VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Summertime is in full swing, and unfortunately for area hospitals, that means an increase in trauma-related injuries.
Between June and August of last year, there were 863 patients treated at the hospital's trauma center, which is the only Level 1 trauma center in the region.
“There’s actually literature to support this. There is a seasonal variation in what we do. In the summertime months our volume definitely increases,” said Dr. Richard Myers, a Sentara Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon, in a release. “We see a variety of different things. We see an increase in motorcycle accidents, mopeds, and car accidents. Unfortunately, we see an increase in drunk driving accidents during the summertime months.”
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Sentara doctors are reminding folks to take precautions when outdoors and enjoying themselves, as some trauma injuries can have lasting impacts.
"Look before you leap and think about the different risks associated with what you’re doing and how you can maybe do that a little bit safer. Just being aware that these things are out here and people really do get hurt with these activities," Dr. Jessica Burgess, a Sentara trauma doctor and EVMS assistant professor, told News 3 anchor Todd Corillo.
Data from Sentara Healthcare for last year shows there were 14 water-related trauma cases at Sentara Norfolk General between June and August.
