University Hospital warns: Take New Year's Eve risks seriously!

University Hospital warns: Take New Year's Eve risks seriously!

New Year's Eve is just around the corner and many people are looking forward to the new year. But there are also significant risks associated with this, especially when dealing with fireworks. In and around Schweinfurt reports that the Würzburg University Hospital has reinforced teams ready in several specialist clinics for New Year's Eve. The reason: A high volume of patients is expected, as emergencies such as serious hand and facial injuries, irreparable eye damage and alcohol poisoning are common consequences of improper behavior.

Prof. Dr. Tim J. von Oertzen, medical director of the UKW, makes it clear how important it is to use fireworks and alcohol responsibly. Experts particularly warn against bulb rupture, which can lead to blindness. Last New Year's Eve, two patients required surgery due to serious eye injuries. The ENT clinic is also sounding the alarm: Every year, many people complain about loud trauma and ruptured eardrums, which can result in permanent hearing damage.

Hazards and injury-related emergencies

The darkness and slippery winter conditions not only lead to full emergency rooms, but also increase the risk of falls and traffic accidents. The risk of hypothermia when drunk outdoors should also not be underestimated. The UKW therefore appeals to only use certified fireworks and not to relight unexploded bombs. “Don’t drink and drive” is the slogan to avoid accidents with vehicles, bicycles or e-scooters.

The safety of children should be a particular focus. As the Children's Health Foundation and Professor Dr. As Berthold Koletzko shows, New Year's Eve celebrations with children can be dangerous. Injuries caused by fireworks are not uncommon, and children and young people in particular are often the ones who suffer. Burns, hand and eye injuries, and loss of fingers can result if safety measures are ignored.

Security measures for a carefree celebration

• Kinder über die Risiken von Feuerwerkskörpern aufklären.
• Gebrauchsanweisungen aufmerksam lesen und beachten.
• Feuerwerkskörper niemals in der Hand anzünden oder allein verwenden.
• Immer einen Sicherheitsabstand einhalten.
• Blindgänger nach 15 Minuten in Wasser legen und ordnungsgemäß entsorgen.
• Feuerwerkskörper sollten nur im Freien abgebrannt werden.
• Wunderkerzen und Böller sollten mit Vorsicht gehandhabt werden.
• Bei Verletzungen: Ruhig bleiben und gegebenenfalls den Notruf wählen.

The professional association for orthopedics and trauma surgery (BVOU) adds to the warnings. A current campaign running on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok highlights the serious consequences of improper use of fireworks. Injuries to the hands, eyes and ears are common and often preventable. BVOU calls on children and young people in particular to be kept in mind when handling fireworks and to strictly adhere to safety guidelines.

So if you're planning to celebrate the New Year with friends and family, remember these tips and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Stay responsible and enjoy the New Year with a good hand!