This is the time of year for holidays. Family and friends gather together to share the joy of each other’s company, and at some point in the coming days or weeks, snow will likely be falling silently from the sky to cover everything in a fluffy white velvet coat.

So pretty!

Unfortunately, reality also strikes during the holidays just like every other day. We have melting snow freezing onto sidewalks and streets causing falls and crashes; shoveling injuries, sledding and ice skating accidents, snow blower mishaps ... and the list goes on.

To help keep our Newtown neighbors aware, the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NVAC) and our responders have compiled a list of winter season precautions as a reminder that accidents that can happen because of rushing and distraction:

SNOW BLOWERS — These wonderful things get clogged! Please remember to completely TURN OFF the snow blower before unclogging the chute! Sticking your hand in the snow blower chute while it is running, OR when you think the blade is stopped, can result in everything from a severed finger tip to a severed hand. Instead of using your hand, there’s usually a plastic poker/shovel clipped to the snow blower to use, or even just a stick. Don’t put your hand in the chute!

ICE — Yes, it can happen to you! We tend to think we can be careful enough, gentle enough, slow enough that we won’t slip, but it happens very quickly. Remember to use ice melting salt or the type that spares animal’s paws. Scrape the area off each day when the ice is melted enough to do so. It’s worth the time and effort to safely walk to your car or house.

HYPOTHERMIA — This can actually happen easier and faster than you think! Falling snow melting on your clothes makes you soaking wet and your feet soaking wet. Then the wind picks up. You’re running around outside, shoveling snow, snowblowing, the kids playing outside, and you don’t even think about it. After a bit you start to shiver but you think you’re okay. Eventually your fingertips start to hurt, your toes start to hurt, and you decide to go inside. What causes this reaction? The blood is actually shunted away from your skin to your internal organs. This results in increased breathing, difficulty with coordination, and difficulty speaking. Wear waterproof outerwear, a hat, with waterproof gloves and boots when you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

SHOVELING — Fortunately, we don’t have to do this all year long! However, when we do, it’s a hard process to get our body used to the physical labor. Start the season by shoveling in short spurts with rest in between. Don’t try to shovel everything on your first trip outside; there are many accidents that can happen including heart attacks, hypothermia, and back strain. Begin by digging small loads onto the shovel; shovel the snow in layers. Remember to use your legs, not your back. Limit your time outside to short spurts; go inside to warm up and rest, then back outside. The snow isn’t going anywhere, and it’s not worth the physical complications to rush through it!

OUTDOOR ICE SKATING & HOCKEY — So many of us head to the frozen town ponds; it really is awesome. However, ice is never truly safe, and that ice may not be as sturdy as you think! Here are some things from WeatherNation.com to look for:

*Clear ice tends to be newer and the strongest;

*White to opaque ice will have air pockets in it and is weaker than clear ice;

*Ice that is colored light gray to dark black is unsafe and you should avoid this type of ice as it may not hold a load;

Remember this adage: “Thick and blue, tried and true — thin and crispy, way too risky.”

That being said — better safe than sorry. When in doubt, just don’t. And if there is an accidental break-thru, refer to the above #3 — HYPOTHERMIA, and immediately remove the victim’s wet clothing to anything dry, begin the process of warming the person. Should any of the symptoms in #3 — HYPOTHERMIA occur, call 9-1-1 immediately for emergency services.

SLEDDING/TUBING — of course there are a million precautions for sledding, most of which are common sense, such as: wear a helmet and do not sled towards a road, stone wall, or group of trees. That being said, in crowded areas, be very aware of other children/people walking through the sledding course. Be aware of sledding accidents on the sledding course to avoid them. Always wait for a clear path to avoid injuries. Always keep an eye on the kids to keep them safe; they’re usually having too much fun to pay attention.

FIRES — Both inside and outside — be aware of the perimeter of the fire. Remember that cold, numb skin will not feel the heat as readily as warm skin; burns happen faster than you think. Keep scarves, hems, hair, and gloves from catching fire. And remember that rubber boots can melt!

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps is open 24 hours every day. When in doubt, call us; that is why we are here.

EMT Class Forming

If you have an interest in getting involved with the organization, Newtown Volunteer Ambulance is offering a Basic Emergency Medical Technician class starting January 4, through April 14. The sessions will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 10 pm, and one Saturday per month starting at 8:30 am — dates TBD.

Classes will be held in-person at the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance facility located at 6 Washington Square (Fairfield Hills Campus), Newtown. Covid-19 precautions will be followed.

All classes are taught by certified instructors with years of classroom and field experience. Students will be able to do ride-alongs on busy 911 ambulances to gain important experience.

Completion of the class qualifies the student to take National Registry and CT EMT exams.

The cost of the EMT class is $880, which includes textbook, uniform shirt, and some medical equipment. A non-refundable deposit of $350 is required at the time of registration.

For additional information and application, visit newtown-ambulance.org.

For questions and to enroll, e-mail nvacemtclasses@gmail.com.