Jordan Ellis
Thanksgiving is a busy time for hospitals, and the day after Thanksgiving is no exception. Emergency departments see an increase in patients during the holiday season, with many seeking treatment for injuries, illnesses, and accidents. The day after Thanksgiving, often referred to as Black Friday, is one of the busiest travel days of the year, with millions of people returning home from celebrations, leading to crowded airports and increased transportation usage. This high volume of travel can result in more accidents and, consequently, more visits to hospital emergency rooms. Additionally, the Thanksgiving meal itself can lead to an increase in patients, with some experiencing shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and other health issues due to the high sodium content of traditional dishes. Hospitals remain open and operational during the holidays, providing 24/7 care to those in need.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hospitals busy on Thanksgiving | Yes |
| Hospitals busy the day after Thanksgiving | Yes |
| Reason for busier hospitals on Thanksgiving | Increase in food poisoning, alcohol consumption, drunk driving, cooking injuries, and flu cases |
| Reason for busier hospitals the day after Thanksgiving | High travel volume, return of holiday travelers, Black Friday shopping, and business travel schedules |
| Average increase in patients during Thanksgiving | 5-12% |
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What You'll Learn
Hospitals are busy due to cooking injuries
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and family, but it's also one of the busiest times of the year for hospitals and medical professionals. Cooking injuries are a major reason for this spike in hospital visits. With many people attempting to create the perfect Thanksgiving feast, the kitchen can become a hazardous place, leading to a range of injuries and accidents.
One of the main dangers is the rise in popularity of fried turkey. Deep-frying a turkey can be a dangerous endeavour, and if not done correctly, it can result in devastating burns and property damage. The use of large amounts of hot oil can lead to severe injuries, as people may lose their balance and trip, causing the oil to splatter. These types of accidents have resulted in an estimated $15 million in property damage in the US.
In addition to burns, cuts and lacerations are also common Thanksgiving cooking injuries. With multiple people in the kitchen, the risk of accidents with sharp knives increases. Large knives, rushing, and distractions can all contribute to cuts, especially when it comes to carving the turkey.
Kitchen fires are another significant hazard. Thanksgiving sees more than double the number of home cooking fires compared to an average day, with over 4,000 fires occurring annually. Unattended cooking, grease fires, and electrical malfunctions are the leading causes of these fires, which can spread quickly and cause severe damage and injuries.
To prevent these types of accidents and injuries, it's important to take precautions such as having a fire extinguisher, keeping the kitchen organised and delegating tasks, taking breaks, and avoiding alcohol consumption while cooking. By being vigilant and following safety guidelines, many of these cooking-related injuries and accidents can be avoided, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable Thanksgiving celebration.
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Drunk driving and alcohol consumption
Thanksgiving is a time for celebration and indulgence, and unfortunately, this often includes excessive alcohol consumption. The day before Thanksgiving, known as Thanksgiving Eve or "Black Wednesday", is one of the busiest nights of the year for bars, with social binge drinking being a common occurrence. This behaviour continues through Thanksgiving and the weekend that follows, with DUI arrests at their highest between Thanksgiving and the end of the year.
Alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, all of which are essential for operating a vehicle safely. As alcohol levels rise in a person's system, the negative effects on the central nervous system increase. At a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, the risk of a crash increases exponentially. Drivers with a BAC of 0.08 are approximately four times more likely to crash than those with no alcohol in their system. Young males are particularly at risk, with four male drunk drivers for every female drunk driver.
The consequences of drunk driving can be devastating. In 2023, 12,429 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in the United States, equating to one person every 42 minutes. During the Thanksgiving holiday from 2018 to 2022, there were 833 fatalities in crashes involving drunk drivers, with 184 of those occurring in 2022 alone. These numbers would likely be lower if the use of breathalyzers was more widespread.
Thanksgiving hospitals see an influx of patients due to the high volume of holiday traffic, with more cars on the road leading to an increased risk of accidents. The combination of alcohol consumption and drunk driving further contributes to the busyness of hospitals during this period. It is important to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and to encourage people to plan for a safe and sober ride home during the Thanksgiving holiday.
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High volume of holiday traffic
Thanksgiving is a time for Americans to gather with family and friends and celebrate the season. However, the holiday season also sees a rise in hospital visits. One of the main reasons for this is the high volume of holiday traffic, which results in more accidents and, consequently, more visits to the ER.
The day after Thanksgiving, often referred to as Black Friday, is one of the busiest travel days of the year. This is due to a combination of people returning home after celebrating Thanksgiving away, the start of the holiday season, and the allure of Black Friday shopping. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over 26 million travelers flew during the Thanksgiving holiday period in 2019, with more than three million passengers travelling the day after Thanksgiving. This surge in travel leads to crowded airports and increased demand for flights, trains, and other forms of transportation.
