100 Deadliest Days: A Trauma Nurse's Guide to a Safe Summer

As a trauma nurse, I see a definite spike in injuries during the summer months. It's something we in the field call the "100 deadliest days of summer," and it's a very real phenomenon. With kids out of school and everyone spending more time outdoors, traveling, and just generally being more active, we see a significant increase in accidents and injuries that bring people to the Emergency Department. It really kicks off around Memorial Day and doesn't let up until Labor Day.

The Summer Trauma Surge

I want everyone to enjoy the summer and participate in the outdoor activities they love, but it's crucial to be aware of the risks involved and take the necessary precautions to stay safe. We see a lot of drownings, head injuries, and broken bones from things like roller-sports, trampolines, and general sports activities. Firework injuries, heat stroke, sunburns, and ATV and automotive crashes are also common occurrences.

Understanding the Increased Injury Rates in Summer

Summer raises the risk for many injuries and even death. For example, teens are about 25 percent more likely to be in a car crash during the summer. That's especially alarming when you consider that drivers under age 20 are already three times more likely to be in a car crash than older, more experienced drivers.

Taking Action to Prevent Summer Injuries

The good news is that many of these injuries are preventable. By following safety guidelines, wearing the proper safety equipment, and consulting with healthcare providers, we can significantly reduce the number of summer injuries. That's why our Trauma Prevention program at CHI Health is working hard to build awareness about these increased risks.

Community Outreach: Promoting Safe Behaviors

It's not just about discussing the risks, though. You'll see us out in the community, providing bike helmet fittings and hosting safety fairs to encourage safe behaviors. We also share tips on how to keep your family healthy and safe all year round.

And since May is National Trauma Awareness Month, it's a perfect time to share some crucial safety tips from our partners at SafeKids:

Travel Safety: Protecting Your Family on the Road

• Buckling up on every ride is the single most important thing a family can do to stay safe in the car.
• Did you know that 73% of car seats are not used or installed correctly? Before you hit the road, check your car seat.
• Use a booster seat with the vehicle lap AND shoulder safety belts until your child passes the Safety Belt Fit Test.
• Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children. Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute.
• If you’re planning to travel by air this summer, be sure to bring your child’s car seat onto the plane. Check to make sure the car seat is labeled “certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” For babies and toddlers, this is the safest way to travel.
• If you’re visiting friends and family, talk to them ahead of time about being extra careful to keep small objects away from young kids. This includes medications, which can look like candy, button batteries, magnets, small toys, and other objects that are small enough for children to swallow. Also mention the importance of supervision when your kids are around water.

Swimming Safety: Staying Safe in and Around the Water

• Watch kids when they are in or around water, and make sure you aren’t distracted. A Water Watcher card can help designate a responsible adult to keep an eye on kids in the water at all times.
• Teach children to swim with an adult. Older, more experienced swimmers should still swim with a partner every time.
• Swimming aids such as water wings or noodles are fun toys for kids, but are not appropriate to be used in place of a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• A large portion of boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption by both boat operators and passengers. To keep you and your loved ones safe, it is strongly recommended not to drink alcoholic beverages while boating.

Bike Safety: Riding Smart and Staying Safe

• Wear a properly-fitted helmet. It is the best way to prevent head injuries and death.
• Ride on the sidewalk when you can. If not, ride in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible.
• Use hand signals and follow the rules of the road. Be predictable by making sure you ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between cars.
• Wear bright colors and use lights, especially when riding at night and in the morning. Reflectors on your clothes and bike will help you be seen.
• Ride with your children. Stick together until you are comfortable that your kids are ready to ride on their own.

Grilling Safety: Preventing Accidents at the BBQ

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings, out from under eaves and overhanging branches and a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area by declaring a three-foot "kid-free zone" around the grill.
• Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately.

Teen Driver Safety: Protecting Young Drivers on the Road

• Buckle up: every person, every time
• Don’t drink and drive
• Limit the number of passengers in a car
• Don’t text and drive
• Follow the speed limit
• Only drive in the dark after extra practice
• Speak up when any driver is driving unsafely

Let's all work together to make this summer a safe and enjoyable one for everyone.