Sunshine Coast Health doctors and nurses are bracing for a busy time in emergency departments, after treating more than 45,000 people last summer.
Typically the busiest time of the year, the Christmas and New Year period usually brings a spike in major injuries and drug and alcohol related presentations.
The trauma service team expects to see a rise in injuries caused by falls, road traffic and e-vehicle incidents, alcohol misuse and accidents in the ocean or waterfalls.
“This Christmas we know that people will be getting gifts of e-vehicles – e-bikes and e-scooters – and we are seeing more and more of them on the road, however we’re seeing more and more very serious injuries associated with these vehicles,” service clinical nurse Esther Bentley said.
“So our advice would be always follow the legal requirements for e-vehicle use, drive in the appropriate places, obey conditions and always, always wear a helmet.”
The team also urged people to pay close attention to surf conditions and avoid jumping into unfamiliar waterholes where depth and hazards are unknown.
Falls are another year-round major trauma presentation that peak over the holidays.
“People are up ladders, hanging up decorations, Christmas lights, cleaning up gutters in storm season again, so make sure your equipment is safe, sturdy, on a stable surface and, if you have a spotter, use them.”
Nambour General Hospital emergency department medical director Dr Daniel Bitmead said the festive period puts extra pressure on emergency departments, which continue to manage all the usual year-round medical concerns.
“Emergency departments are for life threatening conditions, so we think about chest pain, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, people who are drowsy or dizzy or other concerns that might actually be life threatening.”
The Caloundra Minor Injury and Illness Clinic saw just under 8000 people last summer, with viral upper respiratory tract infections being the top presentation.
When unsure of the best place to go for care, people can call 13HEALTH (13 43 25 48) 24 hours a day to speak with a registered nurse, who will discuss symptoms and point people in the right direction. In an emergency, people can call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Sunshine Coast Health also asked the community to be kind and patient with staff.
“Our staff are working really hard over the Christmas period; they’re foregoing time with their families so they can look after you and your families so please be nice to them if you do come pay us a visit,” Dr Bitmead said.
If someone has a life-threatening injury or illness, call Triple Zero (000) or go to an emergency department. But if they’re unwell and just aren’t sure what to do, there are other health care options available including: a GP or a community pharmacy, the Minor Injury and Illness Clinic in Caloundra, and a nurse-led walk-in clinic in Gympie.
