MEDICAL MONDAY: ER visits spike during spring break in Walton County

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Emergency room staff at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast are preparing for their busiest time of year as spring break brings thousands of visitors to the Florida Panhandle — and with them, a rise in medical emergencies.

The ER typically treats about 85 patients a day, but during spring break that number has climbed as high as 125, according to emergency physician Dr. Leif Skjerli.

Water safety a top concern

Skjerli said drownings are among the most serious risks during the season.

“Drownings unfortunately increase around this time of year,” Skjerli said. “So, we just want people to be really vigilant when they’re in the water.”

He said beachgoers should pay close attention to flag conditions — double red flags mean stay out of the water. He also recommended swimming near lifeguards, using the buddy system, and swimming sideways — not against the current — if caught in a rip current.

Pool safety is also a concern, particularly for young children.

“Little kids like to run around and like to have fun,” Skjerli said. “You just want to make sure the pools are well secured and the gates are closed and that you’re keeping an eye on everyone coming and going.”

Traffic crashes, heat also drive ER volume

Increased traffic during spring break contributes to more crashes involving e-bikes, scooters, golf carts, and cars, Skjerli said.

“Those ebikes and escooters can kind of zip in pretty quickly, so make sure you’re checking twice before you back up,” he said. “And then, obviously, wear your seatbelt.”

Sun exposure and dehydration are additional drivers of ER visits during the season.

“People want to spend as much time as possible outside, but with that comes increased risk, increased heat, increased risk of dehydration,” Skjerli said. “So, make sure you’re staying hydrated. We also recommend using a lot of sunscreen.”

New urgent care option in Walton County

Ascension Sacred Heart recently opened a new urgent care facility in Walton County. Doctors say it is the best option for minor illnesses and injuries, and can help visitors avoid longer wait times at the ER.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app.