As summer brings more people outdoors for activities such as swimming, cycling, and traveling, local emergency departments are seeing a rise in traumatic injuries. According to Bethlehem Emmons-Post, DMSc, PA-C, TPM, UHS Trauma Program Manager, “Summer is when visits to the emergency room for traumatic injuries peak. We see a far greater range of accidents than other times of the year, affecting people of all ages. Already, this summer has been busy for the Emergency Department and Trauma team – underscoring the need for mindfulness and safety.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that traumatic injury remains the leading cause of death for individuals under 44 years old. Many of these injuries can be prevented through increased awareness and education.
The UHS Trauma Services and Injury Prevention team studies how injuries occur and works to prevent them by offering educational programs throughout the community. These programs address topics such as fall prevention and safe practices while biking or driving.
UHS Trauma Program members provide training at various locations including schools and senior centers. One example is the “Stop the Bleed” program, which teaches skills necessary to control severe bleeding—skills that can be crucial in emergencies ranging from power tool accidents to vehicle crashes.
The trauma team collaborates with organizations like the Broome County Traffic Safety Education Program to teach proper use of child safety seats. This instruction is especially important during summer travel when families may take longer road trips.
Working with Binghamton Parks and Recreation Department, the team educates residents about train track safety. The training emphasizes using designated crossings and reminds participants that walking on tracks is trespassing.
Helmet fitting events are held at local schools in partnership with Broome County Traffic Safety Officer. Dr. Emmons-Post states: “Everyone – especially children – should be wearing a helmet at all times when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, roller blades or skates, e-bikes or anything else of that nature. It is important for adults to lead by example, ensuring everyone is protected and practicing safety during these activities.”
To further reach the public, UHS Trauma Services participates in community events such as health expos and upcoming gatherings like National Night Out in Johnson City and Truck Day at Discovery Center of the Southern Tier.
Swimming pool safety remains a key concern during summer months. Dr. Emmons-Post advises: “It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to always have a designated adult watching the pool, especially when children are swimming. Many drowning incidents occur at large gatherings – often, when ‘everyone’ is watching the pool, it means nobody is. Be proactive, and make sure young swimmers are always being supervised.”
UHS Wilson Medical Center serves as a New York State-designated and American College of Surgeons (ACS)-verified Level II trauma center—a designation requiring compliance with over 100 ACS standards for optimal trauma care.
The UHS Trauma Program operates around-the-clock to provide care for traumatic injuries or illnesses using advanced technology and expertise.
Organizations interested in hosting injury prevention education can contact UHS Trauma Services for more information.
