Category Archives: Trauma

Fireworks Safety Tips

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July Fourth is a fun time to spend with friends and family. We have barbecues, cookouts, and watch fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.

You may want to set off fireworks as part of your Fourth of July celebration, however, it is important to know that all fireworks including Roman candles, bottle rockets, bombs, skyrockets, and other aerial devices are illegal in New York City.

New York State law allows the sale and use of sparklers but limits the types and sizes. They must be handheld or mounted on a base or spike, and be no more than 500 grams of pyrotechnic composition.

However, if you live on Long Island, New York City, or in parts of the Hudson Valley sparklers are banned.

If you do use fireworks in a state, city, or county where they are legal, follow these tips for the safety of yourself and your loved ones:

  • Read and follow all safety information and instructions for proper use.
  • Keep small children away from fireworks.
  • Have a bucket of water or hose ready to extinguish accidental fires.
  • Never allow anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs to use fireworks.
  • Light one device at a time.
  • Never try to relight a device that didn’t light the first time.
  • Only use fireworks away from people, pets, buildings, and flammable materials.
  • Soak all used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.

Fireworks are best left to professionals. If you choose to use fireworks to celebrate Independence Day or other occasions or milestones, confirm the type of fireworks your state and local ordinances allow.

If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Swim Safety

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Summertime is here. That means time will be spent at beaches and pools where we can cool off. Here are some important things to know before getting in the water.

When around a body of water, there is always a risk of drowning. Drowning only takes a moment and often happens in silence. A child or a weak swimmer can drown in the time it takes to send a text, check a fishing line, or apply sunscreen.

Death and injury from drowning happen every day in home pools and hot tubs, at the beach, or in oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, bathtubs, and even buckets.

Here are some facts and statistics on drowning:

  • It is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
  • About 40% of drowning deaths among children ages 5-14 occur in natural water like lakes, rivers, or oceans.
  • More than half of the fatal and non-fatal drownings among people 15 years or older occur in natural waters.

Drowning can also be non-fatal. Non-fatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays. Drowning injuries can cause brain damage and other serious outcomes, including long-term disability.

There are steps that you can take to prevent death or injury. Water safety is key, so being water-competent is imperative.

Here are three components of water competency:

  1. Water Smarts
  • Put a fence around your home swimming pool. It should be at least four feet high, fully enclose the pool, and separate from the house. It needs a self-closing and self-latching gate. All toys that might attract a child should be removed when the pool isn’t used.
  • Know your limitations, including physical fitness, and medical conditions.
  • Never swim alone. Swim with friends or where there are lifeguards or water watchers present. Always wear a life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill. Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket appropriate for your weight, size, and water activity. Floaties, armbands, or water wings do not prevent children from drowning and can easily slip off, especially when kids jump in the water. Water wings can produce a false sense of safety for parents and children.
  • Swim sober.
  • Understand the dangers of hyperventilation and hypoxic blackout.
  • Know how to call for help.
  • Understand and adjust for the unique risks of the water environment such as:
  • River currents.
  • Ocean rip currents.
  • Water temperature.
  • Shallow or unclear water.
  • Underwater hazards, such as vegetation and animals.
  1. Swimming Skills

Swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but over half of U.S. adults have never taken a swimming lesson. Learn how to perform these five skills in every type of water environment that you may encounter:

  • Make sure you can get in and out of the water safely.
  • Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
  • Turn over and turn around in the water.
  • Swim at least 25 yards.
  • Exit the water.
  1. Helping Others

These actions will help your family and loved ones avoid emergencies – and help you respond if an emergency occurs:

  • Closely pay attention to children or weak swimmers in and near the water.
  • Knowing the signs that someone is drowning.
  • Knowing ways to safely assist a drowning person, such as “reach or throw, don’t go”.
  • Knowing CPR and first aid.

 

It is important to be well-prepared when in and around pools and bodies of water. If you or someone you are with are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Tips for Safe Holiday Driving

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Motorists navigate a city street in white out conditions.Many people drive to visit loved ones during the holiday season, making it important for them to exercise caution on the road.

Several potential hazards, such as weather conditions and drunk, rushed, or inattentive drivers, can make travel during this part of the year more dangerous. Some ways that you can manage these hazards and make the roads safer for everyone include:

Having a designated driver: Alcohol consumption (sometimes in large amounts) is common at many holiday gatherings, so it’s essential that everyone who plans to return home by car have a designated driver. Ideally, this person should drink as little as possible during the gathering.  If they choose to drink, some rough estimates for how long they should wait before driving include:

  • 1 hour for each shot of liquor
  • 2 hours for each pint of beer
  • 3 hours for each glass of wine

Remember: if you or your designated driver are too drunk to drive and no one else is available to get you home, you can (and should) use a car service such as Uber to return safely.

