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Be Safe in the Summer
By Mark DeMatteo, M.D.
It’s summertime! In these warm months we make the most of our free time, with adventures at the beach, swimming pool, and the bike trail. But the lazy days of summer are not so “lazy” for emergency department staff, where summer is known as “trauma season.”
More people visit the emergency room during summer than at any other time of year.¹ People fall from ladders while painting the house, get stung by insects while landscaping, or get overheated while running. Children are out of school, busy with bicycles, boogie boards, and bruises. Warm weather expands opportunities for active fun—and potential hazards.
Here are some tips on summer safety, to keep you and your family on the beach and out of the emergency room this summer.
Q: What are some of the most important things I can do to stay away from the ER?
If you’re working on your home, make sure you know what you’re doing, have appropriate supervision, and are fit enough for the job. Take care when using a ladder and use appropriate safety gear with power tools.
Be smart about the sun and heat. Everyone needs to use sunscreen and stay hydrated when exercising or outside on hot days. The elderly have particular trouble regulating body temperature, so it is especially important to pay close attention to keeping them cool.
Last, but not least, be responsible about alcohol use. If you are going to operate a vehicle on land or water or engage in an activity that involves risk, don’t drink. Period.
Q: What should I do to keep my children safe?
Keep them covered. Children—and teens—need to be reminded about sunscreen and hydration, especially at places like the beach, where they may not want to interrupt their fun. Helmets are important too—on bikes, skateboards, scooters, all terrain vehicles, and horses.
Q: What about water safety?
Be diligent about monitoring children at the beach and backyard pools. Summer fun can give us relaxed attitudes, especially at parties. People assume that with a lot of adults around, someone has an eye on the kids. That’s a big mistake.
Think of a pool in your backyard like a bonfire—it can be just as dangerous. Someone specific needs to be responsible for watching the kids.
Need to see a doctor, but you’re on vacation? Or your doctor is on vacation? Jordan Hospital offers high quality non-urgent care through the Emergency Department. No appointments necessary—patients are treated first-come, first-served. For more information, contact the Emergency Department at 508-830-2800.
¹www.cdc.gov
Mark DeMatteo, M.D.
Dr. DeMatteo is an emergency Department physcian at Jordan Hospital. Jordan Hospital offers high quality non-urgent care through the Emergency Department. No appointments necessary—patients are treated first-come, first-served. For more information, contact the Emergency Department at 508-830-2800.
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