Temperatures soaring above 100 in much of Rhode Island, and many people preparing for a Fourth of July replete with fireworks, beer and wine, backyard cookouts, and crowded beaches – has emergency room docs preparing for what should be a busy weekend.
Dr. Craig Mittleman at Yale New Haven’s Westerly and Lawrence & Memorial Hospitals, says hospitals are likely to see increased emergency room visits for medical emergencies, many of which are preventable,
Taking simple precautions, Mittleman says can avert serious heat illness, burns, drownings and amputations that flood emergency departments during this period.
Adopting straightforward precautions—hydration with electrolytes, shade and air conditioner use, neighbor checks, sober and cautious handling of fireworks, water-safety practices, and prompt response to injuries— can reduce the holiday surge of preventable emergencies.
Last year, nationally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 15 fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. Some 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year, including an estimated 1,300 emergency room treated injuries involving sparklers, which burn at roughly 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Coping with extreme heat
This year, extreme heat and degraded air quality are likely to increase emergency visits. Most at risk, Mittleman says are the elderly, very young, pets and even fit young adults doing heavy work or training.
Lack of acclimatization and heavy sweating cause electrolyte loss, leading from cramps and fatigue to severe, sometimes fatal, heat illness, Mittleman says. Poor air quality (ozone/pollutants) can trigger exacerbations of lung disease during hazy, hot, humid days.
Mittleman says by taking some precautions can prevent heart-related emergencies and deaths. He suggests staying out of peak sun (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), use air conditioning or visit cooling centers, and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
Mittleman also suggests hydrating with water, plus electrolytes (sports drinks or rehydration packets), wearing light protective clothing, using sunscreen, and avoid strenuous outdoor work during peak heat.
Fireworks, burns and water safety
Holiday fireworks and water escapes create separate, frequent emergency risks—blast injuries, severe burns, and drownings.
Illegal or mishandled explosives and sparklers (which burn at 2000 degrees Farenheit) can cause severe burns and amputations. Mixing alcohol and fireworks increases the risk.
Drownings
Invariably drownings are reported at lakes, ponds or streams where lifeguards aren’t present, especially among weak swimmers. Using flotation devices, avoiding alcohol, and always swimming with a buddy reduces risk, Mittleman says.
Immediate first response and when to seek care
Knowing when to treat at home and when to get emergency care prevents complications and saves lives.
For minor burns, cool with cold water/ice, manage pain with over-the-counter meds. Significant burns require urgent bandaging to control bleeding and prompt transport to the nearest emergency room.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles—temperatures inside cars rise rapidly to lethal levels.
Cooling Centers
For a full listing of cooling centers in Rhode Island, visit the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and your local town website. Cooling centers can be found at many senior and community centers, libraries and police stations. Here’s a list of cooling centers as listed on the Emergency Agency site as of 11 p.m. July 2. Others may also be listed at your local community websites.
Little Compton
The Wilbur & McMahon School: 28 Commons Rd- Hours will be posted only when cooling centers are opened. Hours will differ by location.
Little Compton Wellness Center: 115 East Main Rd – Hours will be posted only when cooling centers are opened. Hours will differ by location.
Middletown
Middletown Public Library: 700 W. Main Rd = Mon – Thu: 10 AM – 7 PM; Fri – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Senior Center: 650 Green End Ave – Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Newport
Newport Public Library: 300 Spring St – Mon: 12 PM – 7 PM; Tues – Thurs: 9 AM – 7 PM;
Fri – Sat: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Seamen’s Church Institute: 18 Market Square – Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 4 PM; Sat & Sun 7 AM – 2 PM
CCRI: 1 J.H. Chafee Blvd, Newport, RI – Mon – Fri: 7:30 AM – 4 PM
Portsmouth
Portsmouth Free Public Library: 2658 East Main Road; Mon – Tue: 9 AM – 8 PM; Wed – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM; Sat: 9 AM – 1 PM
Closed on July 3rd & 4th in observance of the holiday.
Portsmouth Multi-Purpose Senior Center: 112 Bristol Ferry Rd.; Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the holiday
Tiverton
Tiverton Public Library: 34 Roosevelt Ave ; Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 8 PM; Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM; Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
