Summer injury prevention tips from an emergency medicine doctor

From mountain hikes to home improvement projects, summer is peak season for outdoor activity in the Pacific Northwest.

Summer also has a reputation for something else — a surge in injury-related visits to the emergency department (ED).

“Summer brings a noticeable rise in injuries like burns, fractures, head trauma and eye trauma,” says Heather Justice, MD, an emergency medicine doctor and medical director of MultiCare Emergency – Bremerton. “Too often we think, ‘It won’t happen to me.’ But slowing down and taking basic precautions can help prevent many injuries.”

Here are Dr. Justice’s top tips for embracing summer adventure without landing yourself or a loved one in the ED.

Tip 1: Wear a helmet when riding e-bikes or scooters

Electric bikes and scooters can be a fast, convenient way to get around, but they can also cause serious injury — especially when riders skip the helmet.

“Riding e-bikes or scooters without a helmet is extremely dangerous,” Dr. Justice says. “They can easily reach high speeds — 25 miles per hour or more — and people often ride them on roadways, increasing the risk of collisions with vehicles.”

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a 49-fold increase in e-bike riders with head trauma over a five-year period. Head trauma can be fatal or have lasting consequences that affect your ability to think and function.

Even though most states* don’t require helmets for e-bikes or scooters, wearing one can help prevent or reduce the severity of head injuries. Visit the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute for advice on choosing a helmet.

Parents should be especially cautious, as kids and teens are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries from e-bikes and scooters. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children under the age of 16 not operate or ride motorized scooters or bikes.

Tip 2: Never hold fireworks in your hand

Many families look forward to fireworks on Independence Day, but for those who work in emergency departments, it’s one of the most injury-filled holidays of the year.
Nearly 91,000 people visit EDs on July 4 and 5 every year in the U.S., according to the Pew Research Center.

“Fireworks-related injuries can be devasting,” Dr. Justice says. “We see severe burns, permanent vision loss and sometimes the loss of fingers or limbs.”

Fireworks are safest when left to trained professionals, but if you choose to light them at home, keep these tips in mind:

• Always place them on the ground — never hold them
• Don’t try to relight a firework that doesn’t go off
• Wait at least five minutes, then soak in water before disposing

Read more about fireworks do’s and don’ts to keep you and your family safe this summer.

Tip 3: Be ladder-savvy

Outdoor summer projects like painting, cleaning gutters or washing windows come with a common hazard: falls. Ladder accidents send over 80,000 people a year to emergency departments.

“One rule in my household is that no one climbs a ladder alone,” Dr. Justice says. “If something unexpected happens, someone else needs to be there to help or call 911. It’s also important to be realistic about your balance and physical ability.”

The American Ladder Institute recommends following these basic safety steps:

• Wear slip-resistant shoes (avoid shoes with leather soles)
• Inspect ladders for damage or loose parts before climbing
• Place ladder on firm, level ground
• Use the right size ladder for the job — you shouldn’t need to stand on the top rung

Tip 4: Be smart about yard work

Yard work may be routine, but it’s a frequent source of preventable injuries in the summer.

“We see a lot of lacerations related to pruning or weed trimming,” Dr. Justice says. “Lawn mowers can also kick up rocks or other debris that can cause harm, and if something is wrong with the mower, make sure you turn it off before checking underneath.”

Here are a few tips to help reduce your risk of injury:

• Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes; gloves; long pants; and eye protection
• Clear your yard of debris like sticks, rocks or toys before mowing or trimming
• Keep children and pets away while you’re using equipment

Tip 5: Wear a life jacket

From the Spokane River to Lake Washington, the Pacific Northwest is full of waterways ideal for boating, fishing or other activities. Whatever water-based adventure is on your agenda, make sure you grab a life jacket.

Washington state law requires children 12 and younger to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times on boats under 19 feet in length. Anyone being towed by a boat, regardless of age, is required to wear one.

“I’m a stickler about life jackets,” Dr. Justice says. “When you’re on a boat, no matter your age or swimming ability, I recommend wearing one. You never know what’s going to happen out on the water. When it comes to drowning, there are no do-overs.”

Get more tips to keep your family safe near the water.

Tip 6: Wear the right gear for your activity

Many injuries happen because people underestimate outdoor conditions or skip basic protective gear. A few thoughtful choices can go a long way in preventing or lessening the impact of injuries:

Fishing: Wear eye protection to prevent fishhook injuries.

Inline skating and skateboarding: Use appropriate padding, wrist guards and helmets.

Mountain biking: Wear a helmet. Gloves, goggles and protective padding may be appropriate depending on your terrain.

Bicycling and scootering: Wear a properly fitted helmet and closed-toe shoes. Protective padding can help reduce injuries like abrasions.

*Washington state does not require helmets for electric bike or scooter riders, but some cities and counties do. Check with your local jurisdiction.