Louth surgeon braves big freeze in US polar vortex
Louth woman Dr. Sidhbh Gallagher was among millions braving the ‘polar vortex’ which struck the American mid-west states last week.
Sidhbh, who is originally from Louth Village, is a leading plastic surgeon, living and working in the state of Indiana.
She told the Argus of the extreme physical affects of temperatures below -21 degrees
‘ The main odd thing I’m noticing is my eyeballs sting - apparently there is some warning about corneas freezing.’
Alongside her work as plastic surgeon, specialising in transgender surgery, Sidhbh also works at Indiana University, where she is an assistant professor, teaching medical students and residents. ‘ The college campus was closed down during the week,’ she explained as she found herself working from home, and like millions of others attempting to keep warm.
‘I am on call though, and had to jump my car twice it was too cold to start - I have everything covered except my eyeballs!’
Temperatures had dropped in some parts to as low as -50, with shocking images of train tracks being set on fire in Chicago in order to keep them from freezing.
People were warned to stay indoors, and near a heat source, with reports of frostbite setting in after a few minutes spent outside. There were widespread shortages too in some states as energy supplies came under pressure.
‘ The main distribution problem in this area is the mail delivery, which is shut down. I had clinics too that were closed,’ said Sidhbh. ‘I just stayed by the fire all day and caught up on paperwork!’