Remember to be mindful during summertime activities to prevent injuries

For many of us, summer is when we enjoy our favorite outdoor activities, like swimming, cycling and traveling with our loved ones. However, summer is also the busiest season for visits to the emergency room – from an increase in motor vehicle crashes and bicycling and skateboarding accidents, injuries sustained during yardwork, and swimming pool falls and drowning incidents, summertime activities can lead to serious and even life-threatening injuries.

At UHS, visits to the Emergency Department are on the rise, and this summer has seen an influx of patients brought in as a result of traumatic injuries. “Summer is when visits to the emergency room for traumatic injuries peak. We see a far greater range of accidents than other times of the year, affecting people of all ages,” said Bethlehem Emmons-Post, DMSc, PA-C, TPM, UHS Trauma Program Manager. “Already, this summer has been busy for the Emergency Department and Trauma team – underscoring the need for mindfulness and safety.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic injury is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 44. The good news is many traumatic injuries can be prevented, beginning with increased awareness and proper education and training.

The UHS Trauma Services and Injury Prevention team is continuously studying how injuries happen and how they can be prevented. Throughout the year, the team provides educational and training opportunities to the community, covering a variety of safety topics including fall prevention, bike and driving safety, and much more.

Comprehensive education for a safer community

Members of the UHS Trauma Program work tirelessly at community gatherings, schools, senior centers, and other forums to provide proper training and promote awareness of critical injury prevention topics – such as the “Stop the Bleed” program, which teaches the life-saving skills necessary to stop uncontrolled bleeding. These skills can be critical in response to incidents ranging from power tool accidents to motor vehicle crashes.

Partnering with community members such as the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program, the UHS Trauma team also provide proper education on the use of child safety seats in cars – ensuring that seats are properly fitted, and teaching parents and adult caregivers to safely harness children in the seat. While proper car seat safety is important any time of year, it can prove to be especially important for families planning long road trips for the summer.

With the Binghamton Parks and Recreation Department, the team have given talks regarding safety around train tracks, working to prevent fatalities that can occur due to train-related incidents. This important training reminds everyone that trains can come at any time on any track, to always use designated train crossings when driving or walking, not to assume you will always hear a train coming, and that walking on train tracks is considered trespassing.

The team also travels to local schools with the Broome County Traffic Safety Officer to fit children for bike helmets, which are especially critical for the summertime. “Everyone – especially children – should be wearing a helmet at all times when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller blades or skates, e-bikes or anything else of that nature,” said Dr. Emmons-Post. “It is important for adults to lead by example, ensuring everyone is protected and practicing safety during these activities.”

To further engage with the public, the team regularly attends community events, such as providing information and education on Stop the Bleed at the recent UHS Health Expo at the DICK’S Open. Coming up in August, the team can be found at the National Night Out event in Johnson City, and at Truck Day at the Discovery Center of the Southern Tier, where the team will provide properly-fitted bicycle helmets and educate families about pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Summer safety starts with you

While summer should always be a time for enjoyment, it is critical to be mindful of safety and practice proper injury prevention – and that begins with you. When taking part in your favorite activities this summer, make sure best safety practices are always followed. In addition to car and bike safety, one of the most critical areas where you must keep a watchful eye is the swimming pool.

“It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to always have a designated adult watching the pool, especially when children are swimming,” said Dr. Emmons-Post. “Many drowning incidents occur at large gatherings – often, when ‘everyone’ is watching the pool, it means nobody is. Be proactive, and make sure young swimmers are always being supervised.”

While practicing smart injury prevention is always the first and most important step, it can be just as critical to know where to go should you or a loved one experience a traumatic injury. UHS Wilson Medical Center is a New York State-designated and American College of Surgeons (ACS)-verified Level II trauma center. To earn verification, a hospital must meet more than 100 standards set forth by the ACS for Optimal Care of the Injured Patient – ensuring the best possible care and outcomes for trauma patients.

The Trauma Program at UHS is here for you and your family, 24 hours a day, if you ever need care for a traumatic injury or illness. You can count on our Trauma Team to respond with compassion and expertise, innovative technology and commitment to provide you with the best in diagnosis and treatment.

Organizations and schools interested in hosting injury prevention education are encouraged to contact the team.

To learn more about the UHS Trauma Services and Injury Prevention team, click here.