Sticking to the speed limit: If you’re stressed about arriving at your destination on time, it can be easy to rush and start driving faster than you should be without realizing it. This increases your risk of getting into an accident and makes the road more dangerous for other drivers around you, as well as anyone traveling in the car with you. Pay attention to how fast you’re driving and stay close to the speed limit.

Check weather conditions before driving: The cold weather that occurs during the holiday season can cause a variety of problems with your car, including icy roads, poorer visibility (if it’s snowing), dying car batteries, and thicker oil that struggles to circulate throughout your car. While you can’t always avoid these issues, it’s still important to be aware of how likely they might be, allowing you to better prepare for (and more easily manage) them if they occur.

If you or any of your passengers are injured due to a car accident, make sure to call 911 right away. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center treats a high volume of motor vehicle collision injuries in New York City each day. To learn more, please call (718) 206-6000.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Cannabis: Driving Under The Influence

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The New York State Office of Cannabis Management states, “Cannabis is legal in New York for adults 21 and older.”

Cannabis or marijuana refers to the dried leaves, stems, flowers, or seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant.  It contains the psychoactive or mind-altering chemical tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD).

Although the use of cannabis is permissible for adults 21 and older, that does not mean it can be smoked or consumed anywhere you want.  Cannabis must be used responsibly and according to law.

According to the NYS Office of Cannabis Management, “Cannabis can be consumed in a private home or at a state-licensed on-site consumption site (coming soon). The smoking of cannabis is prohibited anywhere smoking tobacco is prohibited.”

It is also illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana. There is a direct link between THC blood level concentration and impaired driving. THC can impair important skills needed to drive safely.  It is known to distort perception, and slow motor coordination and reaction times.

In addition to impairing driving abilities, the use of cannabis can have negative health effects. Some of which are:

  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis
  • Impaired memory
  • Difficulty thinking and problem solving
  • Increased heart rate
  • Breathing problems
  • Changes in mood
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Severe nausea and vomiting

Cannabis affects everyone differently. Therefore, it should never be used before driving, operating heavy machinery, or making important decisions. The NYS Office of Cannabis Management also recommends that those who are, “pregnant or breast feeding, have been diagnosed or are predisposed to having a serious mental illness, have a history of respiratory or cardiovascular illness, or are currently taking any prescription medication,” consult a physician before consuming.

To schedule an appointment with a doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Burn Awareness Week: Fire Prevention Safety Tips

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The first full week of February is designated as Burn Awareness Week. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is taking this opportunity to educate the community about ways to prevent burns in the home.

One of the best ways to prevent burns from occurring at home is to prevent fires. Being aware of the causes of residential fires and learning how to avoid these issues.

The biggest culprits for at-home fires are space heaters and cooking accidents. Space heaters are the number one cause of winter fire deaths. They are used commonly in apartments, homes and dorms. Therefore, it is important to know how to properly use these devices.  Here is a guide:

  • Make sure to thoroughly read the directions for every new space heater you buy, as some directions may vary. When purchasing a space heater, look for a certification from an approved source, such as Underwriters Laboratories, the leading independent safety testing organization.
  • Never plug a space heater into an extension cord. Space heaters should only ever be plugged directly into a wall outlet. This is because space heaters generate so much energy, that it can overload the power strip and cause a fire.
  • Make sure the space heater is placed somewhere safe in your home, meaning at least three feet away from other flammable objects, such as loose paper, curtains, furniture, boxes, etc. Space heaters should not be placed on top of carpets, as this can generate too much electricity and cause a burn or fire.
  • Never block an entrance or exit path with a space heater, in the unfortunate situation that a space heater does go on fire, this can prevent you from leaving the site.
  • Never leave a space heater on and unattended, this includes leaving a space heater on when you go to sleep. This is very dangerous and contributes to the majority of fires occurring when people are asleep. Leaving a space heater on and too close to your body can lead to an injurious burn on your body as well.

Cooking accidents are the number one cause of home fires year-round. In fact, 47% of home fires are due to cooking incidents. Here are a few cooking safety tips to help reduce the risk of injury:

  • Make sure you cook when you are wide awake and in the right state of mind to handle sharp items, fire, and gas.
  • Make sure to clean up your stove from grease build up to prevent fires from starting. In the event of a grease or oil fire, water will not eliminate the fire. In these situations, it is best to cover the pot with a lid or large tray and turn off the heat, as water will make the situation worse.

