Doctors urge caution, protective gear as Helene clean-up injuries mount

As Helene clean-up efforts continue, local clinics are seeing an increase in injuries related to recovery efforts.

One doctor from Pardee Urgent Care in Hendersonville, N.C., told News 13 that the center has seen numerous injuries from things such as chainsaws and falls from moving heavy debris.

"A lot of musculoskeletal injuries where people have fallen, or lifting injuries where they've hurt their back because they're trying to clear brush away, things like that," said Dr. Johnathon Schwartzman, a physician atPardee Urgent Care Center.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY DELAYS PROPERTY REAPPRAISAL FOLLOWING HELENE'S DESTRUCTION

Schwartzman said the center has also seen lacerations from people moving through branches, moving things around getting cuts.

"If they're not up to date on their tetanus vaccine, that's something we highly recommend,"Schwartzman said.

Schwartzman said to those either helping in clean-up efforts or cleaning their properties, to remember to be careful and use protective gear while cleaning up yards.

Schwartzman said the urgent care is also seeing patients with health issues from a lack of medication or available equipment and wants to remind people to "slow down and use caution as we move into the next phase of this disaster recovery."