“Physics doesn’t take a holiday”: Alfred Emergency and Trauma specialists issue holiday message
A significant increase in 2023 of trauma presentations to The Alfred’s Emergency and Trauma Centre has doctors urging Victorians to take care leading into the busy holiday season.
Admissions to Australia’s busiest trauma service increased by more than 13 per cent in 2023 when compared with figures for the same period last year (January to November), as November particularly saw the largest spike in road trauma admissions to the hospital in more than two years.
Alfred's Deputy Director of Emergency Services, Dr Rohan Laging, said Christmas and New Year is always busy for his team but that he hopes the early start to the season is not a sign of more to come.
“The team is always prepared for the holiday spike, but we are hoping things may be different this year,” Dr Laging said. “It’s easy to get lost in all the rush and put safety second but accidents like vehicle collisions or falls still happen. Physics doesn’t take a holiday when you do."
“People look forward to spending time with family and friends at this time of year, and there is sometimes a perception there is less of a chance that things may go wrong, but it’s no different to any other time.”
Like many of his colleagues, Dr Laging often finds himself particularly impacted by the trauma that he sees over the holiday period.
“As ED physicians we are designed to be quite ‘Teflon’ so we can get on with helping those in front of us,” Dr Laging said. “But, every now and then, you’ll care for a patient that reminds you of someone you know and love, and you carry that home when you finish your shift."
“At best, a trauma around the holidays is an inconvenience,” added Dr Laging. “At worst, it can be life changing."
“Please take care over the holidays. Enjoy time with friends and family, but take it slowly, avoid taking risks and plan ahead so I don’t see you this Christmas.”
