Capital District Times

Al and Laura Williams, residents of upstate New York, were involved in a serious snowmobile accident near Clifton Park. The incident left Al with a broken pelvis and dislocated legs, while Laura suffered numerous facial fractures and head trauma. Both received emergency surgeries at Albany Medical Center.

Dr. Richard Uhl, chair of Albany Medical Center’s Department of Orthopedics, commented on the dangers associated with snowmobile accidents: “Snowmobile accidents do a lot of damage—people are going really fast and there is not a lot of protection.” He also noted that skiers face their own set of injuries, including skier's thumb and knee ligament injuries due to advancements in ski boot design.

Glens Falls Hospital plays a crucial role in treating outdoor-related injuries as it is located near the Adirondack Park. Dr. Douglas Girling, director of the Glens Falls Hospital Emergency Department, explained that while many recreational injuries can be handled locally, some patients may need to be transferred to Albany for more specialized care.

Albany Medical Center serves as the region’s only Level 1 trauma center within the Albany Med Health System. Dr. Kurt Edwards emphasized the center's commitment: “Regardless of the season, the weather, or the holiday, our trauma team cares for the most complicated cases and urgent surgical needs.”

The article also highlights safety advice from medical professionals regarding winter activities such as using snowblowers safely and shoveling snow cautiously due to potential heart risks. Dr. Nicoleta Daraban from Saratoga Hospital advised those with heart conditions to listen to their bodies when engaging in strenuous activities like shoveling.

Frostbite prevention was addressed by Dr. Uhl who warned about exposure risks during cold weather activities: “The combination of lower temperatures, higher winds, and time can hit a threshold that the skin can no longer tolerate.”

Dr. Girling concluded by pointing out that slips on ice are common causes of winter injuries: “A quick walk to get the mail can end with a life-changing hip fracture.” He recommended using cleats or spikes on shoes to reduce this risk.