Why Strong Emergency Medical Services Matter During Winter Months

Common Winter Health Risks

Emergency departments typically see a rise in weather-related concerns such as slip-and-fall injuries, cardiac events triggered by cold temperatures, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide exposure, respiratory illnesses, and motor vehicle accidents. These conditions require timely evaluation and treatment from trained emergency professionals.

Cold weather can also place unique stress on the cardiovascular system by constricting blood vessels and increasing blood pressure. For example, a research article published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal noted that heart attacks appeared to spike during winter months, particularly during and after snowstorms due to overexertion from shoveling snow.

Additionally, icy conditions sometimes lead to falls that can result in serious fractures, especially in older adults. Risk of carbon monoxide exposure increases as alternative heating sources are used that can produce the harmful odorless gas.