You may be off call, but patients still face these 4 holiday emergencies in astounding numbers

No one wants to spend their next holiday in the ER, but the holiday season is unfortunately a prime time for injuries and other health issues.

MDLinx spoke with Francisco Torres, MD, the health and wellness director at Florida Spine Institute, about his worst holiday emergency as a doctor. 

A holiday party gone wrong

“Last year, while celebrating Christmas at a charming hotel in Puerto Rico, I was in an unexpected and urgent situation that demanded immediate attention,” Dr. Torres tells MDLinx.

“Our Christmas party was in full swing, with laughter and joy filling the air. Suddenly, a panicked voice shattered the festive atmosphere, calling for a doctor. My heart raced as I saw my good friend’s 5-year-old daughter, who had been happily munching on a pastry just moments before. Her face was now flushed, and she was struggling to breathe—a clear sign of a severe anaphylactic reaction.”

“With a sense of urgency, but also a calm demeanor, I rushed to her side, assessing her condition. It was crucial to remain composed, to think clearly, and [to] act decisively. With the help of a few others who also managed to keep their composure, we were able to stabilize her until professional help arrived. The little girl was soon transported to a nearby hospital and received the necessary medical attention. She was released after a thorough examination and treatment, and we resumed our holiday gathering.”

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is easily encountered when surrounded by a buffet of holiday parties and potlucks. There are several steps, from preparation to storage, during which food poisoning can strike.

Simple steps like washing one’s hands with soap and water and keeping “hot food hot and cold food cold” can mean the difference between happy holiday memories and a trip to the ER.^[] And always remember tried-and-true food safety wisdom, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Accidents and injuries

Accidents can happen any time, but holiday cooking, driving, decorating, and drinking increase the risks of getting seriously hurt.^[] These eye-opening stats may make you think twice before rushing through the festivities:

• Car accidents: More than 600 people in the United States die in fatal car accidents each year during the short period between Christmas Day and New Year's Eve.

• Decorating: Around 160 people in the US are hurt daily during the holidays when decorating, sometimes suffering broken bones or concussions.

• Falls: Slippery winter conditions can mean dangerous falls on the way to or from holiday gatherings.^[]

• Puncture wounds: Knives and other sharp tools used for cooking and opening gifts lead to a spike in lacerations during the holidays.

• Toys: Almost 150,000 kids age 14 or younger may end up in the ER each holiday season due to toy-related injuries, especially from non-motorized scooters.

Other holiday hazards include fires from overloaded electrical sockets, burning candles, or dry Christmas trees.^[] In addition, muscle-strain injuries commonly occur from lifting heavy packages.

Cardiac events

Heart problems are a top reason for ER visits year-round. The holidays, however, present unique risks for those with underlying heart conditions for several reasons, including:

• Changes in sleep, exercise, and eating habits

• Higher intake of sodium, sugar, and alcohol

• Holiday-related stress

• Lax self-monitoring and medication adherence^[]

Respiratory illnesses

As all doctors know, viruses that cause respiratory problems, such as flu, RSV, and COVID-19, reach an all-time high during the winter months. Experts attribute this surge to large holiday get-togethers, increased travel, and spending more time indoors.^[]

Vaccines and antiviral medications can help keep members of vulnerable groups from ending up in the hospital. Patients with asthma or other underlying conditions should be encouraged to anticipate the risk of respiratory viruses throughout the holiday season.