Hospitals: Hudson Valley ERs flooded with traumatic injuries over Memorial Day weekend

Westchester Medical Center and Mid-Hudson Hospital say a surge of traumatic injuries were treated over the holiday weekend.

News 12 Staff

May 26, 2020, 5:25 PM

Updated 1,605 days ago

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News 12 is told the sudden onset and severe injuries typically rise during summer months, which is why doctors refer to May through August as ‘trauma season.’
The wave of injuries serves as a sign that some families feel more comfortable leaving their homes during the quarantine.
"The majority of our patients that come to our trauma center do so as a result of car accidents more than anything else and we are seeing more outdoor activity bicycle accidents,” says Emergency Department Assistant Director at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital Dr. Mark Papish.
The National Trauma Institute reports traumatic injuries are the leading cause of death among ages 1 through 46.
However, with many people in that age range staying home due to the coronavirus pandemic, doctors were unsure if they’d see a surge this year.
Dr. Ivan Miller, director of Emergency Medicine at Westchester Medical Center says safety should always be a top priority.
"We're all worried about whether people being more active will lead to an increased number of COVID-19,” says Dr. Miller. "Vigilance needs to be practiced.”
PHOTOS: Your 2020 Memorial Day Photos
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