While South Africans gear up for the joys of the summer holidays, emergency rooms are bracing for the seasonal rush of accidents and health scares that often accompany the festive fun. To help keep celebrations safe, experts are sharing practical tips and advice to prevent common holiday emergencies.
“With the excitement of holidays and the long-awaited relaxation of year-end festivities, it can be tempting to let your guard down or become distracted from basic medical and safety precautions,” warns emergency medicine specialist Dr Steve Feris. “Small precautions can save lives, and the holidays or after-exam parties are no exception. Accidents tend to happen when they are least expected, but many can be prevented.”
“In our hot summer climate, dehydration and heatstroke are real dangers we can’t ignore. For drivers, it’s essential to stay well hydrated and take regular breaks to keep their brains alert on the road. Never leave anyone or any pets in a parked vehicle, not even for a few minutes at a rest stop, because the temperature inside the car rises to dangerous levels that can very quickly become a medical emergency,” Dr Feris says.
“Be sure to carry your prescribed medications with you when travelling, and ensure you have a sufficient supply to last in case your trip home is unforeseeably delayed. For people with a chronic health condition that requires them to stay away from certain foods or activities, the holidays can be fraught with temptation, so please take extra care to monitor and control your condition, and seek medical attention early if you notice something out of kilter,” he advises.
Dr Feris says hand and food hygiene become even more important when we are travelling. “Roadside snacks and eating from unfamiliar establishments can also expose us to gastrointestinal infections or ‘tummy bugs’, which can range from uncomfortable and inconvenient to potentially serious, requiring hospital care.
“While travelling, it’s safer to stick to light snacks such as crackers and foods that are less likely to support microbial growth. Avoid heavy meals on the road or anything that may have been prepared in questionable conditions or made in bulk earlier without proper temperature control,” he says.
Safety tips for safer roads
According to Netcare 911’s regional operations manager, Shaun Paul, road safety begins long before you hit the highway – starting with a thorough vehicle service and safety check. “Be sure to check you have a warning triangle, emergency torch, and an up-to-date first aid kit for every journey,” he advises.
“Driver fatigue and drunk driving are two major and preventable contributors to road accidents. Stop for regular breaks and rest to keep your eyes fresh and your reflexes sharp. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and if you are a passenger, insist on driver sobriety – it could save your life,” he says.
Seatbelts or approved age-appropriate car seats are essential for everyone travelling in a vehicle. Remember, children must never stand or sit on someone’s lap in a moving car. “Keep your eyes on the road at all times and be vigilant of other road users. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by mobile devices while driving – leave phone calls, messaging and navigation to others or pull over somewhere safe before looking at your phone,” Paul says.
Words: Netcare