Although space heaters and cooking accidents are among the leading causes of home fires, it is also important to keep in mind the dangers of electrical fires- the third leading cause of fires.  Here are a few precautions you can follow to keep your home safe:

  • Do not use appliance or devices with frayed or cracked electrical cords
  • Do not plug any items that generate heat or cool air, such as a space heater, microwave, and refrigerator, into an extension cord or a multi-plug adaptor. By plugging too many electricity generating items, one runs the risk of overwhelming the outlet and creating a fire. Best practice is to plug these items directly into the wall outlet.

It is important to have a working smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm in your home as 70% of fire deaths have occurred in homes that do not have working carbon monoxide alarms or smoke alarms.  Both devices serve as early warnings in the event there is a fire in your home. The batteries for these items should be changed twice a year. A great way to remember to change the batteries is to do so when daylight saving time begins and ends, change your clocks change your batteries.

If you are interested in having a free fire, burn, or home safety presentation for your group or organization, please contact the Trauma Department, Injury Prevention, at Jdennehy@jhmc.org.

Jessica Dennehy, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Holiday Cooking Safety Tips

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The holidays are a great time to safely connect with family and enjoy delicious, home-cooked food. However, it is important to keep in mind how to cook safely in order to avoid any injuries or emergency room visits.

One of the most common causes of kitchen injuries is burns, which can be caused by picking up a hot pan or dish without using an oven mitt. Burns can also be caused by spilling hot oil when frying food or spilling hot water when boiling food. Be sure to use protective tools when cooking to avoid these types of accidents. Also, when cooking over a stove or any open flame, make sure to never wear loosely fitting clothes. Loose sleeves, shirttails, sashes, can get caught over the flame and cause a fire to break out.

When cooking, be careful not to cut yourself when chopping up vegetables or other food items. Believe it or not, it is actually safer to use a sharp knife rather than a dull knife when cutting. A sharp knife is easier to use in a cutting motion and will allow the user more control. A sharp knife will also avoid the need for using excessive force when cutting, a practice that can lead to loss of control and cause injuries. Always remember to never cut towards your body, but to cut away from your body.

Watch out for slipping in the kitchen as well. It is good practice to keep a kitchen mat under the sink to soak up excess water that may spill over the edge. Water from a pot boiling over on the stove can also lead to a spill. Make sure not to cook barefoot, just in case hot oil spills while cooking or sharp food remains or objects fall to the floor.

Be mindful of food allergies. Make sure that allergy information is shared. Many foods contain tree nuts, shellfish, wheat, and soy, which are common allergens in adults. It is a good idea to place a placard with allergy information on trays to be transparent about ingredients.

Overall, it is a good idea for every household to own a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, fire detector, and carbon monoxide detector during any time of the year. A first aid kit should contain different sized bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, and antiseptic cleaning wipes to clean wounds.

Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!

Jessica Dennehy, Trauma Injury Prevention Coordinator

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Can Your Pet Be A Distraction To You While You Drive?

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There are many known driving distractions that we are warned to avoid while on the road. These include: talking or texting on your mobile device, eating or drinking, attending to personal grooming, or adjusting our vehicle’s radio or navigation system. While it is important to be mindful of each of these potential distractions, there is another type of distraction that doesn’t get as much attention – driving with our pets.

Many people take their dogs or cats in the car with them when they run local errands; others bring them along for long road trips. During these excursions, our pets often have free reign of the vehicle, will place their head out the car window, and in some cases, even sit in the driver’s lap. These activities, while adorable, can pose great danger to not only the operator of the vehicle, but also the other passengers, fellow motorists, and even the pets themselves.

A recent study of individuals who frequently travel with their pets in the car revealed some very startling facts about their behaviors. The survey concluded that 64 percent of drivers admitted to engaging in a potentially distracting pet-related activity, and 29 percent admitted to actually being distracted by their pets. Some of the activities noted in the study included petting or playing with their pets, allowing them to stay in their lap, feeding them treats, and taking photos of them.  The same study determined 84 percent allowed their pets to ride in their vehicle while unrestrained.

