More kids injured due to snow and ice, East Tennessee Children’s Hospital says

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – As the cold temperatures keep the remaining snow and ice firmly on the ground, kids and families across East Tennessee are having more time at home as they take precautions on the roads.

With schools largely being out for most of the region this week, kids have been breaking out their sleds to enjoy this winter weather.

While it’s a fun time for many, it’s proven dangerous for some who have spent this week in East Tennessee Children’s Hospital.

“Where there’s a very few handful of injuries that come through the week and we see a much bigger increase on the weekend, that’s happening every day through the week now,” said ETCH spokesperson Natalia Havasy.

While there’s been a clear increase in orthopedic injuries, like broken arms from sledding and falling on the ice, Havasy said there’s an easy solution to help reduce your risk of injury.

“When you’re sledding, make sure you go feet first. Don’t go head first ever. Make sure you see where you’re going to end before you start. Make sure there’s a stopping point before you go so it’s safe,” said Havasy.

The increase in patients with broken bones and injuries has been steady, but hospital staff are also seeing a rise in kids in their waiting room experiencing symptoms consistent with dehydration.

Havasy said a sign to know whether or not your child is dehydrated is checking to see if their hair is sweaty underneath their winter hat. If it is, and it’s not moisture from the snow or rain, it might be a good idea to get some water.

“One of the common things you see if your child is getting dehydrated is their lips might look dry, and you’re thinking that is from it being cold, they’re chapped, but they could actually really use water,” said Havasy.

According to Havasy, being a little dehydrated is common when temperatures are this cold because people oftentimes aren’t thinking about it while trying to warm up.

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