Abu Dhabi: Injuries from recreation and auto accidents, burns from fireworks, or catching sudden influenza are some of the most common medical conditions that doctors expect to see during the long Eid break.
When Gulf News spoke to doctors in emergency departments across the Emirate, some of the expected medical conditions seen among UAE residents from previous years during the Eid holidays included: allergic reactions, broken bones, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fever among adults and children, head injuries, medication overdose, motor vehicle trauma, poisoning, seizures, abdominal pain, burns and wounds, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Dr Murray Van Dyke, Chairman of Emergency Department at Shaikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), urges parents not to let their children play with fireworks while celebrating Eid.
Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles should also be safely buckled up while on the road, said Van Dyke. "Drive defensively and carefully, while avoiding stunts or speeding with vehicles," he said.
Consumption of food and fluid should also be in moderation. "People should take advantage of the long break and eat properly, exercise, get enough rest, relax and try to reduce stress. Don't behave such that you feel you need another holiday to get over the holiday you just had," he said.
"Children must not be allowed to ride unrestrained in autos and must be closely supervised by a responsible adult. Safety in the kitchen is also vital, as cuts and burns are a constant hazard that must not be overlooked; also be very careful with lighting gas stoves as the opportunity for an explosion always exists," said Van Dyke.
Dr Jehad Awad, Head of the Emergency Department at Al Mafraq Hospital told Gulf News that majority of patients arriving to the hospitals emergency department, have either been in a road accident while commuting to another Emirate or are children who have been injured while playing in public parks.
