Ice storm puts staff in ED to the test.

Creativity, planning ahead can help offset the problems severe winter weather can create for your ED. "Super-size" your wintertime staff to help deal with the inevitable patient surge during cold-weather months. Make sure your ED is fully stocked with blanket warmers and intravenous fluid warmers year-round, so you're always prepared for first winter storm. Optimize staff health by stressing re-education in procedures such as hand washing.