First Aid over Christmas – New Year
With the Christmas – New Year period upon us, it is a good time to remember this time of year traditionally see’s the number of people injuring themselves or becoming unwell increase. I thought it was valuable to post information from articles from last year that I felt contained good information for us all to reflect on at this time.
Last year, Emergency Department specialist Dr Bill Lukin said ED presentations jumped over the Christmas-New Year period with alcohol and stress contributing to preventable accidents. Dr Lukin went on to say:
“A hospital trip is not how anyone should spend the holidays, but as people slip into holiday mode, a momentary lapse in concentration is all it takes to end up in an ED. It’s a time of year when people do more, consume more alcohol and take more risks than they normally would, and often all three at the same time. As a result we see an increase in a range of presentations to our EDs from serious road accident trauma to minor sprains, cuts, bruises and bites. “The scope and severity of injuries varies from people who’ve had too much to drink and fallen into campfires or sustained broken bones or cuts falling off bikes; people with adverse reactions to drugs or eye injuries resulting from using power tools. “Warm summer weather can also lead to heat-related presentations, particularly for the elderly or those with chronic medical conditions, so it’s important to stay hydrated. We also ask the community to be extra careful when it comes to cooking and camping. Our burns team was kept busy with patients admitted to the unit with injuries that could have been avoided such as scalds and burns from hot oil splashes, throwing petrol or metho on to camp fires or BBQs and exploding gas bottles.”
Dr Lukin said ED staff also saw an increase in mental health presentations over the holidays. While most of us think of the holidays as a time for celebration it can be a lonely time for people experiencing severe stress, anxiety or mental illness and may trigger depression and increase the risk of self-harm. It’s important we remember to look out for those who are vulnerable.
Silly season top 10:
- Alcohol intoxication
- Chest pain
- Mental health issues
- Low abdominal pain
- Sprains and broken bones; falling off ladders, skateboards, bikes and scooters, slipping around pools
- Trauma – car accidents
- Poisoning/Substance/Drug overdose
- Gastro
- Heat stroke/exhaustion and extreme sun burn
- Animal bites and stings
Mr Michael Maw, Director and Clinical Lead for the Institute of Education and Training says “It’s always good to make sure you have your first aid training current and up to date. This provides you with the best opportunity to respond in a timely and accurate manner when dealing with unforeseen injury and illness.
The Institute of Education and Training offers courses in First Aid & CPR training in Wagga Wagga (NSW) and Mornington (VIC). Courses can be found on our website by clicking here or by contacting Michael on 0406365442.
Emergency: People who are experiencing heart or breathing problems or who are in need of urgent medical attention should always attend their local hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000).
Non-urgent: If it is not life-threatening, contact your GP. Access the National Health Service Directory at www.nhsd.com.au to find one in your area.
Health advice: Call 13 Health (13 43 25 84) for medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with Registered Nurses available to give qualified advice.
Mental Health Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support, or beyoundblue.org.au or 1300 224 636 for 24/7 mental health advice and information.