Don't let your holiday turn into a nightmare

Summer vacation is a relaxing and fun time for many people, filled with seaside activities and water sports. However, it can also pose some risks. Orthopedics and Traumatology Specialist Op. Dr. Can Hürel warns that water sports, especially those performed outdoors, can lead to serious orthopedic injuries, and offers the following recommendations:

JET-SKI AND BANANA DANGERS "Due to their high speeds, vehicles like jet skis can expose users to significant kinetic energy," said Op. Dr. Hürel, adding: "Speed ​​riding against waves can cause compression (crushing) fractures in the lumbar and dorsal vertebrae due to sudden loads on the spine. Activities like banana riding, on the other hand, can cause fractures even in strong bones like the femur due to the tossing and sudden falls."

WATERSLIDES Op. Dr. Hürel noted that the slides popular at water parks can also cause knee ligament injuries due to uncontrolled water entry. "Especially in people with a history of shoulder dislocations, diving headfirst can trigger shoulder dislocations," he said. "One of the most dangerous is diving from a pier into shallow water. This can lead to serious consequences such as neck fractures and permanent paralysis (paraplegia).

BEWARE OF THESE DANGERS! Op. Dr. Hürel stated that even the sun loungers we use while sunbathing can cause unexpected accidents, saying, "Uncontrolled closing of the backrest, in particular, can lead to finger amputations. Boat decks, stairs, and slippery surfaces are common areas for falls that result in hand and ankle fractures. Careless use of equipment such as winches, ropes, and booms on sailboats can result in crushed fingers, lost limbs, and head trauma. To prevent your holiday from turning into a nightmare, the use of protective equipment, accurate information, obtaining service from reputable businesses, and full compliance with the rules are crucial. Precautions such as gloves, non-slip shoes, a helmet, and a life jacket can prevent serious orthopedic injuries."

CORRECT FIRST AID IS VERY IMPORTANT Op. Dr. Hürel emphasized that in orthopedic accidents that may occur during summer vacation, correct first aid interventions performed until reaching the healthcare facility can significantly reduce the risk of injury, and listed these as follows:

If a spinal injury is suspected, the person should not be moved and immediate help should be sought.

In cases of suspected shoulder dislocation or fracture, the joint should not be repositioned; the arm should be slinged and immobilized. In cases of knee and ankle sprains, the area should be elevated, pressure should not be applied, and swelling should be reduced with a cold compress. In case of finger jamming or severing, the severed part should be wrapped in a clean cloth and carried in a cold environment to avoid direct contact with ice. In case of head trauma, if the person loses consciousness or has complaints such as vomiting or blurred vision, an ambulance should be called immediately.