PREVIEW

Pedestrians in Scotland are being urged to 'walk like penguins' during the cold snap by the NHS to avoid nasty falls.

According to NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), adopting a penguin walk is a safer way to get about in the cold weather as it could help with stability.

Dr Emilia Crighton, director for public health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said, "At this time of year – and especially in icy spells like this one – slips, trips and falls are the most common accidents that result in injury.”

Dr Crighton added, "While it might seem silly to walk or waddle like a penguin, the alternative may be a nasty injury or even time in hospital. Remember, when it comes to getting around on ice, penguins know best, so when you’re out and about in the next few days, adopting the penguin stance is a really effective way to move without falling.”

The health service shared tips including bending slightly with your knees loose, pointing your feet outwards, extending arms to the sides, walking flat-footed with small steps, and keeping your centre of gravity over your feet.

With temperature drops across the UK including reaching –14C in Scotland, the Met Office has released a rare amber warning for snow in some regions and warned travel delays are to be expected.

“During this time we should also make sure we’re supporting our elderly family members and neighbours by making journeys on their behalf to avoid them having to go out in icy conditions,” added Dr Crighton.

Dr Crighton also reminded people that, in the majority of cases involving slips and trips, going to A&E may not be appropriate.

She said, “A&E is there to help the sickest people and treat the most urgent emergencies, and we would always advise anyone who thinks their condition or injury is very urgent or life-threatening to call 999 or go to A&E immediately.”

For trips and falls, often A&E treatment is not required, and members of the public may be asked to ‘seek help elsewhere if you arrive at A&E inappropriately’.

Dr Crighton advised, “If assessment is required, our Minor Injuries Units are often best placed to carry that out, so we would urge anyone who has suffered a fall to call NHS24 on 111.”

The Met Office anticipates the cold weather and snow across regions of the UK to continue into the weekend.