ED docs warn against Oz Day "stupidity"

Media release from the AMA (WA)

WA's emergency doctors have issued a warning to Australia Day revellers: Don't end up "celebrating" with us!

"The combination of hot weather and traditional Aussie Day drink fests could be a recipe for disaster in many cases," said AMA (WA) Vice President Dr Dave Mountain, an emergency physician.

"We've seen some horrific accidents this year caused by drunkenness and drugs and we don't want Australia Day marred by unnecessary injuries or fatalities."

Dr Mountain said people who felt compelled to celebrate with a big day out should plan ahead and give some thought to the consequences of reckless and irresponsible behaviour.

"For a start, if you are drinking and driving you are in a high risk category of causing an accident; alcohol is a factor in about one in every five fatalities on our roads," he said.

"The sensible thing is to go easy on the drinks, pace yourself and appoint a designated driver or arrange alternative transport for getting home."

Dr Mountain said the hot weather made it essential for people to drink plenty of other fluids between alcoholic drinks and to take sensible precautions against the sun.

Some other tips:

• Eat regularly throughout the day.
• Don't swim if you're drunk.
• Douse yourself with water if you're feeling overheated (wet tee-shirts are a sensible idea).
• If you need to have a doze, pick a shady place.
• Watch out for your mates.

"The last thing our over burdened emergency departments need is more patients being rushed to hospital because of their own stupidity," said Dr Mountain.

"Have fun but don't ruin the day for yourself and others."

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