GETTING TO KNOW NORTH SHORE HEALTH
Tips for Staying Safe during Winter Activities in Cook County
By Todd Ford, North Shore Health Public Information Coordinator
With our abundance of pristine lakes, woods and trails, Cook County, MN is a popular destination for a wide range of outdoor winter sports and activities.
Every winter, the North Shore Health (NSH) Ambulance Service and Emergency Medicine Department treat visitors and locals for injuries sustained while participating in these activities. They include (but are not limited to) snow skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, skating, snow shoveling and ice fishing.
If you suffer an injury and require assistance, you can count on NSH to help. Our Ambulance Service responds to emergencies throughout the entire 3,340 square miles of Cook County. For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency questions or for more information, contact our Ambulance Director at 218-387-3262.
Whether you come into our Emergency Room via ambulance or independently arrive on-site, you can expect responsive, thorough care. Our Emergency Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by an experienced physician and team of nurses who are trained to respond to medical emergencies with speed, competence and compassion. Our on-site Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory services are available to ER patients 24/7 to assist your attending physician with determining a diagnosis.
While the NSH staff stands prepared around the clock to respond and provide expert compassionate care, most would agree it is preferable to avoid such injuries if possible. We have compiled a list of Winter Activity Safety Tips for that purpose. Some preparations apply to all winter activities. Be aware of the time. You do not want to be out after dark. The sun sets early. Dress in layers, wear a scarf and gloves, and wear a warm hat. Thirty percent of heat loss is through the head. Check the weather in advance. Bring a rope when on or near ice covering rivers and lakes. Here are some additional recommended tips:
Hypothermia:
- Drink plenty of fluids and warm/hot drinks (not alcohol)
- Keep dry and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible
Snowmobiling:
- Check trail conditions before riding
- Don’t drink alcohol and ride
- Never ride alone
- Dress for safety & survival
- Watch for tree stumps, rocks and ice heaves
Snowshoeing:
- Use maps, mapping tools and use a GPS
- Bring a communication device
- Pack the right gear, including food and water, first aid kit, and skin, lip and eye protection
- Don’t forget poles
Snow Skiing and Snowboarding:
- Know which slopes are right for your skill level
- Don’t ski alone
- Stay on marked paths.
- Pay attention to warning signs
Snow Shoveling:
- Be careful in icy conditions
- Don’t ignore chest pain
- Use an ergonomic shovel
- Use proper shoveling techniques
- Don’t overdo it and take breaks
Ice Fishing:
- Avoid thin ice
- Bring an emergency flotation device
- Don’t ice fish alone
Ice Skating:
- Warm up before skating (exercise & stretch)
- Choose right skates for your skill level and that fit well
- Maintain skates (sharpen blades)
- Practice falling
Please plan ahead and be safe while enjoying outdoor winter activities in Cook County. If you would like more information on our emergency medical services, visit https://www.northshorehealthgm.org or contact our Hospital Director of Nursing at 218-387-3795.
For more information, visit: https://www.northshorehealthgm.org. Stay tuned for future informative Getting to Know North Shore Health articles published monthly in the Cook County News Herald.