‘I am an emergency doctor, these are the injuries that I see the most on July 4’
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For most Americans, on July 4 they are marked by patriotic celebrations with family and friends, but for some, festive holidays can end with an unplanned trip to the emergency room.
More than 45,000 people visit the emergency room on July 4 and 5 each year, according to the PEW Research Center, which means that independence day has the largest number of daily medical emergencies of the year.
“At this time of the year, we see great increases in traumatic lesions and heat -related diseases,” Dr. Ryan Marino, MD, doctor and associated professor at Case Western University reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.
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“While fireworks accidents and injuries receive most of the attention, there are many more falls, broken bones, head injuries and car accidents, just to name a few.”
As people are more likely to be outside and active during the holidays, that makes them more prone to accidents and injuries, Marino added.
More than 45,000 people visit the emergency room on July 4 and 5 each year, according to the PEW Research Center. (Istock)
Dr. Robert Biernbaum, an emergency medicine doctor in Fairport, New York, who is also the medical director of Welnow Urgent Care, echoed that July 4 is one of the busiest holidays for ERs throughout the country.
“We routinely see a strong increase in preventable lesions and medical emergencies,” Digital told News.
The most common injuries of July 4
Several doctors from the emergency room shared the specific injuries that dominate emergency rooms during this festive weekend.
Injuries related to fireworks
The fireworks are “with much” the most frequent source of injury, according to Biernbaum.
“We see everything, from minor and facial burns to severe traumas, from fireworks that explode very close,” he said. “Improvised or illegal fireworks tend to cause the worst damage.”
“Routinely we see an acute peak in preventable lesions and medical emergencies.”
Dr. Betsy Koickel, medical director of the Hermann-Gohealth Care Urgent Care memorial in Houston, Texas, echoed that fireworks can cause a wide variety of injuries, many of them severe.
“Eye lesions are particularly worrisome, since they can include corneal burns, scratches or even loss of permanent vision due to flying debris or sudden explosions,” Digital’s News told News.
“Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or navigating in boat, while affected,” said a doctor. (Istock)
“Strong explosions can also damage hearing, especially in young children, which sometimes results in sounding in the ears (tinnitus) or even long -term hearing damage.”
In more serious incidents, people have suffered deep lacerations, lost fingers or facial injuries suffered when fireworks exploded too close or bad working, Koickel added.
Alcohol -related incidents
With more people enjoying alcoholic beverages for the room, Dr. Ellana Stinson, Medical of Emergency Medicine certified by the Board at the Boston Medical Center, said he has seen everything, from falls and cuts to vehicle accidents and alcohol poisoning.
“The deteriorated trial is a main cause behind many ER visits,” he added.
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Biernbaum reiterated that poisoning leads to an emergency variety, even contributing to assaults and drowning. “We often see head injuries or fractures in patients who have drunk too much,” he said.
Grill burns and kitchen accidents
Julio is the peak month for grill fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“The propane propane tanks or grills produce flash burns and cuts, particularly to the hands and arms,” said Biernbaum.
Heat exhaustion and dehydration
“Many patients enter with heat exhaustion or heat stroke after prolonged outdoor activities without adequate hydration,” Biernbaum said.
This condition can be potentially deadly, particularly for the elderly and children, the doctor warned.
“It is crucial to closely supervise children if they are close to flares, and they should never handle flares or any fireworks on their own,” said a doctor. (Istock)
Marino added: “The heat we saw more recently caused problems such as heat disease and heat stroke, but can put people at risk of things such as dehydration and renal damage if they are not careful to stay fresh and stay hydrated.”
Car and boat accidents
“Unfortunately, holiday weekends can also bring an increase in injuries related to violence or significant trauma of navigation or car accidents,” Stinson warned.
She shared an example when she treated a young man who fell from a speeding boat after too many drinks. “He hit the water with force and was taken urgently with a broken spleen and multiple fractures, we almost lost it,” he told News Digital.
“Many patients enter with heat exhaustion or heat stroke after prolonged outdoor activities.”
Biernbaum said that lack of life vents, speeding and alcohol contribute to injuries, ranging from fractures to almost drug addicts.
Drowning and almost drug addicts
Julio has the greatest number of drowning deaths compared to every other months, according to disease control and prevention centers (CDC).
Children are particularly at risk, since drowning is the main cause of death for children from 1 to 4 years.
“I worried about people taken from unconscious water after almost drowning, often because no one was watching closely or due to an alcohol alcohol judgment,” said Stinson.
Tips for a safe celebration of July 4
Ensure fireworks security
Experts agree that fireworks remain better to professionals.
“But if you participate in domestic fireworks, make sure there are designated adults that are in charge, alerts and sober,” Koikel advised. “Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher by hand.”
“A little planning and caution helps a lot.”
Fireworks should only be activated in safe and open spaces that are far from people, pets, buildings and grass or trees, according to the doctor.
“It is crucial to closely supervise children if they are close to flares, and they should never handle flares or any fireworks on their own,” Koikel said.
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Anyone who drives fireworks should wear protective glasses to protect against sparks or flying debris, Koikel said. “It is also advisable to avoid loose clothing that can catch fire and tie long hair to reduce the risk.”
Artificial fires should only be activated in safe and open spaces that are far from people, pets, buildings and grass or trees, according to a doctor. (Istock)
These artificial lighting fireworks must follow all local laws and security guidelines, he added.
Additional fireworks can be found on the website of the National Security Council at https://www.nsc.org/.
Observe the safety of the ship
Many injuries related to navigation occur at the feet, according to Dr. Jared L. Ross, emergency medicine doctor and professor at the University of Missouri.
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“Having a pair of resistant water shoes protect against injuries and makes slipping ones less likely,” he told News Digital.
“The life jackets (PFD) are essential for everyone in the water, even the best swimmer cannot keep afloat if they have been unconscious due to a head injury.”
Avoid overheating
“It is crucial to stay well hydrated, avoid the sun between noon and 2 pm, apply sunscreen and wear a big wing hat,” Ross recommended.
All experts suggested taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning, especially if they consumed alcohol.
Moderate alcohol consumption
If you are going to participate, Ross said it is important to moderate its consumption.
“Alcohol risks increase largely after three drinks per day,” he said. “Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or navigating in boat, while affecting you.”
“Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or navigating in boat, while affected,” said a doctor. (Istock)
For those who consume alcohol, Marino emphasized the importance of staying away from hazards such as fireworks and previous planning for sober walks.
“In addition, be sure to stay hydrated, since alcohol also causes dehydration,” he added.
Supervise children at all times
All experts emphasized this security council, particularly around the grills, water and fireworks.
“On July 4 it should be a celebration, not a trip to the emergency room,” Biernbaum said. “A little planning and caution helps a lot.”
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“If something goes wrong, do not hesitate to seek attention immediately: time is critical of burns, head injuries and heat -related diseases.”
It is also advisable to remain repressed in basic first aid and keep a well -assorted emergency kit at hand, added Stinson.
Melissa Rudy is a senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle in News Digital. The advice of history can be sent to melissa.rudy@News.com.