The high volume of holiday traffic contributes significantly to the uptick in hospital visits. With more cars on the road, the chances of accidents increase, especially with the early onset of darkness. The day before Thanksgiving has even earned the title of "Blackout Wednesday" due to increased alcohol consumption and drunk driving among younger drinkers. This dangerous combination of alcohol, busy roads, and limited visibility results in a higher likelihood of road accidents and subsequent hospital visits.
In addition to road accidents, the holiday season also sees an increase in other types of accidents and injuries. For example, each year, thousands of people sustain injuries while hanging Christmas lights and decorations, with many of these accidents occurring the day after Thanksgiving. As the holiday season approaches, it is important for individuals to be mindful of potential hazards and take precautions to avoid incidents that may require a trip to the emergency room.
The busy travel period around Thanksgiving contributes to the overall increase in hospital visits. With more people on the move, the likelihood of accidents and injuries rises, leading to a higher demand for medical services. Hospitals and emergency departments remain open and operational during the holidays, providing 24/7 care to those in need.
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Food poisoning
Foodborne illnesses, or food poisoning, are a common occurrence during Thanksgiving celebrations. The bacteria Clostridium perfringens is often the cause, found on raw meat and poultry, as well as in the intestines of animals and humans. It can survive high cooking temperatures and multiply rapidly in cooked food left out of the refrigerator for too long. This is a common practice on Thanksgiving, where large batches of food are left sitting at room temperature.
The symptoms of food poisoning include an upset stomach, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most people will experience mild illness lasting a few hours to several days. However, some may develop severe illnesses requiring hospitalization. Dehydration is a common complication of foodborne illnesses, and in rare cases, severe food poisoning can lead to death.
The day after Thanksgiving, hospitals often see an increase in patients with food poisoning symptoms. While specific data on emergency room visits during Thanksgiving is limited, doctors confirm that they tend to see patients with food poisoning the day after Thanksgiving. The CDC estimates that foodborne illnesses cause approximately 48 million Americans to fall ill each year, with 128,000 hospitalized and 3,000 deaths.
To minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses, it is important to practice good hygiene and food safety. This includes washing hands before, during, and after cooking, sanitizing utensils and surfaces, and properly storing and refrigerating food promptly after meals.
In addition to food poisoning, hospitals also see an increase in patients with cooking injuries, such as minor burns and cuts, especially with the popularity of fried turkey. The high volume of holiday traffic also contributes to more emergency room visits due to car accidents.
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Airports are busy the day after Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a busy time for hospitals. Cooking injuries, food poisoning, alcohol consumption, and drunk driving all contribute to an increase in emergency room visits during the holiday season.
Now, let's shift our focus to airports and explore why they experience significant congestion the day after Thanksgiving:
The day after Thanksgiving, often referred to as "Black Friday," is considered one of the busiest travel days of the year. This phenomenon is driven by several factors related to holiday travel patterns, family gatherings, and business travel schedules. Many people choose to celebrate Thanksgiving away from home, and they all return home on the day after, leading to a surge in demand for flights and other transportation options.
Additionally, Black Friday shopping attracts travellers to popular shopping destinations, further increasing airport traffic. The Wednesday after Thanksgiving is generally the least busy day to travel, as suggested by travel experts. However, if one must travel during the weekend, flying on Black Friday is a good alternative to avoid the worst of the Thanksgiving travel crowds.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), over three million passengers travel the day after Thanksgiving. Peak travel times are typically between 10 a.m. and noon. To accommodate the increased demand, airlines adjust their schedules and add extra flights.
Understanding these travel trends is essential for travellers to plan their journeys effectively and avoid potential delays and disruptions.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hospitals are busy the day after Thanksgiving. In fact, hospitals are busy throughout the holiday season.
The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is one of the busiest travel days of the year. This leads to an increased number of accidents and, consequently, emergency room visits.
There are several reasons for the increase in emergency room visits during the holiday season. Firstly, there is a higher occurrence of influenza and other respiratory illnesses during this time. Secondly, there is an increase in alcohol consumption, which can lead to drunk driving and other accidents. Finally, there is a higher risk of food-related injuries and illnesses, such as food poisoning and burns from cooking.
Yes, the day after Thanksgiving is a popular day for shopping, with many people travelling to cities with major retail stores. This can lead to an increase in foot traffic and put additional strain on hospitals in those areas.
It is important to stick to medication and dietary routines during the holidays. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Additionally, be mindful of potential delays and longer wait times at hospitals and plan accordingly.
