Salem Hospital’s Emergency Department saw more than 67,000
patients last year; of those, almost 600 were trauma
patients—the
people who have the most severe injuries.
 According to Salem Hospital’s Trauma Registry, the summer months
of June, July and August 2003 brought in a variety
of trauma cases, with motor vehicle accidents and falls the greatest
causes.
You can avoid the most common summer injuries with some simple—and potentially
life-saving—actions.
Motor vehicle accidents
“Motor vehicle accidents represent the most common incidents
of trauma year round,” says Rhonda Wood, Salem Hospital’s
Trauma Coordinator, who also noted a complicating factor: “In
our ER, drugs and/or alcohol contribute to 40% of those
accidents.”
Wood advises us to make proper choices when we drive, including the following:
-
IF YOU DRINK, DON’T DRIVE!
- Wear seat belts. Air bags have reduced
injuries nationwide, but they work best when coupled with both shoulder
and lap belts.
- Put children in the proper age-and weight-specific
child-safety seats.
- Don’t drive when tired or sleepy.
Preventing falls for children
Wood noted that during summer months, her trauma nurses
see an increase in serious falls for young children—from balconies
and from second-story windows—“because it’s hot,
the window is open, and very young children don’t realize
the danger.”
Follow these tips to keep your child safe:
-
Don’t rely on screen doors and windows to protect your child from
falls.
- Stay with your infant or toddler at all times when he or she is
on top of a changing table or other elevated surface.
Preventing falls for seniors
“
For seniors, falls are a very real problem,” as they venture
forth in the warm weather, says Wood. “Situations are often
complicated by poor vision and balance, coupled with other medical
and physical conditions contributing to their increased risk.”
These tips can help keep you or someone you care for safe:
- Be aware of uneven ground, obstacles and slippery surfaces.
- Know your
limits.
- Be proactive by exercising to stay physically strong, which
can prevent many falls.
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
- Learn the side effects
of medications that could lead to loss of balance and coordination.
Learn More
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Okay, we know the all-day softball game
at the family reunion was too much fun to skip, even
though you didn’t do your warm-ups.
And, yes, we agree, sometimes steps just
pop up out of nowhere when you’re walking.
When you experience an accident or injury, let us help you.
Urgent Care
For minor emergencies, like sprains, strains and cuts,
stop by the hospital’s Urgent Care Center for less expensive
treatment than the Emergency Department. Our Urgent Care Center
is located just three blocks east of Salem Hospital, at the corner
of 12th and Leslie SE. Open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a
week. 503-561-5554.
Emergency Care
In the past year we’ve upgraded both of our emergency departments
to better serve you. Our ERs are staffed around the clock and prepared
to handle your medical emergency.
Salem Hospital ER
Located at the north end of the main hospital, 665
Winter St. SE, Salem. 503-561-5373.
West Valley Hospital ER
550 Clay St., Dallas. 503-623-8301.
Rehab Therapy
Physical therapy is often essential when you’re recovering from
an injury. For more information about our programs, call Salem Hospital
at 503-561-5986 or West Valley Hospital at 503-623-7305.
Learn More
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Except in life-threatening situations, hospital emergency care for
children may be delayed until parental permission is
received, unless treatment is authorized in advance.
Take a few minutes to insure that your child will receive emergency
treatment if injured while separated from you.
Call
us at 503-561-5373, and we’ll send you an emergency-treatment
permission form, which can be used in the ER at both Salem Hospital and West
Valley Hospital.
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