Central Ohio doctors seeing rush of patients because of slips and falls

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) -- With temperatures falling, more of us are falling, too. Literally.

Central Ohio emergency departments are dealing with a rush of patients who have been hurt because of slippery conditions.

According to the Center for Disease Control, one-in-five falls lead to serious injuries and 2.8 million older people visit emergency departments annually with fall injuries.

"There is always a sharp rise in slip and fall injuries during this time of year. People aren't preparing or planning for this fall. It just happens so fast," said Dr. Timothy Iorio, an orthopedic surgeon with OhioHealth.

Sara Panko of Upper Arlington just got a new puppy dog on Saturday, so she was worried about the icy sidewalks and driveways.

"It's definitely hard in the morning. You can't see where the ice might be and so that will get you. It's just going really slow and thankfully with a puppy who is scared of everything that moves, we don't go very fast."

The experts say give yourself extra time because when people rush, they fall.

Dr. Iorio said make sure to assess yourself if you take a spill.

"Pain, new onset of pain ,swelling, bruising, those can all be signs of break or fracture that shouldn't be ignored."

Jeremy Kiker said he is careful to wear suitable footwear in this weather. Kiker is an amputee following a work-related accident, but still takes care of his older neighbors.

"Right now, I tell everybody to take it slow, especially the elderly people because I have a lot of people I take care of around here and they are always falling. Every year, I watch out for them."

Doctors said when it gets cold be sure to wear gloves because walking with cold hands in your pockets increase your risk of a head injury in a fall.