ER demand increases with injuries from freezing rain

The freezing rain has resulted in many icy sidewalks, streets and parking lots and also many injuries.

Fractured hips, broken wrists, ankles, and noses are just some of what is being dealt with at Regina’s two hospitals.

“We are seeing a number of patients in the emergency department with injuries, the EMS department has been transporting a number of patients with injuries,” confirmed Glen Perchie, executive director of emergency and EMS.

At one point the two emergency rooms in Regina were running around 200 per cent capacity and both ER’s remain pretty full.

“We managed and all the patients got really good care and patients were really good about waiting,” Perchie maintained. “They could see what was happening around them and were very understanding.”

Perchie insisted that very serious patients were seen immediately but as Tuesday evening wore on, in some cases, the wait to be seen was up to five hours.

A total of seven elective surgeries have been postponed according to Sandy Euteneier, executive director of surgical services.

“Our beds will probably be freed up fairly soon unless the fractures keep coming in. It will be tight for probably the remainder of the week anyway I would expect,” she said.

That isn’t a surprise with the freezing rain conditions that were faced by Regina and surrounding areas. Extra staff and physicians were called in to deal with the extra demand.

Two extra ambulances were utilized as well as ambulance partners from places like Moosomin, Indian Head, Milestone and Melville.

“They had brought patients into the city and actually stayed around and helped us with calls,” Perchie said.

It doesn’t happen often but Perchie said they are very grateful for their partners at times like this.

Icy falls often result in broken or fractured hips, injuries that are of particular concern for seniors.

“The impact can be devastating, if you don’t need to be outside, make sure you have care and support if you do need to go outside,” was the message from Perchie.

To avoid injuries, Perchie recommends waiting until sidewalks are sanded, if possible, before going out. As well, he said keep hands out of pockets.

“I would rather have a broken wrist than other things,” Perchie said.