The school holidays and long weekend present all the ingredients needed for fun and relaxation. Good times can quickly turn into medical emergencies, and prevention should always remain top of mind, emergency specialists warn.
“Long weekends and times of leisure can be unpredictable, and some of the common reasons people present to emergency departments during these times vary widely, from holiday misadventures like falls, slips and sports injuries to burns, sudden illnesses and unexpected medical symptoms,” says Dr Sashen Murugan, an emergency medicine specialist at the emergency department of Netcare N1 City Hospital.
Until recently, Dr Murugan served as head of emergency medicine at the Level I trauma centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital for eight years before returning to the Western Cape, having studied at the University of Cape Town and specialised in Emergency Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand. He and fellow emergency medicine specialist Dr Mideé Potgieter, a Fellow of the College of Emergency Medicine of South Africa, recently started practising at Netcare N1 City Hospital’s emergency department.
When travelling any distance, it is essential that all passengers wear seatbelts or use approved, age-appropriate car seats. Dr Murugan stresses that driver distraction and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are common causes of preventable car accidents, which can have tragic consequences.
“At this time of year, many South Africans spend time relaxing at the beach, near swimming pools or other bodies of water. It is essential not to let our guard down for a moment and to be especially vigilant about supervising children around water. Drowning can happen unbelievably quickly without any sounds of distress,” he says.
“Small precautions can save lives, and this is especially important to remember during the holiday season.”
“Very often in the emergency context, we see children and adults with twisted ankles, broken bones, dislocations, or muscle injuries while taking part in sport or holiday activities, and everyday accidents. There are also various cuts and wounds, sometimes from kitchen mishaps or broken glass, which are all particularly common during celebrations but happen year-round,” Dr Potgieter adds.
She emphasises that it is essential to seek medical attention for any wound that is deep, won’t stop bleeding, or bleeds heavily, as well as any skin punctures or injuries involving rusty metal or dirt contamination.
“Even relatively small wounds can become a serious problem if they are not professionally assessed, cleaned and disinfected, and stitched if necessary. In more serious cases, we may order X-rays or scans to further investigate the injury, with support from other disciplines within the hospital, as may be appropriate,” she says.
Animal bites should always be thoroughly cleaned and treated promptly by a doctor. If there is no clear record of the animal’s vaccinations, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis must be started as soon as possible, within 24 hours.
Head injuries, from bumps on the head to car accidents and falls, should also be a priority for seeking emergency medical attention, especially for children. “The importance of seeking a medical assessment cannot be overemphasised. At the emergency department, we have 24-hour services providing the necessary checks and imaging for head and brain injuries, including acute stroke,” Dr Potgieter says.
The emergency department at Netcare N1 City Hospital emphasises a person centred evidence-based approach that encompasses not only clinical excellence but also a biopsychosocial model of compassionate and holistic care.
Burns and braai-related injuries are another cause for trips to the emergency department, typical of weekends and holidays in South Africa, Dr Murugan says. When preparing for a fire or braai, consider safety beforehand to prevent burns. Ensure the fire is positioned well away from flammable materials and overhanging branches or roofs. Never use petrol or any other accelerant to start a fire as this may cause serious burns.
“Remember, hot liquids, ovens, stoves and hot pans are also frequently the cause of burns in children around the home. Even though these are a familiar part of our everyday lives, we must never allow ourselves to be distracted or become careless around these potential burn risks,” he says.
Be prepared for any medical emergency by downloading the Netcare App in advance. The app includes emergency call and geolocation functions to help minimise response times by precisely locating callers – even in remote areas or when the caller doesn’t know the address. The Netcare App also includes a Netcare 911 60-second callback option.
“Lastly, the risk of sunburn and dehydration should not be forgotten. Regularly apply high sun protection factor sunscreen to yourself and children, and avoid spending time in the sun during the hottest part of the day from 10am to 3pm, and wear protective clothing if you are outside for extended periods. Keep drinking water, and avoid caffeine and alcohol as these are dehydrating,” advises Dr Murugan.
“At any time, parents can also visit our emergency department for peace of mind when children are unwell. For fevers, dehydration or anything else unusual, we are here to assist and provide medical reassurance.”
Ends
Notes to editors
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