Accident hospital calls for "appropriate behaviour" in slippery conditions

The pavements and roads in Berlin have been very slippery for days. (Archive image)

Due to the persistent slippery conditions over the past few days, many people are currently being treated at the Berlin BG Clinic Accident Hospital.

"We have a full house every day," said spokeswoman Angela Kijewski. Every day, between 30 and 40 people need treatment for accidents caused by slippery conditions. Both the beds and the staff are working at more than full capacity. "The surgeons are working through the night." 

Many broken bones and concussions

According to the report, there are currently many people with broken bones, especially in their hands, as this is where people tend to break their fall. However, concussions caused by falls on the back of the head are also common, as are facial and hip injuries. There have also been falls in which people narrowly escaped paraplegia, said Kijewski. Falling on a slippery floor can also cause serious injuries to the spine.

Recommendation: "Penguin walk" and spikes on your shoes

"Be careful and behave appropriately for the situation," she urged. People should wear sensible footwear and, ideally, attach spikes to their shoes for better grip. She also recommended walking like a penguin: leaning forward slightly with your upper body and bending your knees slightly when walking on icy surfaces. The age groups currently requiring treatment due to the slippery conditions are very diverse. Although most are elderly people, there are also some young people in the clinic. There have also been a number of bicycle accidents. She can only warn against this: "Please do not ride your bicycle in this weather."

Long waiting times currently at the accident hospital

The Berlin BG Clinic Accident Hospital (BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus) specialises in occupational and commuting accidents, among other things. The hospital has had its hands full for weeks – not only because of the slippery conditions but also because of New Year's Eve firework victims. Currently, there are also daily referrals from other hospitals. As a result, the length of stay in the emergency room is very long at the moment, and people should be prepared for long waiting times.