March means the beginning of the spring break season. And for hospitals in popular spring break destination cities, that can mean a busy few months.
Among the most common spring break-related injuries and illnesses are:
- Slip and fall injuries
- Alcohol poisoning
- Sun poisoning
- Dehydration
- Car accident injuries
- Balcony fall injuries
To ready for the sometimes crazed March-April spring break season, many hospitals prepare informational brochures about common injuries and the best ways to avoid them. These brochures then are distributed to area hotels, restaurants and other attractions that spring breakers frequent. Social media plays a huge role in dispensing tips and information, as do more traditional publicity routes such as media releases to local media outlets, or prepared public service announcements on television and radio and in local publications.
Hospitals also are making use of their onsite television and digital signage systems to help spread the word and encourage safety among not only spring breakers, but staff and visitors as well. After all, spring break means an onslaught of partiers who can overcrowd the same venues that local frequent, and often drive inebriated on the same roads that drive.
How is your hospital or healthcare facility preparing for spring break? Post your thoughts and ideas on the MDM Healthcare Facebook Fan Page.