To avoid these types of distractions while driving, motorists should consider purchasing a safety device for their dog or cat. There are two types of devices to choose from:

  • Pet seat belts – They are easy to use and work in tandem with your normal seat belt. Check to make sure the pet belt is the right size for your animal. One that’s too big or too small is counterproductive and can cause unnecessary injuries.
  • Pet carriers- Look for a sturdy carrier with ample ventilation and plenty of room for your pet to turn around and stretch out. Also, make sure you secure the carrier so that it stays safely in place if you suddenly brake or get into an accident.


Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma Division warns that driving with your beloved pet in the car doesn’t need to be dangerous. Take some time to make sure you can safely restrain your pet to maximize safety for you and your lovable friend.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Back to School Safety Tips

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The school year has begun and  road travel increases. This can be a dangerous time of year, especially for children.

Many children rely on walking, riding a bicycle, or taking a bus to and from school. Fewer daylight hours can make it harder for motorists to see these young students. Take advantage of the following tips to strengthen your traffic safety knowledge:

Car:

  • All passengers should wear a seat belt.
  • All children should ride in an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat. until the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly (usually when the child reaches about 4′ 9” and          is between eight to 12 years of age).

School Bus:

  • Children should always board and exit the bus at locations that provide safe access to the curb or to the school building.
  • Remind your child to wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.
  • Make sure your child walks where they can see the bus driver (which means the driver will be able to see them too).
  • Remind your child to look both ways to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

 

Walking:

  • Make sure your child’s walk to school follows a safe route with trained crossing guards at every intersection.
  • If your children are young or are walking to a new school, walk with them the first week or until you are sure they know the route and can do it safely.
  • Bright-colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Bike:

  • Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.
  • Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.
  • Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

Following these simple rules can help to prevent accidents and will keep you and children safe.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Bruises – Why We Get Them

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A bruise is a common injury that causes the skin to become discolored. When there is bleeding beneath the surface of the skin it becomes evident as a black and blue mark. Eventually, if the person is healthy, the skin will reabsorb the blood and the black and blue mark will fade. A bruise may hurt at first but the pain subsides usually before the discoloration goes away.

 

 

Bruising occurs more frequently in:

  • Older people because their skin isn’t as thick as it once was.
  • Women because they typically have thinner skin.
  • People who exercise vigorously.
  • People who take anti-coagulating medications such as aspirin.
  • People who use topical or oral cortical steroids bruise more easily because it can make the skin thinner
  • People who use the dietary supplement ginkgo can also cause the skin to bruise more easily because it acts as a blood thinner

People who bruise easily should be checked to see if they have serious medical conditions. This would include having blood clotting issues due to taking certain medications or not having the correct amount of blood clotting proteins in the body. Bruising can also be a sign of physical abuse and this must be followed up with a physician or with the police if it is noticed and there is no explanation as to why it occurred.

Treating a bruise includes using a cold compress, elevating an extremity if it is on an arm or leg, taking acetaminophen for discomfort, and after the initial 48 hours, using a warm compress to help the flow of blood in the area.

While most bruises will resolve on their own, it is important to get medical attention if the bruise has a lot of swelling and pain or if it doesn’t start to resolve in two weeks and is still present after a month. Any bruising of the head or the eye should be followed up with a physician.

You can schedule an appointment with a physician at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Safety Tips for Driving at Night

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The National Safety Council estimates that even though we do only a quarter of our driving at night, approximately 50% of all traffic accidents occur after dark. This leaves many wondering why so many accidents take place at night.

One of the main reasons is that at night, our depth perception is reduced, as is peripheral vision and the ability to see colors. We are also more likely to be more tired at night which can affect our reflexes. People who don’t get enough sleep or who have been working long hours are more prone to having an accident.

Another factor that can affect our ability to drive and see well at night is age. According to the National Safety Council, a person who is older than fifty years of age may need twice as much light to see well as a person who is only 30. Older drivers may also have compromised vision as a result of degenerative eye diseases or cataracts.

There are a few precautions drivers can take to prevent accidents while driving at night. Jamaica Hospital’s Trauma service and the National Safety Council recommends the following:

  • Keeping the windshield clean
  • Making sure headlights are aimed properly
  • Reducing  your speed
  • Turning your headlights on as soon as it starts to get dark so others can see you
  • Increasing  the distance between your car and the car ahead
  • Pulling over if you feel too tired to drive
  • Getting at least seven hours of sleep

Older drivers are encouraged to get annual eye exams to make sure that their eyes are healthy. These annual exams can also see if there are cataracts forming which can impair vision, and can check to see if eyeglass prescriptions are needed.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, please call 718-206-5900.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.