Spring Break Safety: Common Injuries and When to Seek Emergency Care

Spring break is a time to unwind, have fun, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or just enjoying a staycation, prioritizing spring break safety means being aware of common injuries and knowing when to seek emergency care.

Stay informed to avoid serious health risks and keep the fun going!

Common Injuries During Spring Break

1. Alcohol-Related Accidents

Many spring break injuries involve alcohol. Drinking too much can affect judgment, coordination, and reaction time, leading to falls, car crashes, and even drowning. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 375 alcohol-related crashes involving young drivers (ages 17-30) during spring break in 2023, resulting in nine fatalities.

• How to Stay Safe: If you plan on drinking, do so responsibly. Never drink and drive. Always have a designated driver or use a rideshare service. Know your limits and stay hydrated.

2. Car Accidents

Spring break brings an influx of travelers, leading to busier roads and a higher chance of traffic congestion, distractions, and accidents. Increased road trips, unfamiliar drivers, and longer travel times make caution essential for a safe journey.

• How to Stay Safe: Avoid distractions while driving, wear your seatbelt, and never drive under the influence. If you’re on a road trip, take breaks to avoid fatigue.

3. Water-Related Injuries

Beaches and pools are popular destinations during spring break, but they can be dangerous. Drownings, near-drownings, and watercraft injuries are common. Strong currents, lack of supervision, and alcohol consumption increase the risks.

• How to Stay Safe: Swim in designated areas, never swim alone, and follow local beach warnings. If you’re using a boat or jet ski, wear a life jacket and avoid reckless behavior.

4. Sunburn and Heat-Related Illnesses

Spending too much time in the sun without protection can lead to painful sunburns, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Heat-related illnesses can be serious and require immediate medical attention.

• How to Stay Safe: Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30, reapply every two hours, and stay in the shade when possible. Drink plenty of water and take breaks to cool off.

5. Sports and Recreational Injuries

From beach volleyball to hiking, physical activities are a big part of spring break. Unfortunately, they can lead to sprains, fractures, or concussions if proper precautions aren’t taken.

• How to Stay Safe: Use protective gear when needed, warm up before engaging in activities, and avoid pushing yourself beyond your limits.

6. Food Poisoning

Trying new foods is part of the vacation experience, but eating contaminated or undercooked food can lead to food poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.

• How to Stay Safe: Choose reputable restaurants, wash your hands before eating, and be cautious with street food. If something smells or tastes off, don’t eat it.

7. Insect Bites and Stings

Whether you’re camping or at the beach, insects like mosquitoes and bees can be a nuisance. In some cases, bites and stings can cause severe allergic reactions or infections.

• How to Stay Safe: Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves in wooded areas, and seek medical help if you experience severe swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Not all injuries require a trip to the emergency room, but some do. Knowing when to seek immediate medical attention can make a big difference in recovery.

Alcohol Poisoning

If someone has confusion, vomiting, slow or irregular breathing, seizures, or is unconscious, they may have alcohol poisoning. This is a medical emergency – call 911 immediately.

Serious Car Accident Injuries

If you or someone else experiences severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or head trauma after a car accident, go to the emergency room right away.

Near-Drowning or Breathing Issues

If someone has difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, confusion, or is unconscious after being in the water, seek emergency care immediately.

Severe Burns or Heat Stroke

Signs of heat stroke include a high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, or lack of sweating. Severe sunburns with blisters or major skin damage should also be treated by a doctor.

Broken Bones or Concussions

If there is severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, or inability to move a limb, you may have a broken bone. A head injury with loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or confusion should be taken seriously.

Severe Allergic Reactions

Symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives, or dizziness indicate anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention.

Persistent Food Poisoning Symptoms

If vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours, or if you experience dehydration symptoms like extreme thirst, dizziness or confusion, seek medical care.

Preventive Measures for a Safe Spring Break

Taking precautions can help you avoid accidents and injuries. Here are some simple but effective tips:

• Plan ahead – Research your destination and know the emergency contacts in the area.
• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re in the sun or drinking alcohol.
• Be aware of your surroundings – Pay attention to safety warnings, road signs, and potential hazards.
• Keep an emergency kit – Carry basic first aid supplies, including bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
• Trust your instincts – If a situation feels unsafe, remove yourself from it.

Stay Safe and Enjoy Your Spring Break

Spring break should be about fun and relaxation, not unexpected trips to the ER. By keeping in mind these spring break safety tips – being aware of common risks and taking simple safety precautions – you can enjoy your vacation without unnecessary stress. If an emergency does happen, Physicians Premier is open 24/7 to provide fast, high-quality care when you need it most. Visit our services page to learn more about how we can help in any emergency situation.

Sources:

“TxDOT launches spring break campaign to curb drunk driving among students,” Texas Department of Transportation, https://www.mrt.com/news/article/txdot-spring-break-drunk-driving-campaign-20205107.php
“Spring break drinking, driving warning,” Nextdoor, https://nextdoor.com/agency-post/tx/texas/texas-department-of-transportation-16/spring-break-drinking-driving-warning-386207620/
“Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illnesses,” Physicians Premier, https://mdpremier.com/warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-heat-related-illnesses/
“Symptoms of Food Poisoning,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/signs-symptoms/index.html   
“Alcohol poisoning,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-poisoning/symptoms-causes/syc-20354386
“Ten Concussion Pearls,” Physicians Premier, https://mdpremier.com/what-is-a-concussion/
“Dehydration,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086