- Bruno Áñez, an emergency room doctor at Ribera Povisa hospital, points out that alcohol poisoning and burns are the most frequent injuries during the night of San Juan.
- To treat a burn, it is essential to move away from the heat source, cool the area for at least 20 minutes, and seek medical evaluation if it affects sensitive areas, is extensive, or presents serious symptoms.
On the occasion of the night of San Juan, Bruno Áñez, the Emergency Room doctor at Ribera Povisa hospital, explains how to act in the face of the different injuries that may occur.
“The most common medical conditions treated on the night of San Juan are acute alcohol poisoning and thermal burns of varying degrees, as well as injuries resulting from assaults or fights. These conditions increase significantly due to the large number of people who celebrate this festival in different towns in Galicia,” explains Dr. Bruno Áñez.
Ialcohol poisoning
Since some people can unfortunately suffer alcohol poisoning, it is crucial to know how to identify it and act accordingly. “When someone has ingested a large amount of alcohol, we must be alert to warning signs such as decreased responsiveness to stimuli, inability to speak coherently, drowsiness, slow or irregular breathing, vomiting with risk of choking, and seizures,” says Dr. Áñez.
Once we determine that the person is unconscious, we must assess their response to stimuli and their breathing. “If the person responds when we speak to them, pinch them, or slap them, we should place them in the recovery position to prevent the risk of aspiration of vomit and secretions. The next step is to stay with them, trying to keep them alert, and call emergency services.”
On the other hand, if there is no response to stimuli, "we must check if they are breathing normally and if they do not respond and are not breathing, seek help, alert the emergency services and start cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers as indicated by the professionals until the arrival of health personnel," says the Emergency Department doctor at Ribera Povisa.
Thermal burns and smoke inhalation
Unlike sunburns, whose injuries appear later and are generally first-degree, "fire burns cause direct damage to tissues during contact, so the injuries are immediate and can lead to third-degree burns," warns Dr. Áñez.
“In the event of a burn, the first thing to do is move away from the heat source and ensure your safety. Then, remove objects such as jewelry and clothing not stuck to the skin, and cool the affected area with running water for at least 20 minutes while seeking medical assistance.”
Furthermore, as the doctor indicates, “burns affecting more than 1% of the body surface area, sensitive areas such as the face, neck, genitals, or joints, or those occurring in children, the elderly, or people with chronic illnesses require medical evaluation.” If you have any doubts, the doctor emphasizes that it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Although not as frequent, smoke inhalation also poses a significant health hazard. "Smoke inhalation is a medical emergency that can lead to symptoms ranging from vomiting, confusion, and dizziness to coma and death. This occurs due to the inhalation of combustion gases, such as carbon monoxide, which prevents oxygen from binding to hemoglobin, and cyanide, which blocks the metabolic activity of cells,” states the doctor from the Emergency Department at Ribera Povisa Hospital.
How to enjoy San Juan safely
The night of San Juan is a great celebration to enjoy with friends and family. It's best to avoid alcohol, and if you do drink, always in moderation and in a safe environment.
“We can enjoy bonfires with great caution, keeping in mind that fire is always a dangerous enemy. Special mention must be made of fireworks; they should always be left to the professionals, used in secluded areas, and with consideration for the most vulnerable who may suffer the consequences of the noise. And of course, always with respect for others, in a festive atmosphere, avoiding conflicts and fights so that witches, sorcerers, and unpleasant problems will flee,” concludes Dr. Áñez.
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