In Latvia, hospitals, particularly in Riga, are reporting a significant increase in patients suffering from ice-related injuries. Common injuries include wrist fractures from falls on outstretched hands, ankle sprains, and more severe cases like femur and hip fractures, which pose life-threatening risks and require extensive rehabilitation. Medical professionals, including Sandris Petronis, a leading orthopedic traumatologist, have noted a marked rise in the number of patients this winter season, with incidents doubling compared to daily figures.

The head of the 4th department at the traumatology and orthopedy hospital, Mārtiņš Malzubris, confirmed that the level of injuries corresponds to a typical winter trauma season, but this year has seen an extended period of cold weather, resulting in a higher overall count compared to the previous year. The increase in cases is leading to a backlog in planned surgeries, as medical staff must manage the urgent cases stemming from these ice-related incidents. This situation underscores the need for individuals to take precautions during slippery winter conditions to avoid injuries.

As Latvia deals with the impact of these injuries, the healthcare system is facing challenges in balancing emergency care for new patients while maintaining scheduled operations. The prolonged icy conditions are not only affecting individual health but also putting strain on the healthcare infrastructure, prompting a call for public awareness regarding safety measures during the winter months.