Trampolines and beer don’t mix and other top tips for the bank holiday weekend

Thursday, May 2, 2019

A doctor in one of Scotland’s busiest Emergency Departments has shared tips on how people can have an enjoyable, and safe, bank holiday weekend well away from any doctors. 

Bank holidays tend to be busy times for hospitals and people are being advised to follow some simple advice. 

Based on personal experience of ‘having worked on too many sunny bank holidays’, a consultant from the Emergency Department at the Royal Alexandra Hospital has compiled some advice. 

Dr Alasdair Corfield Alasdair’s top tips are: 

• Wear a pair of shoes when using a lawn mower  
• Don't ‘help’ light the BBQ with petrol
• Don't attack shrubbery with electric power tools without some eye protection
• Give the trampoline a miss after having a few beers
• If you’re feeling unwell now, seek medical advice before the bank holiday starts

 It’s important if people do become unwell that they consider the most appropriate service for their healthcare needs. 

Local pharmacies can give advice and suggest suitable medication for a range of illnesses and ailments while NHS24 can advise whether additional healthcare support is required by calling 111. 

Minor injuries such as cuts requiring stitches, broken bones, sprains or minor burns can be treated at one of three Minor Injury Units based at the New Stobhill, New Victoria or Vale of Leven Hospitals. 

Dr Corfield said: “Don’t let a day or night of fun become a night with me or my colleagues! 

“The majority of people who come to our Emergency Departments are in genuine need. 

“We will be here ready to treat people who do suffer an emergency or are seriously ill. However, it is important that people do look after themselves, their friends and family to avoid preventable accidents. 

“If people do become unwell and it is not an emergency, their local pharmacy or NHS24 may be able to help and could save an unnecessary trip to the Emergency Department. 

“We want people to enjoy their weekend, and not spend it with us in the Emergency Department if it can be avoided.”