Holiday injury prevention tips
The holiday season should be filled with celebration, connection and family traditions. Yet every year, thousands of people experience preventable injuries while decorating, cooking, traveling or enjoying winter activities.
At Victoria ER, we provide concierge-level emergency care for adults and children 24/7 with little to no wait. Our board-certified ER physicians are here to treat any holiday emergency quickly and comfortably so you can get back to what matters most.
Common holiday injuries
Holiday activities come with more risks than many people expect. Recognizing the most common injuries can help you approach seasonal tasks with greater awareness and caution.
Slips, trips and falls
Falls often occur while carrying boxes, climbing ladders, hanging lights or walking on wet or uneven surfaces. These accidents can lead to sprains, broken bones, head injuries or back pain.
If you or a family member slips or falls, visit Victoria ER right away for fast imaging, comfortable private rooms and immediate evaluation from board-certified ER physicians.
Kitchen and cooking-related accidents
Holiday cooking increases the risk of cuts, burns and scalds. Handling heavy dishes, sharp knives and hot cookware can cause injuries that worsen quickly without proper medical attention.
Victoria ER provides advanced wound care, burn evaluation and on-site imaging if deeper injuries are suspected.
Injuries from holiday decorations
Broken ornaments, electrical cords, extension wires and unstable trees can all contribute to lacerations, punctures or electrical injuries. Even seemingly minor injuries can become serious if ignored.
At Victoria ER, we treat cuts, puncture wounds, electrical burns and other decoration-related accidents with minimal wait.
Sports and outdoor activity accidents
Many families enjoy football games, outdoor play and recreational sports during the holidays. These activities often lead to sprains, strains, fractures and head injuries.
Our team at Victoria ER offers X-ray, CT, ultrasound and full-service emergency care for all activity-related injuries.
Risk factors for holiday injuries
Understanding why holiday injuries increase can help families stay prepared and aware.
Weather conditions and slippery surfaces
Cold weather, rain and early morning frost can make porches, sidewalks and outdoor steps slick. A study in the Journal of Safety Research reports that nearly all weather-related injuries are caused by slips or trips on ice and snow.
Even a short walk to the mailbox can pose a risk. If a fall occurs, Victoria ER is ready 24/7 with rapid imaging and comfortable private exam rooms.
Fatigue and stress during the holidays
Travel, hosting, gift shopping and schedule changes can lead to exhaustion. Fatigue increases the likelihood of mistakes, accidents and slower reaction time. Whether an injury happens in the kitchen, driveway or living room, Victoria ER provides fast, compassionate care for adults and children.
Alcohol consumption and impaired judgment
Holiday gatherings often involve drinking, which can reduce coordination and awareness. This combination can lead to falls, cuts, vehicle accidents and mishandling of equipment. Victoria ER’s board-certified physicians are equipped to evaluate and treat alcohol-related injuries at any hour.
Inexperience with tools or equipment
People may only use ladders, power tools or heavy decorations once a year. Lack of experience can increase the risk of accidents. If an injury occurs, Victoria ER offers immediate care with little to no wait and advanced diagnostic tools on-site.
Top holiday injury prevention tips
Simple habits can reduce the risk of accidents while you decorate, cook, wrap gifts or enjoy time with family. Keep these safety reminders in mind throughout the season:
- Use safe decoration and lighting practices by checking for damaged wires, keeping cords out of walkways and using stable ladders with care.
- Stay alert in the kitchen and keep pathways clear when handling sharp tools, hot cookware or heavy dishes.
- Prevent slips and falls indoors and outdoors by using proper lighting, wearing secure footwear and clearing clutter or tripping hazards.
- Handle gifts, tools and sports equipment carefully to avoid sprains, strains or impact injuries caused by heavy packages or unfamiliar gear.
What to do in case of a holiday injury
If an injury occurs, come to Victoria ER immediately. Our full-service emergency room is fully equipped and ready with board-certified ER physicians, advanced imaging and registered nurses available 24/7.
Patients are typically seen within five minutes and treated in private, comfortable exam rooms designed for both adults and children.
Staying safe and healthy during the holidays
A little preparation can help families enjoy the season with fewer interruptions.
Planning ahead for safety
Make a list of tasks and complete them in steps rather than rushing. Planning reduces stress and lowers the chance of injury.
Encouraging safe habits in family and friends
Modeling safe behavior around ladders, kitchen tools and decorations helps children and adults stay more aware and cautious.
Mental and physical health tips to reduce accidents
Adequate sleep, hydration and mindful pacing can reduce fatigue-related accidents. Staying grounded and balanced during the rush of the season helps everyone stay safer.
Visit Victoria ER for all holiday emergencies
Whether it’s a fall, burn, cut, holiday-related injury or something more concerning, Victoria ER provides concierge-level emergency care around the clock. We offer little to no wait, private exam rooms, advanced imaging and a calm, family-friendly environment.
Victoria ER is located at 6703 N. Navarro St. in Victoria, TX, and is open 24/7, including nights, weekends and holidays. Walk in anytime, use our optional online check-in tool to let us know you’re on your way or contact our team directly.
