Wellness Watch – Trauma Awareness

Today, more Americans survive serious injuries than ever before. That is due largely to advancements in trauma care and strides made in developing optimal trauma protocols and expanding the trauma system. While Phoebe is on a path to earning official certification as a trauma center and is building a new trauma and emergency center on our main campus, our experts treat trauma patients virtually every day.  

Click here to learn more about our trauma team and watch this discussion about trauma care with Phoebe’s Medical Director for Trauma Services Dr. Leon Dent.

ROADWAY SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

The number one cause of trauma injuries and deaths is motor vehicle crashes. In 2020, nearly 41,000 people died in crashes in the United States, and injuries from crashes resulted in more than 2.1 million emergency room visits.  

Most crashes are preventable. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a wealth of information about motor vehicle crashes and advice on how to stay safe on the road here. The CDC has identified eight “Danger Zones” for teen drivers and developed advice for parents.

KEYS TO SAFE TEEN DRIVERS

►Danger Zone #1 – Driver Inexperience
Crash risk is highest in the first year a teen has a license.
What Parents Can Do

  • Provide as many hours of supervised driving practice as possible
  • Practice on a variety of roads, times of day, weather conditions and traffic conditions
  • Stress the importance of continually scanning for potential hazards

►Danger Zone #2 – Driving with Young Passengers
Crash risk goes up with teens drive with other teens or young adults.
What Parents Can Do

  • Do not allow young passengers with your teen driver.  If that’s not possible, limit your teen to one young passenger.

►Danger Zone #3 – Nighttime Driving
More fatal crashes occur at night, and the risk is even higher for teens.
What Parents Can Do

  • Practice nighttime driving with your teen
  • Make sure your teen is off the road by 9 or 10 pm for at least the first six months of licensed driving.

►Danger Zone #4 – Not Using Seat Belts
The simplest way to prevent crash deaths and injuries is to buckle up.
What Parents Can Do

  • Require your teen to wear a seat belt every time they’re in a vehicle

►Danger Zone #5 – Distracted Driving
Distractions increase your teen’s risk of being in a crash.
What Parents Can Do

  • Don’t allow activities that take away your teen’s attention from driving.

►Danger Zone #6 – Drowsy Driving
Young drivers are at high risk for drowsy driving, especially in the early morning or late at night.
What Parents Can Do

  • Know your teen’s schedule and be sure they are well-rested before getting behind the wheel.

►Danger Zone #7 – Reckless Driving
Research shows teens lack the experience, judgment and maturity to assess risky situations.
What Parents Can Do

  • Make sure your teen knows to follow the speed limit and to adjust speed to conditions.
  • Remind your teen to maintain enough space between the vehicle ahead.

►Danger Zone #8 – Impaired Driving
Even small amounts of alcohol will impair your teen’s driving ability.  Many other types of legal and illicit drugs can also impair a teen’s ability to drive safely.
What Can Parents Do

  • Be a good role model.  Never drive after drinking or while impaired by any substance.
  • Reinforce the message with a Parent-Teen Driving Agreement.

Get much more information about safe driving here: https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety 

FALL PREVENTION

Each year, more than 3 million Americans who are 65 or older are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.  More than 800,000 of them end up being admitted to a hospital.  The keys to reducing those numbers are recognizing risk factors and taking preventive measures.

Fall Risk Factors

  • Lower body weakness
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Difficulties with walking and balance
  • Medication that may affect balance
  • Vision problems
  • Foot pain or poor footwear
  • Home hazards such as uneven steps or clutter

Fall Prevention Steps

  • Talk to your doctor to evaluate risk and review medicines
  • Do strength and balance exercises
  • Have an annual eye exam
  • Make your home safer
    • Get rid of things you could trip over
    • Add grab bars around tub/shower and toilet
    • Put railings on both sides of stairs
    • Make sure your home has lots of light

Get more information about injury prevention here: https://www.cdc.gov/injury

Many resources for trauma survivors are available here: http://www.traumasurvivorsnetwork.org

VIOLENCE PREVENTION

Violence is also a major cause of trauma injuries. In 2020, there were 45,222 firearm-related deaths in the United States. Males account for 86% of all firearm deaths and 87% of nonfatal firearm injuries.

Learn more about firearm safety and firearm violence prevention here: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/firearms/fastfact.html