Blizzard 2013 results in man's death, over 360 hospitalizations

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Rhode Island Lifespan hospitals reported over 360 hospitalizations and one death that were caused by blizzard related incidents.

In frigid conditions such as the ones New Englanders experienced this past weekend, everyone, especially children and the elderly, is at higher health risk. Emergency physician Dr. Brian Zink joined WPRI reporter Chantee Evans on Sunday to discuss the many injuries this weekend's blizzard caused.

"We have seen about eight or ten elderly people over the age of 85 who have been in homes with no heat," said Dr. Zink. "They were brought in by their families by ambulances because of cold exposure."

In addition to the obvious cold-weather health risks, carbon monoxide is a real concern. Mass power outages forced thousands of area residents to use indoor generators, which, if used improperly, can be very dangerous.

In total, Lifespan reported injuries from 47 car accidents, 40 shoveling injuries, 12 heart attack reports attributed to snow-related causes, 96 slip and fall injuries among numerous others and 153 other injuries caused by inclement weather.

In addition, one person suffered a heart attack while shoveling snow. He passed away later that day.