What is 'snowcrete' and why does it cause more severe injuries?

'Snowcrete' refers to the icy conditions created by a mixture of snow and ice, which causes sledders to go faster and farther, leading to more severe accidents.

What types of injuries are occurring due to the winter storm?

Hospitals are seeing a variety of injuries including orthopedic fractures and incidents from sledding into objects like tree branches.

What safety precautions should be taken during icy conditions?

Experts advise wearing helmets when sledding, sledding feet-first, walking carefully like a penguin, and slowing down for both walking and driving.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Snowcrete's Danger: Hospitals See Rise in Injuries

Snowcrete's Danger: Hospitals See Rise in Injuries

4 Feb

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Summary

Hospitals report increased severe injuries from 'snowcrete' conditions.
Sledding accidents include fractures and collisions with objects.
Experts advise helmets and sledding feet-first for safety.

Snowcrete's Danger: Hospitals See Rise in Injuries

In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, a significant increase in injuries has been reported due to severe winter weather conditions, characterized as "snowcrete." Area hospitals and rescue services have noted a rise in slips, falls, and serious sledding-related incidents, exacerbated by unshoveled sidewalks and icy hillsides. Medical professionals highlight that the unique "snowcrete" composition, a mix of snow and ice, leads to faster and more severe sledding accidents.

Adam Kochman, medical director of pediatric emergency medicine at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, stated that injuries range from orthopedic fractures to dangerous collisions with stationary objects like tree branches. Humaira Ashraf, a sports medicine physiatrist at MedStar Health in D.C., urged heightened caution, especially for children sledding. She strongly recommended that children wear bike or skateboarding helmets and always sled feet-first to prevent severe brain or spinal cord injuries from potential falls.