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Rhode Island Department of Health Releases Storm-Related Deaths and Injuries

Providence, RI – In order to bring attention to the health and safety issues associated with winter storms, the Rhode Island Department of Health is releasing the number of storm-related deaths, illnesses, and injuries reported by emergency departments in Rhode Island since winter storm "Juno" hit on January 26.

Two men in the greater Providence metropolitan area died as the result of shoveling snow. Since January 26, emergency departments statewide reported 274 storm-related visits. Of these visits, the majority 175 were the result of slips and falls while 35 visits stemmed from motor vehicle accidents. The complete data table is listed below, which shows that there are many types of injuries related to winter storms.

"My number one priority is to keep Rhode Islanders safe before, during, and after the blizzard this week. As we continue to clean up from Juno, I want to remind everyone to drive with caution, check on your loved ones and neighbors, take frequent breaks when shoveling, and to be sure to call 2-1-1 or Serve Rhode Island if you need help digging out," Governor Gina M. Raimondo said.

The data comprises information from the following emergency departments: Landmark Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Roger Williams Medical Center, The Miriam Hospital, Women and Infants Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Kent Hospital, South County Hospital, Newport Hospital, and Westerly Hospital.

"It is important for people to be aware of the health and safety dangers associated with winter weather," says Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Michael Fine, M.D. "We will have more inclement weather this winter. All Rhode Islanders need to know and address the risks, enlist help when needed, take practical steps, like taking frequent breaks to rest while shoveling, staying hydrated, and wearing appropriate clothing."

Winter safety tips are available on HEALTH's website at http://health.ri.gov/seasonal/winter/.

The complete table of storm-related injuries is below.

NUMBER OF STORM-RELATED EMERGENCY ROOM PRESENTATIONS FROM COMMUNITY FOR NON-MEDICAL RELATED REASONS DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPEMENT, 1 OTHER, 0

NUMBER OF STORM-RELATED MEDICAL ADMISSIONS FROSTBITE, 3 HYPOTHERMIA, 1 CARDIAC COMPLAINTS DUE TO SHOVELING, 10 CARBON MONOXIDE EXPOSURE, 5 EXACERBATION OF EXISTING MEDICAL INJURIES, 14

NUMBER OF STORM-RELATED TRAUMA ADMISSIONS SLIPS AND FALLS, 175 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, 35 SNOW-REMOVAL ACCIDENTS, 0 SLEDDING INJURIES, 18 BURNS/INJURIES FROM ALT HEAT SOURCE, 1 OTHER, 11

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