Don't break up spring break with a visit to the ER

For many college students, spring break is the reward for months of study during the fall and winter. As irresistible as it may seem to overindulge in sun and fun, don’t break up the party with a trip to the emergency department.

Dr. Brian Keaton, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), says emergency physicians see many serious injuries during spring break and advance planning and common sense should be as essential to a student’s travel plans as a bikini and a boogie board.

“The fastest way to ruin a good vacation is to overdo it, whether that means excessive sun exposure, sports injuries or overindulgence in alcohol,” said Dr. Keaton. “Every year, emergency physicians treat college students who have left good judgment behind, along with their textbooks.”

So don’t let the pleasure turn into pain:

• If you are under the legal drinking age, don’t drink alcohol. If you are of legal drinking age, drink responsibly, and never combine alcohol with driving, boating or swimming.

• Do not get into a car with a driver who has been drinking.

• The abuse of drugs and other illegal substances is always a bad idea.

• Wear a lifejacket at all times when boating.

• Wear sunscreen with the maximum level of sun protection and plan outdoor activities for before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m.

• Drink plenty of water, especially when in the sun or perspiring heavily.

• Take it easy with athletic activities after an inactive winter and get training from a professional, particularly for water sports such as surfing, waterskiing and scuba diving.

• Swim with a buddy, even if you are very experienced; be aware of any rip tides in your area and learn how to swim out of one should you get caught.

• Get enough sleep – many bad decisions are the result of sleep deprivation.

• The best protection against sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies is abstinence. If you do have sex, use a condom. Your vacation may only last a week, but parenthood, HIV and herpes are forever.

• If traveling with a group, resist the urge to “go along to get along” if risky activities are suggested.

• Don’t visit unfamiliar areas by yourself, especially at night.

• Take medications and proof of insurance with you.

• Program your cell phone with I-C-E (In Case of Emergency) and identify a person and phone number that emergency medical services can contact just in case you do end up at the hospital and cannot speak for yourself.

“Emergency physicians were all college students too at one time,” said Dr. Keaton. “We just want you to enjoy your vacation without a trip to the hospital.”

ACEP is a national medical specialty society representing emergency medicine with more than 25,000 members.