Oklahoma University Health told News 9 that the 100 deadliest days of summer are in full swing, adding that prevention is key.
The 100 deadliest days of summer fall from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
“In summertime, I really look at the risk to families in two large buckets. One is accidental trauma,” said Dr. Azeemuddin Ahmed, OU Health Chief of Emergency Medicine.
Dr. Ahmed said he sees everything from falls to bike accidents to water injuries.
“Those are the type of things that we worry about because children are out more. They’re not in school. So, the risk for traumatic injury goes up quite a bit in the summer.”
The other bucket he said he sees is environmental injuries.
“So, these are bee stings and other insect stings; heat illness — other types of illnesses or injuries that you can get from the environment — because again it’s hot. People are out. They may not be staying hydrated,” Dr. Ahmed continued.
He shared that he sees many different kinds of patients in the emergency room in the summer months.
“It can be the entire spectrum. So, it can be everything from cuts and bruising and sprains to broken arms and legs all the way up to significant trauma, which may be head injuries,” Dr. Ahmed explained.
Some have found ways to give back amid the most dangerous summer months.
Our Blood Institute recently hosted a blood drive to get more O-negative blood after falling to less than a one-day supply.
“My dad has O-negative, and so he was always asked to donate because he’s the universal donor, and when they found out that I had O-negative, they kept calling,” said Joshua Juoni, a blood donor. “I feel like it’s my responsibility or duty to help out when I can, and It’s an easy way to help out.”
Following a blood donation, blood is separated into components so that donations can help multiple patients.
To get involved, click here.
