Ice storm results in increased patient load

TLRMC sees increased load as a result of ice storm

February 5, 2009

Leitchfield, Ky. – The clean up continues from the aftermath of the historic ice storm which devastated much of Kentucky, including all of the service area covered by Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center in Leitchfield.Hundreds of thousands of Kentucky residents are still without power and repairing the widespread damage will take weeks if not months. Unfortunately, at least 27 Kentucky residents have died as a result of the storm from causes including hypothermia, falling on ice, or carbon monoxide poisoning.During the week following the ice storm, TLRMC treated many patients with injuries or illnesses attributed to the storm including:

• Numerous injuries from falls on ice and slick surfaces resulting in sprains and a few fractures
• Several minor injuries caused by falling tree limbs or that occurred during the removal of tree limbs and other storm debris
• A small number of patients were treated for issues related to exposure to the cold – no cases of major hypothermiA
• One area resident was treated for carbon monoxide poisoning – the patient has been released

According to David Logsdon, RN, MSN and Chief Nursing Officer, TLRMC is also treating a larger number of people than typical for colds and other illnesses. These illnesses are often spread when people spend long periods of time in close approximation such as at a shelter or by staying together in a house for long periods of time.