ThedaCare has advice for those wanting to enjoy the oohs and ahhs of Independence Day festivities and avoid the uh-ohs that often accompany the July 4 celebrations.
People can help reduce their injury risk during Independence Day festivities by following some basic safety tips, said Dr. Jocko Zifferblatt, an Emergency Department Physician at ThedaCare Medical Center-Fond du Lac and ThedaCare Medical Center-New London.
“With awareness, planning and precautions in place, you can help avoid a hospital visit and increase the likelihood of enjoying the day with family, friends and no injuries,” he said. “That means things like leaving the fireworks to the experts or at least sticking to legal fireworks and following safety guidelines for their use, keeping children away from the grill and watching for signs of heatstroke, to name a few.”
The July 4 holiday typically sees a spike in emergency department visits, according to the Pew Research Center. July 4 and July 5 see an estimated 45,000 emergency department visits per day. That’s in contrast to about 40,700 visits on an average summer day.
It’s not difficult to guess one of the big reasons behind the boom in emergency department visits over the July 4 holiday – fireworks. Add to that heat-related illnesses, water incidents and foodborne illnesses and the causes behind the spike become evident.
“Don’t overlook alcohol as a contributing factor in accidents and injuries,” Dr. Zifferblatt said. “Heavy drinking may cause impairment and poor judgement. If you choose to consume alcohol, please do so in moderation to better help you and those around you stay safe.”
Injuries and Illnesses
Dr. Zifferblatt listed common July 4 injuries, illnesses and safety hazards. He offered tips for avoiding them.
Fireworks: These may lead to burns and other injuries. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show. If lighting fireworks at home, remember to refrain from using illegal fireworks, follow the instructions on the packaging and don’t allow young children to light them. Keep fireworks away from people, animals, vehicles and structures and have a bucket of water nearby in case of an emergency and to fully extinguish fireworks after use.
Burns: Exercise caution around bonfires. Avoid alcohol use, walk and step carefully to avoid falls and keep children from engaging in horseplay. Place grills on a level surface outside and away from the house and any trees. Stay close to the grill to make sure no one runs into it. Wear clothing that won’t interfere with the cooking process while grilling.
Heat safety: To keep your cool, remember to stay well-hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks. Keep an eye on older friends and loved ones, as they may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Take breaks indoors and spend time in the shade. Limit exercise during the hottest part of the day. Know the signs of heatstroke: hot, flushed and dry skin; confusion; rapid breathing; headache; nausea, vomiting; and a temperature above 103 degrees.
Boating accidents: Avoid alcohol when driving a boat. Make sure each passenger wears a life jacket. Operate the boat at a safe speed. Pay attention to the surroundings and follow local boating rules.
Swimming: The allure of large bodies of water and hot summer days go hand in hand. Help ensure the fun day remains fun. Don’t swim alone. Know the area where you’re swimming. Avoid currents and other hazards. Swim in areas with a lifeguard if possible. Don’t drink alcohol if planning to swim. Keep a constant eye on children. Exercise caution when diving into pools and lakes.
Foodborne illnesses: With warm weather, food safety becomes extra important. Don’t let a bout of foodborne illness ruin the day. To avoid the development of bacteria, keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Avoid cross-contamination by separating raw and cooked foods. Use a meat thermometer to ensure meats are cooked to a safe temperature. Handwashing is a must after handling raw meat. Wash all fruit and vegetables. If in doubt, throw it out.
Heart attacks: Hot temperatures can strain the heart. Stay hydrated but talk to a health care provider about how to do so safely if diagnosed with heart disease. Take medications as prescribed.
Finally, avoid getting a sunburn. Apply sunscreen frequently, wear sunglasses to protect the eyes and consider wearing a hat, Dr. Zifferblatt said. In the event of an emergency health situation, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Emergency care is available at ThedaCare hospitals in Appleton, Berlin, Fond du Lac, Neenah, New London, Shawano, Waupaca and Wild Rose.
“Even if you follow all the safety rules, accidents may still happen,” Dr. Zifferblatt said. “Our teams are here for you in the event of an emergency.”
People seeking options for summer health care needs are encouraged to visit https://thedacare.org/get-care-now/ for more information.
