Summer is also ‘trauma season’ for St. Charles trauma caregivers; here are some safety tips to avoid the ER

For caregivers in the St. Charles Trauma Program, Memorial Day is not just the kickoff of summer – it’s also marks the beginning of the busiest time of year for the department, often referred to as trauma season.

The onset of warm weather brings an increase in recreational activities, which means an increase in trauma patients needing emergency services in Central Oregon.

Dr. Annie Onishi says there are some key steps individuals can take to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

• Wear a helmet while biking or riding on any motorized vehicle.
• No driving, biking, boating, etc. while intoxicated.
• Understand the rules of the road.
• Be safe with fireworks – or better yet, just watch the big show and don’t set off any yourself. 

“In general, if you wouldn’t do something in front of your parents or your kids – don’t do it,” said Onishi. “We hope to see you on the river or the trails and not in the Emergency Department.”

St. Charles cares for approximate 2,300 trauma patients every year across its four hospitals, including injuries caused by falls, vehicle crashes, recreational accidents and more. St. Charles Bend is a Level 2 trauma center, the only one east of the Cascades. The average trauma patient stays 5.5 days in the hospital and receives care from more than 200 caregivers during that time.