As a Level I trauma center, Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is committed to providing the highest level of care for traumatic injuries. However, we believe that prevention is always better than cure. Data shows that the three leading causes of injury are falls, motor vehicle crashes and motorcycle crashes.
Here are some essential tips from our experts to help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy.
Avoid distractions while driving
Since motor vehicle and motorcycle accidents are leading causes of injury, it’s very important to remain alert while you are driving. Adjust your mirrors, seat and GPS before you start driving. Make any necessary changes while the car is stationary.
Remember, don’t use your phone to text, browse or engage on social media while driving.
Obey speed limit and seat belt laws
There are speed limits and seat belt laws for a reason – to keep everyone safe! They aren’t a suggestion; they are the law. Stick to the posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to road conditions and traffic flow.
Remember to come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights – rolling through stop signs and red lights are dangerous and illegal.
Turn signals are used to inform other drivers of your intentions. It’s important to always signal before turning or changing lanes.
Understand your personal risk for falls
Data shows that falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. Given these statistics, NGMC’s trauma injury prevention coordinator collaborates with community partners to provide fall prevention events utilizing evidence-based programs to educate individuals on fall mitigation strategies. Here are some tips to keep your home safe:
- Clear pathways: Remove clutter, loose rugs and electrical cords from walkways.
- Install handrails: Place sturdy handrails on stairways and in bathrooms.
- Adequate lighting: Ensure all areas of your home are well-lit, especially staircases and hallways.
- Non-slip mats: Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen to prevent slips and falls.
Stop the Bleed
Did you know that the #1 cause of preventable death after injury is bleeding? A bleeding injury can happen anywhere. There are three quick techniques to help save a life before some bleeds out, also known as the ABC’s.
- A – Alert. Call 911.
- B – Bleeding. Identify the source of the bleed.
- C – Compression. Compress to stop the bleed.
Sign up for a Stop the Bleed class to learn how to become a lifesaver. In addition to fall prevention, the team at NGMC also provides Stop the Bleed training to community members. To sign up for a class, click here.
Learn more
The trauma team at NGMC has a responsibility to promote injury prevention. The team collects injury data to determine the causes of injury that are most prevalent in the community, as well as other data to determine which patient populations are at highest risk for injury.
For more information about NGMC’s level I trauma center, visit nghs.com/trauma.