets. The time to instinctively take them out during a fall can be decisive.

• Hold on to the handrails when exiting public transport. You should not catch up with a trolleybus or fixed-route taxi that has already started moving - this way the risk of slipping and being under the wheels increases significantly.

• It is especially dangerous for drunk people to walk along icy paths. Injuries while intoxicated are especially dangerous: ALCOHOLreduces the pain threshold and sensitivity, which delays the moment of timely seeking medical help, losing precious time for saving.
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How to fall correctly It is clear that no one is immune from an accident. If you do slip, try to take control of this "givenness" and fall correctly:

• Having slipped, a person automatically tries to restore the balance of the body, reflexively pushing the limbs to the sides, and then lands on them with all his weight, increasing the severity of injury.

• At the time of the fall, try to sit down, so you can (albeit slightly) reduce the height of the "landing". Regular squat exercises will help trigger muscle memory at the right time.
• The safest body position when falling into icy conditions is the “embryo” position. If possible, group: pull your HEAD into your shoulders, pressing your chin to your chest, and your elbows to your body, bend your knees. If possible, try to protect your head with your hands.

• There is one more important point: human bones protect muscle tissue during a fall. If they are in a relaxed state, then all the force of the blow falls on the bones. Sprained, bruised, or torn muscles are less of a medical problem than fractures, so try to put as much strain on yourself as you fall.

• In order not to damage the spine, traumatologists advise to fall on the side - it's safer. Please note that this advice is not suitable for the elderly, as it can lead to a hip fracture - an extremely dangerous injury, often life threatening.

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How to go down slides without injury The biggest concern among doctors is ice slides - the most traumatic place not only for children, but also for adults in winter entertainment. And here, too, there are a number of rules that you need to remember:

• Don't start downhill until the person in front of you has stepped aside. Accordingly, you should not linger at the bottom, and even more so stand in the middle of the hill and run across it when another person is already rolling on you.

• Do not roll upside down or on your feet, or intentionally interfere with others' skiing.

• Parents need to teach their children to follow the rules of safe behavior on the hill, and in no case leave their children unattended.
We hope that these tips will help you on the "slippery slope", but still do not forget that training and physical education are an excellent prevention of possible falls and their consequences.

Be healthy!


| Prepared by Anastasia ZLOTNKOVA, BELTA+
| Photo: open Internet sources.


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