Beware of snow, especially if it is fresh

A heavy snowfall is always fascinating and manages to create special atmospheres. But this does not mean that it is without danger. Let’s see how to enjoy all the advantages of snow without taking risks.

If the fall of snow is exciting in the mountains, especially for those who love skiing, and is able to give even the gray environments of the cities a fairytale atmosphere, some problems can create it. Especially for citizens, especially those unaccustomed to the phenomenon.

In addition to public order disruptions, such as tilted traffic and school closures, snow can pose a serious danger, especially for the elderly.

In the event that after an intense snowfall the rain does not intervene to facilitate its melting, following the night lowering of temperatures, the snow cover becomes a sheet of ice that transforms the streets of our cities into real skating rinks.

The dangers for skiers

Most of the injuries that occur on the snow, whether they are skiers or snowboarders, are due to the absence of proper athletic training. In this case the main danger is to get joint, bone or tendon injuries, such as fractures, sprains and dislocations.

Fractures, the most serious event together with ligament injuries, then require long periods of convalescence, particularly when they are broken down (with displacement of the bones) or exposed (when the broken bone pierces the surrounding tissues, producing an external wound subject to possible infections).

Sprains represent the distension or tearing of the ligaments of a joint, while we speak of dislocation when a bone is moved to its articular site.

And also for those who simply walk

But dangers are not only lurking for sportsmen: who is not fascinated and attracted by the immaculate blanket of snow that has just fallen? But, be careful, because venturing even on foot can reserve nasty surprises.

The lack of support and the unsuitability of the clothes worn, for example (just think of shoes) increase the risk of falling or literally sinking into the snow with consequent hyper-stress of the muscular and bone structures, up to fracture.

How to recognize fractures

Sometimes, however, a fracture does not manifest itself clearly, while it is necessary to take into account some signs that, if caught at the right time, allow a timely intervention and therefore a better and faster healing.

If, after the injury, you feel a sharp and intense pain, but above all the impossibility of moving the affected part, if you notice deformation in the affected limb (crooked or bent at an angle), you feel a crunch, if swelling or a hematoma instantly appears, it is strongly recommended to call for help.

It is better not to move and wait for help that can immediately transport to the nearest orthopedic emergency room.

Practical advice for a first intervention

In addition to being able to recognize a bone fracture, it is important not to worsen the situation until help arrives. First, to avoid aggravation of the injury, it is necessary not to move the subject.

Afterwards or at the same time you must contact an ambulance or mountain rescue and, in the meantime, limit ourselves to reassuring the injured person; The most important thing is to make sure that the subject does not move.

Only in extreme cases, when we find it impossible to call for help, we must first try with every available means to immobilize the fractured part by moving it as little as possible before transporting, very carefully, those who have been hurt.

If we are alone

In case you fall into an isolated place and at the moment there is no one who can help you, first of all you must not lose your temper and, trying to keep lucid, we must remain as still as possible and call 118.