Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick has united with Queensland’s largest hospital to urge the community to take extra care this Christmas as frontline staff prepare for one of their busiest times of the year.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick has united with Queensland’s largest hospital to urge the community to take extra care this Christmas as frontline staff prepare for one of their busiest times of the year.

With less than 10 days to go until Santa comes calling, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital has revealed the top 10 reasons Queenslanders wind up in Emergency Departments over the festive season.

RBWH Emergency Department specialist Dr Bill Lukin said ED presentations jumped over the Christmas-New Year period with alcohol and stress contributing to preventable accidents.

“A hospital trip is not how anyone should spend the holidays, but as people slip into holiday mode, a momentary lapse in concentration is all it takes to end up in an ED,” he said.

“It’s a time of year when people do more, consume more alcohol and take more risks than they normally would, and often all three at the same time.

“As a result we see an increase in a range of presentations to our EDs from serious road accident trauma to minor sprains, cuts, bruises and bites.”

Last Christmas Day, ED staff at RBWH treated 148 people, and New Year’s Day was even busier with 217 presentations.

“The scope and severity of injuries varies from people who’ve had too much to drink and fallen into campfires or sustained broken bones or cuts falling off bikes; people with adverse reactions to drugs or eye injuries resulting from using power tools,” Dr Lukin said.

“Warm summer weather can also lead to heat-related presentations, particularly for the elderly or those with chronic medical conditions, so it’s important to stay hydrated.

“We also ask the community to be extra careful when it comes to cooking and camping. Our burns team was kept busy with 36 patients admitted to the unit with injuries that could have been avoided such as scalds and burns from hot oil splashes, throwing petrol or metho on to camp fires or BBQs and exploding gas bottles.”

Dr Lukin said ED staff also saw an increase in mental health presentations over the holidays.

“While most of us think of the holidays as a time for celebration it can be a lonely time for people experiencing severe stress, anxiety or mental illness and may trigger depression and increase the risk of self-harm,” he said.

“It’s important we remember to look out for those who are vulnerable.”

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick said many of the injuries that land people in ED could be avoided.

“Alcohol remains one of the biggest contributing factors to ED presentations, either from intoxication or alcohol-related injuries, so if you’re having a few drinks, think twice about everything you do,” he said.

“Don’t drink and drive, take extra care around water or fire and put your safety – and that of loved ones – first.”

Mr Dick also reminded holiday-makers to keep emergency departments for emergencies.

“Hospitals should be a last resort, not a first resort,” he said.

“Our ED’s don’t exist to treat sore toes, help dig out splinters or manage coughs or colds, so if your medical problem isn’t urgent, call your doctor, call 13 HEALTH or call the After Hours Home Doctor Service.

“Our ED staff do a superb job under pressure, consistently delivering a high standard of care during such a busy period.

“But this festive season, we’re urging Queenslanders to take care of themselves and their loved ones to make sure they don’t meet our ED staff by accident.”

Silly season top 10:  

1. Alcohol intoxication
2. Chest pain
3. Mental health issues
4. Low abdominal pain
5. Sprains and broken bones; falling off ladders, skateboards, bikes and scooters, slipping around pools
6. Trauma – car accidents
7. Drug addiction
8. Gastro
9. Heat stroke/exhaustion and extreme sun burn
10. Animal bites and stings

Don’t meet us by accident – top tips for holiday health

• Moderate alcohol consumption, particularly on New Year’s Eve. Don’t drink and drive or text and drive.
• Prepare and store foods properly: Don’t leave food in the heat and keep leftovers in the fridge for only a few days
• Ensure Christmas gifts like bicycles and scooters are accompanied by protective gear like helmets and kneepads and are used under appropriate supervision
• Be careful when using new kitchen appliances and power tools, particularly under the influence of alcohol
• Keep a close eye on children, particularly around water
• If using a ladder, ensure another adult is assisting you for safety and that you are not under the influence of alcohol or prescription drugs
• Make sure you have scripts for regular medication filled before you holiday
• On hot days drink plenty of water, minimise physical activity, wear light clothing and avoid alcohol
• Keep an eye on loved ones and neighbours, particularly the elderly living alone

Emergency: People who are experiencing heart or breathing problems or who are in need of urgent medical attention should always attend their local hospital emergency department or call triple zero (000).

Non-urgent: If it is not life-threatening, contact your GP. Access the National Health Service Directory at www.nhsd.com.au to find one in your area.

Health advice: Call 13 Health (13 43 25 84) for medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with Registered Nurses available to give qualified advice.

Mental Health Support: Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support, or beyoundblue.org.au or 1300 224 636 for 24/7 mental health advice and information.