Doctors warn against avoidable injuries on July 4 while emergencies visit Spike nationwide
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For most Americans, July 4 is marked by patriotic celebrations with family and friends – but for some, festive holidays can end with an unforeseen trip to the emergency room.
More than 45,000 people visit emergencies on July 4 and 5 each year, according to the Pew Research Center – which means that the day of independence has the greatest number of daily medical emergencies of the year.
“This time of year, we see major increases in traumatic injuries and heat -related diseases,” said Dr. Ryan Marino, MD, doctor and associate professor at the Western University box in Cleveland, Ohio.
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“While accidents of fireworks and injuries receive most of the attention, there are many more falls, broken bones, head injuries and car accidents, to name only a few.”
As people are more likely to be outside and active during the holidays, it makes them more subject to accidents and injuries, added Marino.
More than 45,000 people visit emergencies on July 4 and 5 each year, according to the Pew Research Center. (istock)
Dr. Robert BIERNBAUM, Emergency Medicine Doctor in Fairport, New York, who is also the head of Wellnow Urgent Care, echoes July 4, one of the busiest holidays for the ER across the country.
“We regularly see a sharp increase in avoidable injuries and medical emergencies,” he told Fox News Digital.
Most common injuries of July 4
Several doctors have shared the specific injuries that dominate the emergency rooms during this holiday weekend.
Wounds related to fireworks
The fireworks are “by far” the most common source of injury, according to Biernbaum.
“We see everything, minor burns and face with serious trauma of fireworks exploding nearby,” he said. “Improvised or illegal fireworks tend to cause worst damage.”
“We regularly see a sharp increase in avoidable injury and medical emergencies.”
Dr. Betsy Koickel, chief doctor of Memorial Hermann-Gobealth Care in Houston, Texas, has echoed that fireworks can cause a wide variety of injuries, many of which are serious.
“Eye injuries are particularly disturbing because they may include corneal burns, scratches or even permanent vision loss due to flying debris or sudden explosions,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or marina navigation, while you are altered,” advised a doctor. (istock)
“Noisy explosions can also affect hearing, especially in young children, sometimes causing ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or even long -term hearing damage.”
In more serious incidents, people have undergone deep lacerations, lost fingers or sustained facial injuries when fireworks have exploded too close or poorly worked, added Koickel.
Alcohol -related incidents
With more people who engage in alcoholic beverages for the 4th, Dr. Ellana Stinson, an emergency doctor certified in Boston, said that she had seen everything, falls and cuts to vehicle accidents and alcohol poisoning.
“The altered judgment is a main cause behind many emergency visits,” she added.
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Biernbaum reiterated that poisoning leads to a range of emergencies, even contributing to attacks and drownings. “We often see head injuries or fractures in patients who have drunk too much,” he noted.
Grill burns and cooking accidents
July is the peak month for grilled fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
“Reservoirs or mismanagement propane grids lead to flash burns and cuts, especially in the hands and arms,” said Biernbaum.
Heat exhaustion and dehydration
“Many patients arrive with heat exhaustion or heat stroke after prolonged outdoor activities without appropriate hydration,” said Biernbaum.
This condition may be deadly, especially for the elderly and children, warned the doctor.
“It is crucial to supervise children closely if they are around magic candles, and they should never manage magic candles or any type of fireworks by themselves,” said a doctor. (istock)
Marino added: “The heat we have seen more recently has not only caused problems such as heat disease and strokes, but can put people at risk of things like dehydration and kidney damage if they are not careful to stay cool and stay hydrated.”
Car and boat accidents
“Unfortunately, vacation weekends can also lead to an increase in injuries related to violence or major trauma in pleasure navigation or car accidents,” said Stinsins.
She shared an example when she treated a young man who fell from a boat at a few glasses too much. “He struck the water hard and was rushed with a broken spleen and multiple fractures-we have almost lost it,” she told Fox News Digital.
“Many patients come with heat exhaustion or heat stroke after prolonged outdoor activities.”
Biernbaum noted that the lack of life jackets, speed and alcohol all contribute to injuries, ranging from fractures to almost noyage.
Noyades and quasi-dry
July has the greatest number of drowning deaths from every other months, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Children are particularly at risk because drowning is the main cause of death for children from 1 to 4 years old.
“I took care of the individuals drawn from the unconscious water after after drowning, often because no one was watching closely or from blue judgment to alcohol,” said Stinsins.
Advice for a safe celebration of July 4
Ensure the safety of fireworks
Experts agree that fireworks are better left to professionals.
“But if you participate in fireworks at home, make sure that there are designated adults who are in charge, alerts and sober,” advised Koikel. “Keep a bucket of water or fire at hand nearby.”
“A little planning and prudence goes very far.”
According to the doctor, fireworks should only be triggered in open spaces that are far from people, pets, buildings and grass or trees.
“It is crucial to supervise the children closely if they are around magic candles, and they should never manage magic candles or any type of fireworks by themselves,” said Koikel.
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Anyone who manipulates fireworks should wear protective glasses to guard against flying sparks or debris, Koikel said. “It is also wise to avoid loose clothes that could set fire and link long hair to reduce risks.”
According to a doctor, fireworks should only be triggered in open spaces that are far from people, pets, buildings and grass or trees. (istock)
These lighting fires should follow all local laws and security guidelines, she added.
Additional fireworks safety guidelines can be found on the National Safety Council website at https://www.nsc.org/.
Observe the safety of the boats
Many injuries related to marina navigation occur on the feet, according to Dr. Jared L. Ross, doctor in emergency medicine and professor at the University of Missouri.
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“Having a robust pair of water shoes protects against injuries and makes slides and falls less likely,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Vests of life (VMP) are a must for everyone on the water – even the best swimmer cannot remain afloat if they have been unconscious by a head injury.”
Overheat
“It is crucial to remain well hydrated, to avoid the sun between noon and 14 hours, to apply a sunscreen and to wear a large hat,” Ross recommended.
All experts suggested taking breaks in the shade or air conditioning, especially if alcohol consumption.
Moderate alcohol consumption
If you are going to participate, Ross said it was important to moderate your consumption.
“The risks of alcohol increase considerably after three glasses a day,” he said. “Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or marina navigation, while you are altered.”
“Never participate in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or marina navigation, while you are altered,” advised a doctor. (istock)
For those who consume alcohol, Marino stressed the importance of staying away from dangers such as fireworks and planning in advance for sober rides.
“Also, make sure you remain hydrated, as alcohol also causes dehydration,” he added.
Supervise children at all times
All experts highlighted this safety tip – especially around grils, water and fireworks.
“July 4 should be a celebration, not a trip to the emergency room,” said Biernbaum. “A little planning and prudence goes very far.”
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“If something is wrong, do not hesitate to ask for care immediately – time is essential with burns, head injuries and heat -related diseases.”
It is also wise to remain brushed on basic first aid and to keep an emergency kit well supplied at hand, added Stinsins.
