Sunshine Coast Health doctors and nurses are encouraging locals and holiday makers to stay safe over the summer holidays, as they prepare for an influx of emergency department presentations.
Typically the busiest time of the year, the Christmas and New Year period usually brings a spike in major injuries, and drug and alcohol related presentations.
The Trauma Service team expect to see a rise in injuries caused by falls, road traffic and e-vehicle incidents, alcohol misuse and accidents in the ocean or waterfalls.
“This Christmas we know that people will be getting gifts of e-vehicles – e-bikes and e-scooters – and we are seeing more and more of them on the road, however we’re seeing more and more very serious injuries associated with these vehicles,” Trauma Service Clinical Nurse Esther Bentley said.
“So our advice would be always follow the legal requirements for e-vehicle use, drive in the appropriate places, obey conditions and always, always wear a helmet.”
The team also urges people to pay close attention to surf conditions and avoid jumping into unfamiliar water holes where depth and hazards are unknown.
Falls are another year-round major trauma presentation that peak over the holidays.
“People are up ladders, hanging up decorations, Christmas lights, cleaning up gutters in storm season again, so make sure your equipment is safe, sturdy, on a stable surface and if you have a spotter, use them.”
Nambour General Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director Dr Daniel Bitmead said aid the festive period puts extra pressure on emergency departments, which continue to manage all the usual year-round medical concerns.
“Emergency departments are for life threatening conditions, so we think about chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, people who are drowsy or dizzy or other concerns that might actually be life threatening,” Dr Bitmead said.
Last summer more than 45,000 people presented to Sunshine Coast Health emergency departments at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Nambour General Hospital, Gympie Hospital and Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital.
The Caloundra Minor Injury and Illness Clinic (MIIC) saw just under 8,000 people last summer, with viral upper respiratory tract infections being the top presentation.
When unsure of the best place to go for care, people can call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 48) 24 hours a day to speak with a registered nurse, who will discuss symptoms and point people in the right direction. In an emergency, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
As always, Sunshine Coast Health is asking the community to be kind and patient with staff.
“Our staff are working really hard over the Christmas period; they’re foregoing time with their families so they can look after you and your families so please be nice to them if you do come pay us a visit,” Dr Bitmead said.
