Crossroads Lab

Stay inside, Fort Worth. Dozens sent to hospitals after falls on icy surfaces

Pedestrians make their way on a melted section of Magnolia Street on Wednesday. North Texas counties are under an ice storm warning until 9 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.
Pedestrians make their way on a melted section of Magnolia Street on Wednesday. North Texas counties are under an ice storm warning until 9 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. amccoy@star-telegram.com

Dozens of people have been treated at hospitals for hypothermia and falls since the winter storm began Monday.

MedStar first responders have transported 15 patients with hypothermia to hospitals, nine of whom were in serious conditions. Another 17 people were injured after falling on the ice, according to MedStar. MedStar is the emergency medical services provider for Fort Worth and 14 surrounding cities.

At John Peter Smith Hospital’s emergency room in Fort Worth, doctors have treated 30 patients who have experienced a fall and 17 patients experiencing cold and hypothermia symptoms, said spokeswoman Jessica Virnoche.

Neither MedStar nor JPS have reported any cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. State health officials reminded Texans to keep generators outside in the event of a power outage, and to never leave a car running in a garage for warmth.

Other Fort Worth area hospitals were not immediately able to provide details about patients needing treatment for injuries related to the storm .

One person, a 45-year-old man, died from storm-related car crash in Arlington on Monday. No other storm-related deaths had been reported as of Wednesday afternoon.

This story was originally published February 1, 2023 at 4:24 PM.

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Ciara McCarthy
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Ciara McCarthy covers health and wellness as part of the Star-Telegram’s Crossroads Lab. She came to Fort Worth after three years in Victoria, Texas, where she worked at the Victoria Advocate. Ciara is focused on equipping people and communities with information they need to make decisions about their lives and well-being. Please reach out with your questions about public health or the health care system. Email cmccarthy@star-telegram.com or call or text 817-203-4391.
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