Top Four Causes of Emergency Room Visits on the Fourth of July

Independence Day is a time for food, friends and fireworks, and while many people celebrate by traveling to the beach or the mountains, one place no one wants to visit is the emergency room. “Each year, we see patients entering our emergency rooms over the Fourth of July due to many of the same causes, and while some injuries are unavoidable, many can be prevented by exercising more caution,” says Biren Juthani, DO, a trauma/acute care surgeon at Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono.

Dr. Juthani outlines the top four causes of ER visits seen throughout the Fourth of July holiday.

Heat strokes are caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and can be life threatening if not treated promptly. “When spending time in the sun, keep an eye out for some of the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, including high body temperature, hot and dry skin without any signs of sweat, headaches, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and weakness,” Dr. Juthani says.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, immediately move to a cooler or shaded location, ideally, near a fan if possible. “You can lower body temperature by applying cool water or cold compresses to the skin, and you should always call emergency services,” he says.

However, it is best to avoid getting to that point, so people should take preventive measures such as staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water, limiting time spent outdoors during very hot and humid days, wearing clothing that is loose fitting to allow for air circulation, taking frequent breaks in cooler indoor environments, and avoiding strenuous activities during peak temperature hours outdoors.

Car accidents and other motor vehicle crashes are more prevalent during holidays because of increased traffic volume and fatigued driving, especially after busy holiday activities and celebrations. “You can’t control others on the road, but you can do your part to keep yourself and your family safe on the road,” Dr. Juthani says. “We always emphasize the importance of not drinking and driving, and, of course, wearing your seatbelt, but you should also plan ahead and allow extra time for potential traffic, get enough rest and observe speed limits and road conditions. Eliminating distractions such as mobile devices, eating and drinking can also help keep drivers focused on the road,” he says.   

Whether it be from grilling, a campfire or fireworks, burns are very common throughout the summer, but especially over Independence Day. 

“It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of the holiday and get distracted, but you should always exercise extreme caution when cooking or spending time around an open flame,” Dr. Juthani says. “Water or a fire extinguisher should be readily available, and fires should never be left unattended.”

It’s no surprise that fireworks injuries are among the most common on the Fourth of July and that the the best way to avoid burn injuries from fireworks is to attend public fireworks displays instead of using fireworks at home. However, for those who plan to set off their own fireworks, Dr. Juthani encourages people to follow local laws and regulations regarding fireworks safety, and to carefully read the instructions and warnings provided with fireworks. “Be sure to maintain a safe distance from lit fireworks, use protective eyewear, light them in an open area, keep a bucket of water nearby in case of any mishaps, and supervise children when handling fireworks,” Dr. Juthani says.

In the event you or someone you know is burned, LVHN provides tips on treating burns. In cases of severe burns, seek treatment at an emergency room.

If the weather is nice, Fourth of July is the perfect time to relax on or by the water, whether it be a pool, river, lake or ocean, but it can also increase the chances of drowning-related incidents. “Always ensure there is constant supervision of children and inexperienced swimmers when spending time near the water,” Dr. Juthani says. “You should always wear life jackets when engaged in water activities, such as boating, and if available swim in designated areas near lifeguards. It’s important to never swim under the influence of alcohol and drugs, and I encourage everyone to learn CPR in the event you may witness a water-related accident,” he adds.

According to Dr. Juthani, “following these simple precautions may not only save you and your family a trip to the ER this summer, but it may also save a life.”

Before going out to celebrate this Fourth of July, visit our list of emergency room locations for the emergency room closest to you.