Summer and Trauma Season in the ER

Summer and Trauma Season in the ER

With May officially here, that means we are about one month away from the start of summer here in the states. Now, for many people, especially young people, this means a certain amount of freedom, outdoor adventures, family bonding time, and, of course, fun. While the idea of summer fun is a wonderful one and one that is supported wholly by Baton Rouge, LA personal injury attorney J. Price McNamara and the rest of his staff, it also happens to be busy season for the ER and that means it’s Busy season for us as well. With that in mind, today we have decided to tell you a bit about what the warm weather does for emergency rooms. And how some of the most common accidents are sustained during summer. We’re not trying to convince you to stay inside all summer, or to shy away from fun. However, arming yourself with knowledge is always a good idea. Let’s take a closer look.

Trauma Season in the ER

As the weather warms up, waiting rooms in emergency rooms all over the country start to fill up. The three-month period that makes up summer is known as trauma season in hospitals here in the U.S. you might not believe it, but as soon as April hits, the incidences of bicycle-related injuries skyrockets in comparison to their normal occurrences in urgent care centers and emergency rooms. It seems that as soon as the sun starts shining and the birds start chirping, people are ready to get outside and enjoy it. As soon as summer hits, most trauma centers report that there are normally at least three to five lawn mower-related injuries seen within their walls. Swimming and water related accidents also rise, especially in children. "The first thing that lets us know trauma season is near is when we turn the clock ahead," states Barbara Gaines, a trauma surgeon at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. This is because children get "an extra hour or two in the evening to play." However, children are not the only ones at risk during the season of trauma. To prove this, we have listed a few of the most commonly sustained injuries during the summer months so that you can at least arm yourself with knowledge.

Most Commonly Sustained Summer Injuries

Dirt bike, ATV, and Motorcycle Accidents Many families take their loved ones on camping trips during the warm months. often these involve renting or riding motorized vehicles like dirt bikes, four wheelers, ATVs, and other forms of off-road and all-terrain vehicles. You might also guess that many of these trips end in an accident of some sort. Dr. Gaines states that the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC sees upwards of eighty to one-hundred ATV-related accidents a year. “We strongly feel that children under the age of sixteen should not be driving ATVs,” Dr. Gainer says. Trampoline Accidents This is another common summer activity that many children take part in and even adults. On days when there is no school, and the weather is nice, getting outside and jumping around on a giant trampoline with your friends is loads of fun and a great way to get some exercise to boot. However, trampolines are also one of the most common causes for visits to the emergency room during the summer. Sprains, concussions, and broken bones are just a few of the injuries most often associated with trampoline trauma. However, this shouldn’t discourage you from getting outside and jumping around. Just try and be careful and know that accidents happen. Burns This one almost needs no explanation. Bonfires, BBQs, fireworks, and other activities that involve fire are all very popular in the summertime. This means that burns caused by these activities are also another common occurrence in the emergency room. Try and be careful around those open flames and hot metal this summer. If you do happen to find yourself injured and you think you might need legal advice, well, this is what we're here for. J. Price McNamara ERISA Insurance Claim Attorney are just as prepared to deal with trauma season as the emergency rooms across our country are. Until next time readers, stay safe and Godspeed.