Since yesterday evening, over two dozen people have visited the emergency room at the National University Hospital of Iceland owing to icy conditions in the Greater Reykjavík Area, RÚV reports.
According to Jón Magnús Kristjánsson – Chief Emergency Physician at the National University Hospital of Iceland – the first patients that visited the ER on account of ice-related injuries arrived at around 8 PM yesterday. The hospital warns of long waits and points to local health centres, as well as Læknavaktin (a medical service provider operating outside working hours).
“Beginning yesterday evening, approximately 15 individuals sought assistance at the ER. Since 7 AM this morning there have also been several injuries. We’ve probably treated about 10 or 15 patients today,” Jón Magnús stated.
Injuries among emergency-room patients have varied: “We’re seeing all kinds of fractures, whether to wrists, shoulders, or ankles. Some have suffered only bruises or scrapes.” Jón Magnús recommends that pedestrians wear crampons.
Asked whether patients were of all ages, Jón Magnús replied in the affirmative. “Yes, we’re seeing people of all ages, very few children, but adults of all ages.”
According to the Icelandic Met Office, icy conditions are likely to persist tomorrow, especially in Southwest Iceland. “Temperatures will remain close to 0. Rain falling on frozen ground makes for slippery conditions, just like this morning. Temperatures are expected to rise over the next 24 hours; however, there is a high probability that icy conditions will persist, especially in the Greater Reykjavík Area,” writes meteorologists Þorsteinn V. Jónsson.
