Ahead of the Easter weekend we’re warning of the seasonal increase in medical emergencies that we see at this time of the year with more people getting out and about, meaning more life-threatening incidents occur.
Our ‘Spring Surge Appeal’ highlights that as the weather improves and the daylight hours increase, we see a doubling in the number of patients injured in certain medical emergencies. Road traffic collisions involving cyclists and motorcyclists, DIY-related accidents in the home and garden, and burns from bonfires and BBQs all rise at this time of year.
Our Medical Director, Doctor Duncan Bootland, explains: “Every spring we see an increase in the number of people, becoming seriously injured in certain types of incidents.
“This includes cyclists and motorcyclists who lack the protective encasing of a car in the event of a road traffic collision. It also includes people injured falling from heights such as ladders at home who may not have the safety measures found in workplaces or public buildings. Similarly, lighting a fire or barbeque at home doesn’t have the same safeguards as in a professional setting and can lead to adults or children receiving serious burns. We also see people with serious burns as a result of unknowingly throwing flammable containers onto bonfires from activities such as seasonal shed clear outs.”
KSS is committed to its vision of an end to preventable loss of life from medical emergencies and by raising awareness of these potential seasonal dangers is aiming to encourage everyone to take simple precautions to keep themselves, and others, safe. The appeal is also aiming to raise the vital funds needed to ensure that, should the worst still happen, KSS can keep flying and saving lives – keeping more families and loved ones together.
Duncan continues: “We hope everyone enjoys the outdoors this spring, but whether you are on a bike, a motorbike, doing DIY or lighting a barbecue or bonfire, please do stop for a moment and think about how you can do it safely. As we come into the spring and summer months, we need the public’s ongoing support to meet the rise in these types of medical emergencies, ensuring we can be there to save lives and provide the very best possible outcomes.”
Keen cyclist Sam Resouly, from Surrey, was seriously injured in a road traffic collision just 400m from his home when a van turned across in front of him. The collision that followed left Sam in urgent need of the charity’s specialist pre-hospital critical care.
Sam recalls: “If I hadn’t been wearing such a good quality helmet, things would have ended very differently. I encourage every cyclist out there to think about safety first. Invest in the very best kit that you can because accidents can, do, and will happen. You can’t stop that. But what you can do is give yourself the best chance of survival by ensuring you have maximum protection.
“What I’ve learned from the whole experience is that life can change in an instant. A beautiful morning cycle can turn into the most challenging day of your life. And that can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time.“
To learn more and support our Spring Surge Appeal, please visit the appeal page.
