DETROIT – As temperatures rise and summer activities reach their peak, emergency rooms across the nation are witnessing a surge in injury-related visits. Dr. Jason Vieder, vice chair of emergency medicine at Henry Ford Health, emphasizes the need for vigilance, noting that most injuries treated during this season are traumatic in nature. “People are falling or hurting themselves,” he stated, highlighting the importance of safety precautions.
With the Fourth of July on the horizon, emergency rooms are bracing for an influx of patients with burns and other injuries from fireworks. Dr. Vieder advises against using fireworks at home, suggesting that professional displays are a safer alternative. “I just refuse to do fireworks,” he remarked. “I’d rather go somewhere like a city or township that does a fireworks display, and they do a great job, and they’re people who are doing it professionally. They understand how to do these things.”
Protective Gear and Firework Safety
Dr. Vieder strongly recommends wearing helmets and protective gear when riding bikes or motorcycles. “I always kind of cringe when I’m on the road and I see someone riding a motorcycle in shorts and a T-shirt, because, you know, if something happens, those injuries are much more severe,” he explained. This advice is particularly pertinent as the summer months see an increase in outdoor recreational activities.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2022. This statistic underscores the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and opting for professional displays.
Water Safety and Heat-Related Concerns
Water safety remains a critical concern during the summer. “You really cannot take your eye off a small child when you’re around a pool. Things can happen really fast,” Dr. Vieder cautioned. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 1 to 4, making vigilance around water essential.
Meanwhile, emergency departments are also treating cases of severe sunburns, infected bug bites, and dehydration. Dr. Vieder urges everyone to wear sunscreen and bug spray and to take frequent breaks from the heat. “In the emergency department, we do plan for the worst-case scenarios, and hopefully they don’t happen,” he said. “But it’s more just about putting those extra couple of minutes of thought into some of these issues before you go out, and most likely, you’re not going to have to worry. But should something happen? At least you’re prepared.”
Community Preparedness and Education
To bolster community preparedness, free “First Aid Basics” classes will be offered on Tuesday, July 15. Hosted by the Red Cross, these classes will take place at the University of Michigan Dearborn, starting each hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dr. Vieder encourages participation, noting the importance of being equipped with essential first aid skills.
These initiatives highlight the broader effort to reduce preventable injuries during the summer months. By raising awareness and providing education, health professionals aim to mitigate the risks associated with summer activities.
“By the Numbers: In 2022, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments.” – Consumer Product Safety Commission
The push for safety comes as part of a larger trend of increasing emergency room visits during the summer, a time when people are more active and often take greater risks. Health experts continue to stress the importance of safety measures to enjoy a fun and injury-free summer.
