THE SOUTHERN Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) recorded a 28.3% increase in the number of trauma patients in December compared to the previous months.
said a total of 1,579 trauma patients were catered by their Emergency Department (ED) during the Christmas season, compared to previous months’ total of 1,417.
In a virtual press briefing on Jan. 3, Dr. Alisa Betina Lim, SPMC-Department of Emergency Medicine chief resident, said they treated 1,579 patients during the holiday season compared to the 1,417 in November, for example.
These patients were admitted to the state-run hospital for sustaining injuries, “particularly caused by vehicular accidents due to alcohol intoxication.”
“Expectedly, maraming nag-overindulged during the holiday season. ‘Yung vehicular crash, mataas ang cases whether critical or minor injuries, lalo na those who were intoxicated,” Lim said.
Lim said they accepted an average of 51 patients in emergency every 24-hour shift cycle. In contrast, during the previous months, they typically saw an average of 47 per day. She said most of the individuals they treated were from Davao City.
Nevertheless, she said the Emergency Department already anticipated an increase in patients and so, they responded accordingly. For instance, they increased their bedding capacity by 140-150%.
“As to the never-ending problem of congestion (in ED), we are making sure naman na we handle and see patients, and still give them the right treatment they need,” she said.
Lim urged Davaoeños to celebrate any occasion or holiday in moderation, particularly when they have to go behind the wheel afterward.
“They should seek immediate help and consult if they think they are in an emergency situation,” she added.
