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Avoid spending holiday in ER By Philip Jankowski During Fourth of July celebrations this weekend, people should take care to be aware of the common dangers around them. Vangie Barefoot, ER nurse manager at Johns Community Hospital, said Independence Day is a busy day for the hospital’s emergency room. Typical injuries involve fireworks, dehydration and burns from barbecues, Barefoot said. Kids especially tend to get hurt because they are unaware of how dangerous firecrackers and red-hot coals can be. “Children think they’re exciting to look at and don’t think they’re hot,” she said. Lack of water intake is also a problem, with people consuming too much alcohol or soda. Though the ice-cold beverages may seem refreshing, they actually contribute to dehydration, Barefoot said. People suffering from dehydration usually will not realize it until the evening hours, well after the condition has already set in. “Once the afternoon and evening kicks in, it picks up in ER,” she said. “Most don’t realize it until several hours have passed. They start to realize they don’t feel well at all and some don’t understand why they feel that way.” People who are dehydrated will feel a lack of energy, Barefoot said. “They feel washed out. The cells are depleted of water and the body is taking all their energy away from them,” she said. The body will try to conserve as much energy as possible, and may not even allow the stomach to absorb fluids, causing vomiting. Fluids have to be replaced intravenously in order for the body to get to an adequate level of hydration, Barefoot said. The very young and very old are especially susceptible to the risks of dehydration. Barefoot recommended people consume plenty of fluids — water and sports drinks are best — during the day and wear a hat to keep the top of the head covered. A lot of fluids are lost through the top of the head, she said. Drunkenness also can lead to an ER visit. Barefoot said she often sees an increase in alcohol-related falls during a long holiday weekend. She recommended having a responsible party oversee festivities and fireworks just like a designated driver would ensure the safety of friends out drinking together.
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