According to a study conducted by Kaiser Permanente, there is a noticeable spike in emergency room visits during the warm summer months. The study showed a 15 to 27 percent increase in visits to emergency rooms from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Children made up a significant portion of the increase in accidents and illness, and the pattern of injury was very distinct. This led researchers to conclude that the longer days and increases in popular activities in the summer also put individuals at higher risk of injury.
As summer begins, you should be aware of the top reasons for summer ER visits and how to prevent injury to yourself and your children. Some of the most commonly reported injuries that result in ER visits during the summer include:
Sun exposure – While enjoying the summer, it can be easy to forget to prepare for sun exposure which could lead to heat-related illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rashes, and sunburns. As temperatures soar, the elderly and small children are at highest risk for heat stroke due to improper hydration or air conditioning. However, heat-related illness from sun exposure can affect anyone. Thus, preparing for sun exposure could be critical. Wearing light clothing, taking cool showers, getting enough rest, and wearing sunscreen could help you avoid the effects of sun exposure.
Insect exposure – The summer months often include a spike in bug bites and related illnesses. According to WUNC North Carolina Public Radio, cases of Lyme disease in North Carolina are continuing to rise in recent years. For those vacationing in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina, it is important to be cautious about insect exposure as well as other summer activities that could lead to illness or injury. Using the proper insect repellents, mosquito nets, and otherwise limiting your exposure to insects could help keep you safe from Lyme disease, Zika, and other diseases.
Sports injuries – Safety precautions while playing summer sports, including watersports, are often the best way to prevent an ER visit. Because most schools are closed for the summer, children may be particularly vulnerable to sports injuries in the summer. According to Reuters Health, recent research on sports injuries involving children, related ER visits increased each year from 2001 to 2013. This highlights the importance of wearing proper protective gear and treating head injuries or bruises immediately.
Travel-related injuries – It is essential to exercise caution when traveling during the warm summer months. Outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming are popular for vacationers, but each comes with inherent risks that should be observed. Make sure to wear proper safety equipment when hiking or biking. When swimming, be sure to observe all pool rules and do not leave children unsupervised.
Contact Us for Legal Help After a Summer Injury
Knowing which injuries most commonly lead to summer ER visits will hopefully help you plan your summer activities in North Carolina and South Carolina while avoiding unnecessary medical bills or legal battles. However, if you are a loved one are injured or taken to the ER because of a summer accident, let the experienced attorneys at Grimes Teich Anderson LLP help you. Our attorneys have served the communities of Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina for decades.
While no one anticipates getting hurt on summer vacation, accidents do happen. If you’ve been hurt due to the negligent actions of someone else, we are here to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today by phone or online to speak with one of our experienced attorneys.