Top Medical Emergencies During the Holidays
The holiday season can get pretty crazy, with finding that perfect gift, relatives coming, preparing unforgettable holiday meals, and getting your home decorated.
With all the parties to attend and the commotion that comes with it, the risk of suffering an illness or an accident is higher at this time of the year. Holiday medical emergencies are a serious issue, most especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve.
Here are the top medical emergencies during the holidays. If you get swift ER treatment from your local San Antonio emergency room, it’s possible that you will be able to get back in time to enjoy the rest of the holidays with family and friends.
Holiday decorating injuries
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that ERs in the U.S. take care of approximately 160 decorating-related injuries every day during this season. The number of injuries continues to rise every year. These include back strains, falls, cuts and lacerations.
Go to the emergency room if:
- If you have cut yourself and tendons and bones can be seen.
- If you have an internal injury or a broken bone from falling off a stool, ladder or roof.
- If you are experiencing severe mobility issues or intense pain.
- If you have lost consciousness after falling.
Alcohol
Alcohol, as well as drug abuse, are also on the list. According to NYC Health, ER visits for injuries related to alcohol consumption are generally rampant during the holidays.
Alcohol poisoning can be fatal. If you see anyone experiencing the symptoms below, take them to the emergency room right away.
- Slurred speech
- Mental confusion
- Excessive vomiting
- Low body temperature
- Slow breathing
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
Concussions, sprains, and broken bones
It seems like the cases of falls are extensive at this time of the year, from falling and slipping while running errands, falling while putting up the decorations, to children falling off their new skateboards or bikes. In fact, at Physicians Premier, we see a fair share of concussions, sprains, and broken bones during the holidays, especially in the last few days of the year.
Go to your nearest Physicians Premier facility if:
- You are suffering from severe pain
- You are having difficulty walking after an injury
- You suspect that you or a loved one has a broken bone
- You or a loved one has fallen and hit the head and are feeling dizzy, have lost consciousness, or are having difficulty speaking or remembering things.
Allergic reactions
Allergy sufferers are exposed to a lot of triggers during the holidays, from mold, Christmas trees, food, and scented candles. Some allergic reactions are mild and can be treated at home, but some are severe enough to be life-threatening.
Cases of anaphylactic shock or severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention. Gain comfort knowing that all Physicians Premier facilities are open 24/7 every day, including the holiday season to give prompt medical care.
Kitchen related injuries
In our eagerness to create impressive holiday meals, we could end up burning or cutting ourselves. Thankfully, many burns and cuts are superficial and won’t require you to go to the ER. However, if the wound is deep enough and you can see cartilage, tendons or bone, or if you have 2nd or 3rd-degree burns, you must head to your nearest Physicians Premier facility immediately.
Physicians Premier wishes everyone a safe and joyful Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Know that we are available to treat you and your family should any medical emergency arises.
Sources:
“Heart Attacks, Other Emergencies Spike During Holidays,” University of California San Fransisco, https://www.ucsf.edu/
“Making a List, Checking it Twice: Tips for Celebrating Safely this Holiday Season,” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, https://www.cpsc.gov/
“Patterns of Alcohol-related Injuries among New York City Residents,” NYC Health, https://www1.nyc.gov/“Anaphylaxis,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/
