Every year almost 100 million people seek care in the nation's emergency departments. Medical emergencies are unpredictable and unexpected for most of those 100 million people. While some emergencies, such as those from a severe virus or pneumonia, are rarely preventable, other injuries can be eliminated through safety precautions.
"It is tragic to see a patient who has sustained a serious injury from an accident that could have been prevented," says James McEnrue, M.D., attending physician in Emergency Medicine and Director of the Emergency Department at Saint Barnabas Medical Center.
Following are tips to avoid a variety of common emergencies
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More than two million Americans suffer burn injuries each year. When cooking, keep pot handles turned toward the rear of the stove, and never leave then unattended. Do not leave hot cups of coffee on tables or counter edges or carry hot liquids while holding your child. Keep matches and lighters out of children's reach. Prevent scalding by keeping your water heater set at 120º to 125º F; and test water before putting a child in the bathtub.
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Firearms kill more people between the ages of 15 and 24 than all natural causes combined. Be alert for signs of depression. If guns are in your home, they should be kept locked and stored separately from the ammunition.
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To prevent animal bites, teach children to avoid unfamiliar animals and to realize that any animal may bite when frightened, ill or injured. Even pets may bite when startled by sudden noises or disturbed when sleeping or eating. Never leave young children unattended with animals.
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Home safety can prevent accidents. Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors; replace batteries twice a year. Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street so your house can be located in an emergency. Rehearse an emergency evacuation plan and select a meeting place outside the house. Make sure family members know how to use a fire extinguisher and an escape ladder.
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To help prevent accidents with small children, look for dangerous electrical cords or cords from window blinds and put them out of reach. Use child-resistant safety latches and protective plugs for electrical outlets. Never store chemicals or medicines in food containers. Keep toys with small parts and other small objects out of reach.
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Many sports injuries require a visit to the emergency department. Prevent many sports injuries with a 10-minute warm-up routine to prepare your body to deal with physical stress, followed by a 10-minute cool down. Always wear the right equipment, especially helmets and knee and elbow pads for bikes, skateboards and in-line skates.
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Falls cause about 12 percent of deaths for people over age 65. Regular aerobic exercise is associated with reduced risk of osteoporosis and hip fractures. In the home, night-lights reduce the risk of falls. The installation of handrails is also recommended for individuals at risk.
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For those who are handy, safety is vital when making home improvements. Wear appropriate dust masks or a respirator when particles are airborne or chemical fumes are present. Wear earplugs if exposed to loud noise. Use appropriate gloves and hard-toe shoes. Regularly inspect tools, cords, and accessories, and immediately repair or replace broken equipment.
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More than half of all motor vehicle deaths occur at night. More than 39 percent of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related. Running red lights is the leading cause of urban area accidents, causing more than one million injuries every year. About 66 percent of all traffic fatalities annually are caused by aggressive driving behaviors, such as passing on the right, running red lights and tailgating.
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In the United States approximately 10,000 people die each year from food poisoning. Any food can carry bacteria, but meat, poultry and shellfish are the worst offenders. Use special care when preparing or storing these foods. Check dates on food labels, refrigerate raw foods and leftovers promptly, and wash hands and utensils immediately after handling raw foods.
THE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR A VISIT TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AT SAINT BARNABAS
- chest pain, heart attacks, congestive heart failure
- strokes, headache
- pneumonia, asthma, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis
- abdominal pain, kidney stones, gastroenteritis with dehydration
- fever
- vaginal bleeding, obstetrical concerns n minor trauma, sprains, cuts/abrasions, fractures, foreign bodies, ear infection, minor eye ailments
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