Common Summertime Injuries

cartoon of people in the summer heat

How to Avoid Common Summertime Injuries

Make it a priority to learn to avoid common summertime injuries to make it the best one ever! Summertime brings warm weather and plenty of fun outdoor activities like cookouts and pool parties.

While we are all looking forward to a fun-filled summer; we cannot overlook the fact that ER visits increase during the summer months.

So, before you drink one more beer, run that extra mile, dive into your pool or take a nap in the sun, we advise you to read on.

thermometer outdoors

Top Three Common Summertime Injuries

We’ve asked our doctors to list the most common reasons why people end up in our Emergency Centers during the summer months and what can be done to prevent them. Here is what we learned.

Heat-Related Illnesses

A 2015 study from researchers at Brown University found that heat-related injuries significantly increased once the thermometer hit 75°F.

According to a study from the CDC, some 2000 Americans die every year from weather-related causes. Of these, 31% are due to excessive natural heat exposure.

Emergency Room visits for heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe and include the following:

1. Heat-Stroke

The most severe heat-related illness occurs when the body temperature rises rapidly, and the sweating mechanisms fail preventing the body from cooling down.

Should You Go to the ER?

Heat-stroke can cause death or permanent disability if the patient is not rushed to the ER immediately.

man and woman fanning themselves

2. Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to extreme loss of water and salt, usually due to excessive sweating.

Should You Go to the ER?

You should come to the nearest Altus Emergency Center for evaluation and treatment if you suspect you or someone you know is suffering from heat exhaustion.

man sweating after outdoor excercises

Know Where to Go in Case of an Emergency.

3. Rhabdomyolysis

This medical condition is associated with heat stress and prolonged physical exertion, which causes the rapid breakdown, rupture, and death of muscle.

Rhabdomyolysis can cause irregular heart rhythms, seizures, and damage the kidneys.

Should You Go to the ER?

Yes, anyone suffering from rhabdomyolysis needs immediate emergency medical care.

How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

  • Be mindful of the temperature outdoors
  • Stay hydrated
  • Avoid being in the sun for long periods
  • Avoid being outdoors between 2-4pm the hottest hours of the day
sweating woman on a running track

Swimming-Related Injuries and Drowning

Our doctors see a fair amount of swimming-related injuries during the summer.

The injuries are mostly caused by:

  • Diving into a body of water
  • Boating accidents
  • Drownings

How to avoid Swimming-related injuries and Drowning

  • Supervise children when they are in or around a pool, lake, river or ocean
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Wear a lifejacket
  • Always jump into a body of water feet first
  • Look for underwater hazards before going into the water
  • Stay in designated areas
  • When possible, choose to swim in areas where lifeguards are present

Should You Go to the ER?

All drowning victims need immediate emergency medical attention.

Any swimming injuries which result in deep lacerations need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

Victims who have lost consciousness due to a swimming-related incident need to be taken to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.

a boy in a safety vest by the water

Sports Injuries

During the summer months, people usually practice more outdoor activities from playing frisbee, to taking up a sport such as football, baseball, or soccer.

Because of this increase in activity, our ER doctors see a lot more sports injuries during this time of year.

ER visits from sports injuries vary in type and severity, some are just mild sprains which will heal with rest, others involve torn ACL’s or even a broken bone.

How to Avoid Sports Injuries

  • Warm up and cool down before and after any physical activity
  • Be mindful of your physical condition, listen to your body and don’t overdo it
  • Wear protective gear
  • Learn the right techniques to play any sport
  • Rest when tired
  • Stay hydrated

Should You Go to the ER?

You should come to the nearest Altus Emergency Center for evaluation and treatment in case of:

  • Concussion
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Broken bones
  • Dislocated shoulders
  • Torn muscles or tendons
man and woman stretching outdoors

The key to enjoying your summer is caution, nothing puts a damper on your plans like an accident and an unexpected trip to our emergency room. Therefore, always take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

But don’t worry, Altus Emergency Centers will always be here to take care of you and your family in case of a medical emergency.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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