Summer can mean trauma season. Add in the July 4th holiday weekend, and it can start to feel like season two of The Pitt. The weather is hot, people are enjoying outdoor and water activities, having more barbecues, and feeling festive.
While our ER teams are prepping for one of the busiest days of the year, here are some common injuries and issues to watch out for:
Dehydration/heat-related illness
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Drink plenty of water every day, especially if you’re going to be out in the sun, and have the right gear, like loose clothing, a cooling element, and sunscreen.
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Know the signs of dehydration and the beginnings of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
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Find places to be indoors – check on your neighbors who may not have reliable AC, especially the elderly (heat affects oldest and youngest people the most)
Sunburns
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Always wear sunscreen (with an SPF of 30 or higher). Apply it liberally and often, even on cloudy days.
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Wear a visor or cap when you’re outdoors for long periods of time and avoid direct sun exposure during the hours of 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (when the sun is at its hottest).
Water-related injuries
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When riding in a boat or participating in water sports (jet skis, water skis), wear a life vest at all times.
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Never leave children unattended and have proper safety fencing and pool covers.
Fireworks fails
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Carefully read and follow instructions for each type of firework.
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Always have adult supervision - never let young children handle fireworks.
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Sparklers should immediately be placed in water after they burn out.
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Never try to re-light fireworks that don’t work properly the first time.
Burns from outdoor cooking
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Never grill in enclosed areas – carbon monoxide can build up.
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Do not add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. The flames could flash back into the container causing it to explode.
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Supervise children closely and keep matches and lighters out of reach.
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If you’ve been severely burned, call 9-1-1.
If you still end up needing emergency care this weekend, remember BRG has three ER locations – Ascension, Bluebonnet and Mid City – open 24/7. And, you can check the wait times at each location before you head there, getting you home faster and feeling better.