Interviews: New Year’s Eve Health & Safety With Dr. Anne Toledo, Urgent Care Chief -12/27/24
PORTLAND, Ore. (Dec. 27, 2024) ~ As New Year's Eve approaches, emergency rooms prepare for an uptick in patients, and doctors brace for the chaos that often accompanies the holiday. From alcohol-related accidents to injuries caused by fireworks or festive mishaps, health care professionals know that the celebrations can quickly turn into medical emergencies.
"While the holidays are a time for celebration, they can also bring about unexpected injuries and accidents," says Dr. Anne Toledo, Chief of Urgent Care for Kaiser Permanente in Portland, Ore. “From alcohol-related accidents to injuries caused by fireworks or festive activities, we always see a surge in patients on this night and we want our community to be prepared and stay safe while ringing in 2025."
Top tips for a safe, healthy New Year’s Eve
1. Keep safety in mind with alcohol:
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious risk during the holiday season, and alcohol-related crashes increase significantly around New Year’s. Dr. Toledo urges partygoers to designate a sober driver or use a ridesharing service to avoid putting themselves and others in danger.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to accidents and health issues such as alcohol poisoning or falls. Dr. Toledo encourages moderation and the importance of drinking water between alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.
2. Prevent accidents and injuries at home:
In the rush to celebrate, accidents can happen in unexpected ways -- whether it’s a slip in the kitchen or an injury from party decorations. To prevent injuries at home, make sure to clear walkways of obstacles, secure heavy items, and take extra care when using kitchen appliances or sharp tools. Simple steps like keeping your space organized and being aware of your surroundings can help prevent many accidents.
3. Watch out for fire safety hazards:
If you’re planning to light candles, hang lights or cook a big meal, it’s essential to keep fire safety in mind. Never leave candles unattended, and ensure your smoke alarms are functioning. For those hosting a large gathering, double-check that all electrical cords and decorations are set up safely and have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
4. Prepare for Health Emergencies:
While most of us hope the night will pass without incident, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected medical situations. Dr. Toledo recommends keeping a first aid kit handy and knowing where the nearest urgent care center or emergency room is located.
5. Be mindful of fireworks safety:
While fireworks are a fun way to celebrate the arrival of the new year, they also carry risks of burns, eye injuries, and other accidents. Kaiser Permanente advises using only legal fireworks, keeping them away from flammable materials, and wearing safety gear when handling them. Always follow local safety guidelines, and never light fireworks indoors or near crowds of people.
As we count down to 2025, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and to prioritize safety, so we can all start the new year with good health and happiness.
Interviews available
Dr. Anne Toledo, Chief of Urgent Care for Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for Zoom interviews with media on Monday, Dec. 30 from 9-11 a.m. Contact Karen Vitt to schedule.
Dr. Toledo is prepared to discuss:
- Most common New Year’s Eve injuries seen at urgent care
- Health and Safety tips for New Year’s Eve
- When should someone call 911?
- When to go to urgent care vs. when to go to the emergency room
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