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MPR News with Angela Davis
Marianne Combs and Jim Bickal

Why winter storms are a busy time for emergency rooms

Winter Storm Minnesota
Mike Flynn shovels snow during a more seasonable March snowstorm in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Gilbert, Curtis

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Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019, was one of the busiest days Dr. Bill Heegaard has ever seen in his years working at Hennepin Healthcare’s emergency department in Minneapolis. The ice storm that day caused lots of slips and falls, which resulted in injuries, some of them severe.

Heegaard said falls on the ice can lead to head injuries, which are especially dangerous if a person is taking blood thinners. Overexertion while shoveling snow can cause heart attacks, and no one should ever try to reach into a snowblower to clear a clog.

These were some of the winter weather injury topics he discussed with guest host Marianne Combs.