After the September hurricane caused extensive damage in the Carolinas, the hospital’s ER physicians say they noticed surges in injuries and illnesses related to the storm, including heat-related sickness, falls and infections.
“We’ve seen a lot of heat-related illnesses associated with people working outside for long hours, getting tired and then potentially falling off roofs as well,” ER physician De Winter, MD, told WECT.
One patient was doing yardwork related to the hurricane damage when he contracted a rare bacterial infection from a scrape on his leg. The bacteria that caused the infection only lives in salt water, the patient’s family said.
Snake bites, electrocution and food poisoning are other post-storm dangers that have affected ERs.
More articles on patient flow:
Program to cut unneeded ambulance runs making some strides in DC
UMass Memorial Medical Center to end select outpatient services
Silver Cross Hospital, local paramedics team up to treat chronically ill patients at home
