For most Americans, July 4th Patriotic celebration With family and friends – but for some, the festive holiday can end with an unplanned trip to the emergency room.
According to the Pew Research Center, more than 45,000 people visit the ER on July 4th and May each year. This means that Independence Day has the highest number of daily medical emergency situations.
“At this time of the year, we have a significant increase in traumatic injuries. Fever-related illnesses“Dr. Ryan Marino, Maryland, ER Doctor and Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
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“The fireworks accidents and injuries are attracting most attention, but there are far more falls, fractures, Head injury And to name just a few car accidents. ”
People are more likely to go outside and work on holidays, making them more likely to suffer accidents and injuries, Marino added.
Dr. Robert Bianbaum, an emergency medical doctor at Fairport, New York, is also the chief medical officer of Wellnow Emergency Medicine, reiterated July 4th as one of the busiest holidays for ERSs across the country.
“We see a rapid rise in preventable injuries and medical emergency situations on a daily basis,” he told Fox News Digital.
Several ER doctors shared among them specific injuries that dominate the emergency room. Holiday weekend.
According to Biernbaum, fireworks are the most frequent source of injuries.
“We see everything from small hands and face burns to severe trauma from fireworks to explosions nearby,” he said. “Improvised or illegal fireworks tend to cause the worst possible damage.”
Dr. Betsy Koickel, chief medical officer for Memorial Hermangolls Emergency Care in Houston, Texas, reiterated that fireworks can cause a wide variety of injuries.
“Eye injuries are particularly troublesome because they can include corneal burns, wounds, and even permanent ones. Loss of vision Because of flying shrapnel and sudden explosions,” she told Fox News Digital.
“You can also explode big It harms hearingespecially in young children, sometimes ears (tinnitus) or even long-term hearing impairment. ”
In a more serious case, people suffered deep lacerations, loss of fingers, or facial injuries when fireworks exploded or malfunctioned, Koickel added.
Dr. Elanastinson, a board-certified emergency medical doctor at Boston Medical Center, is indulging in alcoholic beverages on the fourth day. Vehicle accident and alcohol addiction.
“Difficulty for judgment is the major cause behind many ER visits,” she added.
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Biernbaum repeatedly contributed to various emergencies, even assaulting and driving. “We often see head trauma or fractures in patients that are too many to drink,” he noted.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, July is the peak month for grill fires.
“Incorrectly handling propane tanks and grilles brings flashes and cuts, especially in the hands and arms,” Bianbaum said.
“Many patients come in with heat exhaustion or heat stroke after long periods of outdoor activity without proper hydration,” Bianbaum said.
This condition can be particularly life-threatening senior citizen And the children warned.
“The fever we’ve seen recently has caused issues like fever disease and heat strokes, and if you’re not staying cool and staying hydrated, you can be at risk of dehydration and kidney damage,” Marino said.
“Unfortunately, holiday weekends can also lead to increased violence-related injuries and major trauma. From the boat Or a car accident,” Stinson warned.
She shared an example when treating a young man who fell from a speeding boat after drinking several drinks. “He hit the water hard and was rushed in with a ruptured spleen and multiple fractures. We almost lost him,” she told Fox News Digital.
Biernbaum noted that life jackets, speeding and lack of alcohol all contribute to injuries ranging from fractures to nearby low humiliation.
The most in July The death of a drows Compared to all other months, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Children are particularly at risk as drowsing is the biggest cause of death in children aged 1-4 years.
“I cared for individuals drawn from the unconscious water near drowning, because in many cases no one was looking closely or because of an alcohol-covered judgment,” Stinson said.
Experts agree that it is best to leave the fireworks to the experts.
“However, if you are participating in a home fireworks, make sure you have a designated adult who is in charge, alert and calm,” advised Koikel. “Set a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby.”
According to doctors, fireworks should only be caused in safe, open spaces far from people, pets, buildings, grass and trees.
“It’s important to be close Supervise the child If they were around the sparklers and they should never deal with sparklers and fireworks of any kind by themselves,” Koikel said.
Anyone who handles fireworks should wear protective glasses to prevent flying sparks and debris, Koikel said. “It’s also wise to avoid loose clothing that can grab fires and tie your long hair to reduce risk.”
These lighting fireworks should comply with all local laws Safety Guidelinesshe added.
Additional firework safety guidelines can be found at the National Safety Council website https://www.nsc.org/.
Many Boat-related injuries It occurs in the feet, according to Dr. Jared L. Ross, an emergency physician and professor at the University of Missouri.
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“Having sturdy water shoes both protect you from injuries and reduce slips and falls,” he told Fox News Digital.
“Life Best (PFD) is a must for everyone On the water – Even the best swimmers don’t float when unconsciously knocked by a head injury. ”
“It’s important to stay calm and calm, avoid the sun from noon to 2pm, wear a big hat with sunscreen,” Ross recommended.
All experts suggested taking a break in the shade, especially if you are consuming alcohol.
If you’re going to participate, Ross said it’s important to mitigate your consumption.
“The risk from alcohol has increased significantly after drinking three drinks a day,” he said. “Don’t take part in potentially dangerous activities, such as driving or boating, while you’re disabled.”
For whom Consumes alcoholMarino emphasized the importance of staying away from dangers like fireworks and planned ahead for the plain ride.
“Alcohol also causes dehydration, so try to relieve the moisture,” he added.
All experts highlighted this safety tip, especially on grills, water and fireworks.
“July 4th should be a celebration, not a trip to the ER,” Bianbaum said. “A little planning and attention will come a long way.”
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“If something goes wrong, don’t hesitate Seeking care Immediately – Time is important for burns, head trauma, and fever-related illnesses. ”
It’s also wise to get used to basic first aid and store any emergency kits in stock on hand, Stinson added.
