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Freeze–Thaw Ice Drives Late Surge in Falls, Straining Local ERs

Hospitals report a wave of fractures among older adults, urging caution on slick paths.

Overview

  • Ebersberg’s emergency department saw the heaviest influx on the days after the icing, when many assumed conditions had improved.
  • Clinics report sharp increases in broken wrists, shoulders and femoral necks, with people aged 60 and over most affected.
  • The spike in fall injuries coincided with higher influenza cases, pushing emergency services to handle heavier caseloads.
  • Local rules require adjacent property owners to clear sidewalks during set hours, with sand or grit recommended and salt reserved for persistent ice.
  • Municipal winter fleets remain active, including 15 GPS‑tracked vehicles in Bad Tölz, while clinicians advise sturdy footwear, avoiding dark routes and using a cautious ‘penguin’ gait on slick surfaces.