Avoid post New Year accidents - NHSL

By Carol Aloysius and Isuri Kaviratne

Although there was a decrease in the number of patients, treated and admitted to the Accident Service during the New Year festivities from April 12 – 16, compared to the previous year, organisers of New Year sports activities which continue even after the Avurudu celebrations, should also take precautions to minimise risks, hospital authorities warned.

The authorities said organisers of New Year festivals should take precautions to minimise risks of falls from grease poles, tug-of-war, pora pol and health issues arising from marathon races.

“All participants at marathon races should be medically examined to ensure if they are fit to take part in the races.

Intense heat conditions can lead to dehydration and extreme fatigue,” Co-ordinator for Training, National Hospital, Ms Pushpa Ramya Zoysa told the Sunday Observer. “Wear loose cotton clothes, stay in the shade and, drink plenty of fluids,” she advised organisers and spectators.

She said the Accident Service had treated 938 patients up to yesterday - a decrease by 8 percent compared to last year, where 1,021patients were admitted during the same period. Admissions (430) had also decreased marginally.

However, patients who had to be transferred from other hospitals to the Colombo National Hospital (139) increased by 10 percent over the previous year. Domestic accidents and cracker injuries showed a decrease by 27 percent and 44 percent compared to the corresponding period last year, while violence-related injuries increased by 6 percent along with a one percent increase in sports injuries.

The most significant increase in accidents this year, however, was road accidents.

“We treated 226 patients, two of whom died between April 12- 16, an increase by 17 percent,” Zoysa said adding that the majority had not taken precautions while driving.