Fourth of July weekend is the perfect time to settle into a summer season of fun outdoor activities. It also, unfortunately, overlaps with what emergency medical providers call “trauma season,” the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, when hospitals see an increase in critical injuries.
Trevor Crean, DO, is an orthopaedic trauma surgeon at The University of New Mexico Sandoval Regional Medical Center—A Campus of UNM Hospital (SRMC). He specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries like severe fractures, joint damage and torn ligaments. He said trauma season is often his busiest season because more people are outside doing things and that’s when accidents are more likely to happen.
“I’ve had a front row seat in both the emergency room and the operating room over the Fourth of July weekend and during the summer season when things go wrong,” Crean said. “Unfortunately, trauma injuries can happen everywhere. Being here at SRMC opens that door for patients to be able to receive the care they need a little bit closer to home.”
Common Injuries During Summer
Crean said there are some summer injuries he sees more frequently than others, especially those related to motorcycles, dirt bikes and ATVs.
“They’re all really popular here in New Mexico, and they're very fun, but one thing I would never do is ride one without a helmet,” Crean said. “We see lots of injuries from these types of vehicles, and they can be exponentially worse if the patient isn't wearing a helmet.”
Crean said it’s also important to stay within your skill range to avoid injuries.
“I would try to make sure that you're not outside your comfort zone,” Crean said. “Make sure that you're with somebody who is experienced if you're just starting out and not trying to do anything too advanced or go on any trails that are too hard for your skill level.”
Trauma happens everywhere. Being here at SRMC opens that door for patients to be able to receive the care they need a little bit closer to home.
- Trevor Crean, DO, Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, UNM Hospital
He also warns against mixing these activities with alcohol use.
“When you're mixing alcohol with either motorcycles, dirt bikes, or even road bikes, it can be a bad combination,” Crean said. “Alcohol slows down your reaction speed, and it can sometimes change or alter your judgment. So, you might feel a little overconfident that you can take on a harder challenge than you can.”
The same goes for mixing alcohol with Fourth of July festivities, and he recommends leaving the large firework displays to the professionals.
“I've seen enough serious firework injuries that I would never trust myself or any novice with a firework,” Crean said. “Maybe some sparklers, but even those, you have to be careful because you can get seriously burned.”
Crean said he’s had some very severe cases of injuries from patients who were trying to light fireworks. “I've seen patients lose fingers, lose whole hands, need tremendous amounts of reconstructive surgery, because it went off in their hand.”
Trauma Season Tool Box
- Wear a helmet when riding bikes, motorcycles and ATVs
- Use caution with fireworks and leave larger displays to the professionals
- Remember, alcohol can alter judgement and increase risk of injury
What Makes an Injury, “Trauma”?
Crean said orthopaedic trauma injuries vary from minor fractures to cases requiring major reconstructive surgery.
“There are certainly fracture cases where you can be put into a splint or a cast, and might not require surgery,” Crean said. “And other times there are some fracture patterns that require surgery all the time.”
Cases where fractures come through the skin are classified as open fractures. Those can require surgery and are harder to treat, he said. They also increase risk of infection, especially when comorbidities like diabetes and smoking are present.
That’s why Crean said it’s extremely important not to delay care if you are injured, especially if you have pain that does not improve after a day or two with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain medication.
“Delayed care can come back to get you, especially if we're talking about fractures,” he said. “When in doubt, come get checked out.”
With his advice in mind, Crean does want people to have fun this summer.
“Just be safe and try to think ahead,” Crean said. “Summer and Fourth of July can be a fun time, and it should be a fun time to spend with family and friends. Just be smart about it.”
If emergencies do happen, Crean and other care teams at SRMC are ready to help. Click here to learn more about UNM medical services available in Sandoval County.
