Slippery sidewalks send many to emergency rooms
In the midst of the winter storm that struck over the weekend, slick roads weren't the only hazard to look out for. Ice-packed sidewalks and front stoops led to dozens of people being sent to emergency rooms across the Triangle.
WakeMed's seven emergency departments have been busy since Friday. Physicians and nurses treated more than 170 patients with winter-related injuries.
Falls on icy roads and sidewalks were the most common of the injuries treated; more than 50 were the result of sledding accidents.
At Rex Hospital in Raleigh, two dozen patients came through the E.R. for injuries related to the weather. Half were thanks to slips and falls on the ice which left most with broken wrists or ankles.
In Durham, Duke University Hospital treated 21 people hurt after falling on the ice. Just as many were treated after car accidents since the storm started moving through on Friday.
