Duke University Hospital's Emergency Department is treating patients with cold weather injuries from this weekend's winter storm.
Dr. Lauren Siewny, Duke University Hospital Emergency Department's medical director, said they are already treating people injured from slipping and falling on ice.
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"Falls can be very serious," Dr. Siewny said. "You know, on the mild side, broken bones. But on the severe side, you can see head injuries and concussions and even intracranial bleeding."
Duke Health even shared a social media video, showing people how to properly walk on the ice to prevent slips.
>> Tips for preventing slips and falls on icy local sidewalks and driveways
Siewny said they've also treated patients from overexposure, who may be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
"Be mindful of layering, wearing sturdy shoes," she said. "Frostbite can set in in 30 minutes or less, so that's going to be the best at preventing that."
Siewny said she and other emergency workers are asking people to be careful of how they may be heating their homes or cars.
Don't run a grill or generator inside.
If you're heating up your car, do it in an open area, not in your garage.
Siewny said it's imperative to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home, since it's considered a "invisible" danger.
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"Usually, the first signs will be, maybe everyone in the home has a headache, or just non-specific, flu-like symptoms, maybe a little bit dizzy. This can even impact your pets. So if you see your pet acting a little bit funny, sometimes that can be suggestive of carbon monoxide. And then as it gets to be more serious, people can develop confusion and on the severe side, potentially even even passing out or seizures," Siewny said.
Siewny said, unfortunately, they do anticipate treating patients with injuries from car crashes. They're urging people to stay home to prevent car crashes and to free up the roads for first responders.
