Slick, icy conditions around C.O. bring more slips and falls — and a 5-year high in January ER visits at St. Charles

(Update: adding video, comments by St. Charles doctor of physical therapy)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- St. Charles saw a spike in ER visits when the days of very cold, snowy weather led to slick, icy sidewalks and parking lots across the region

More than 200 people have visited the St. Charles ER for ice-related injuries so far this winter, with numerous slips and falls reported. That's a lot fewer than seen last winter for the same period, when they saw 754 patients and 805 visits.

A week and a half of snow, bitter cold and icy conditions had dozens of people seeking care for injuries.

“We've had more injuries in January than in the last five years, and January is not even over yet," St. Charles Dr. of Physical Therapy Laura Taylor said Tuesday.

As of early last week, a total of 188 patients had visited St. Charles emergency rooms across Central Oregon for ice-related injuries in January. By this Monday, a week later, that number climbed to 233.

Doctors at St. Charles emphasize winter weather injuries usually happen when someone slips, falls or trips. 

"Some people sprain wrists, things like that, broken bones," Taylor said. "But there's always the chance for a head injury, or something worse."

at St. Charles officials advise only coming to the ER when necessary, to keep beds clear for patients with more severe injuries. Speaking on what qualifies as a severe injury, Taylor said, “Any time someone hits their head or there's a chance of a head injury, they should head on in for breaks and sprains.”

With several more weeks of potential winter weather still ahead, doctors also recommend investing in proper equipment and reducing distractions.

Taylor advises that you “wear shoes that have good traction, add traction devices such as Yaktrax or micro-spikes -- put your phone away. Don't carry extra stuff. Those kinds of things. And really, again, go slow. Take your time, keep your feet on the ground."

If your injury appears to be less severe, like knee or elbow pain, St. Charles recommends going to an urgent care facility, rather than the ER. Usually, there's less of a wait time, and you can check those on the St, Charles urgent care website.