Medical specialists in South Africa are urging families to prioritise safety during the school holidays and long weekends, as emergency departments brace for a surge in preventable injuries and accidents.

Doctor Sashen Murugan, an emergency medicine specialist at Netcare N1 City Hospital, warns that whilst holidays provide the perfect opportunity for relaxation and fun, they also present unique risks that can quickly turn celebrations into medical emergencies.

“Long weekends and times of leisure can be unpredictable, and some of the common reasons people present to emergency departments during these times vary widely, from holiday misadventures like falls, slips and sports injuries to burns, sudden illnesses and unexpected medical symptoms,” Murugan explained.

Murugan, who previously served as head of emergency medicine at the Level I trauma centre at Netcare Milpark Hospital for eight years, has recently returned to the Western Cape alongside fellow emergency medicine specialist Doctor Mideé Potgieter, a Fellow of the College of Emergency Medicine of South Africa.

With many families spending time near beaches, swimming pools and other bodies of water during the holiday period, the specialists emphasise that constant vigilance is essential.

“It is essential not to let our guard down for a moment and to be especially vigilant about supervising children around water. Drowning can happen unbelievably quickly without any sounds of distress,” Murugan stressed.

Potgieter highlighted that emergency departments regularly see an increase in sports-related injuries during holiday periods, including twisted ankles, broken bones, dislocations and muscle injuries. Kitchen accidents and cuts from broken glass are also particularly prevalent during celebrations.

“Even relatively small wounds can become a serious problem if they are not professionally assessed, cleaned and disinfected, and stitched if necessary,” she explained, adding that any deep wound, heavy bleeding, or contaminated injury requires immediate medical attention.

Animal bites present another concern, with Potgieter stressing that if there’s no clear vaccination record for the animal involved, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis must begin within 24 hours.

The specialists also emphasise road safety, with Murugan warning that driver distraction and impaired driving remain leading causes of preventable accidents. All passengers should wear seatbelts or use appropriate car seats.

Braai-related burns are another common holiday injury in South Africa. Murugan advised positioning fires well away from flammable materials and never using petrol or accelerants to start fires.

“Hot liquids, ovens, stoves and hot pans are also frequently the cause of burns in children around the home. We must never allow ourselves to be distracted or become careless around these potential burn risks,” he warned.

The medical team also reminds families about sun protection, recommending regular application of high SPF sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours between 10am and 3pm, and maintaining proper hydration by drinking water regularly whilst avoiding caffeine and alcohol.

To assist with emergency preparedness, the hospital recommends downloading the Netcare App, which includes emergency call and geolocation functions to help minimise response times, even in remote areas.

The emergency department at Netcare N1 City Hospital operates a 24-hour service with a person-centred, evidence-based approach that encompasses clinical excellence alongside compassionate care.

“At any time, parents can visit our emergency department for peace of mind when children are unwell. For fevers, dehydration or anything else unusual, we are here to assist and provide medical reassurance,” Murugan concluded.