Falls on ice will continue to rise in Big Freeze, warn physiotherapists

- CSP self-help advice on preventing slips and what to do if you’re injured

7,641 people were admitted to hospital in 2009 because of injuries caused by falling on ice or snow (see note 3). With Britain’s big freeze forecast to continue for at least another week, and judging by reports from hospitals around the country, these figures are due to increase significantly this year. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is providing advice on preventing falls, what to do if you fall over and how to stay active at home if you can’t get out. Accident and emergency departments across the country are currently inundated with people who have hurt themselves falling in the current icy conditions. · Consultants in Ipswich Hospital's emergency department are urging people not to go out unless necessary after being inundated with people who have slipped and fallen on the ice. · Swansea’s A&E department continues to be extremely busy treating a high number of broken bones, particularly amongst elderly people. · London Ambulance Service Trust reported a “New Year’s Eve levels” of calls due to icy roads and pavements, over longer than the usual period. · Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust announced it would only operate on “priority cases” and has cancelled elective surgery procedures to alleviate pressures caused by casualties as a result of the icy conditions. · All non-urgent operations were cancelled in Oxford so that patients do not feel they have to make unnecessary journeys. Chartered physiotherapist Glenn Withers, of Pilates Art Physiotherapy, says: “Slips, trips and falls are the most common snow and ice related accidents, often resulting in wrist and hip fractures. With many pavements and roads extremely slippery, older people and those who are less mobile are advised to stay in and ask friends and neighbours to help with essential supplies. “If you are in good health and need to go out, taking a few simple precautions will help you to avoid falling and possibly ending up in A&E. Fresh air and exercise is just as important in the winter, but if you can’t get out try not to spend all your time in front the TV or computer – do some gentle stretches, dance round the kitchen to your favourite music, or walk up and down stairs several times. Being physically active at home will also help you keep warm.” The CSP’s free leaflet ‘The Easy Exercise Guide’ has expert physiotherapy advice on how to be more active, including ideas for simple stretches and exercise you can do inside. See www.csp.org.uk/moveforhealth for a copy. Glenn Withers gives some sensible tips for avoiding falls and what to do if you do hurt yourself in a tumble: “The most crucial thing to do to avoid falls on icy footpaths is to ensure you are wearing thick-soled, footwear that grips well when leaving home, such as walking boots or Wellingtons. If you’re going to work or out socialising and need to wear ‘less-sensible’ footwear, change into this when you arrive. When walking on ice do not wear any shoes that have high heels, pointed heels, or have a rocker sole, like some fitness shoes that are on the market. “Take small steps, concentrate on what is underfoot and if you feel unsteady, the use of a walking stick or snow pole could help. “Plan your outings, giving yourself more time than usual to get to places. This will prevent you getting frustrated and rushing, which often leads to falls. Remember the old saying, prevention is better than cure!” If you do happen to fall, apply the RICER principle immediately: Rest - Give your injury some rest from aggravating activity immediately. This is vital to protect damaged tissue from further injury. Ice - Use an ice bag or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel to apply cold to the injured area. This can provide short-term pain relief and limit swelling by reducing blood flow. Only leave ice on an injury for 15-20mins at a time; longer exposure can damage your skin. Reapply after 20-30mins. Compression - An easy way to compress the area of the injury is to wrap a bandage around the swollen part. If you feel throbbing, or if the wrap just feels too tight, remove the bandage and re-wrap the area so it is a little looser. Compression helps limit and reduce swelling and can also provide some pain relief. Elevation - Elevating an injury reduces swelling. It's most effective when the injured area is raised above the level of the heart. For example, if you injure an ankle, try lying on your bed with your foot propped up on pillows. Referral - See the relevant medical professional as soon as possible. This will be A&E if it is serious, your GP, or your local physiotherapist. After a day or two of RICER, many sprains, strains or other injuries will begin to heal. However, if your pain or swelling does not decrease after 48 hours, see your GP or go to your local A&E department, depending upon the severity of your symptoms. If you need help from a physiotherapist following a fall, NHS referrals to physiotherapy can be gained through your GP, or contact your local NHS physiotherapy department to find out how you can get an appointment. Alternatively, find a private physiotherapist near you at www.physio2u.org.uk Notes to editors 1. For further information please call the CSP press office on 020 7306 1111. Out of hours please call Jennie Edmondson, CSP head of press and PR, on 07786 332197 or Becky Darke, CSP media relations officer, on 07900 160349. 2. The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK's 49,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and assistants. For previous press releases visit www.csp.org.uk 3. Source: Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data 2008/09, published in October 2009. 4. Pilates Art Physiotherapy www.pilatesart.com