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Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year for emergency rooms, but understanding the most common holiday risks can help you enjoy the day safely. Dr. Aaron Katrikh, MD at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center shares essential safety tips for Thanksgiving holiday.
What kinds of emergencies do you usually see more often during Thanksgiving weekend?
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to come together, but it’s also a weekend when we see certain emergencies more frequently in the ER. Beyond the usual cooking-related injuries like minor burns and cuts, we often see an uptick in more serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, sometimes triggered by holiday stress, large meals, or delayed medical care. Unfortunately, the busy travel season also brings an increase in car accidents, as well as alcohol-related injuries that tend to spike during holiday gatherings.
What are some common cooking-related injuries or accidents people should be careful about?
In the kitchen, the most common Thanksgiving injuries we see are cuts and burns, many of which are entirely preventable with a little extra care. Always use sharp knives on a stable cutting surface and keep your fingers tucked away from the blade to avoid accidental slips. When it comes to hot objects, especially boiling liquids or roasting pans, use dry oven mitts and keep children and pets out of the cooking area. Deep-frying a turkey is one of the biggest holiday hazards: always do it outdoors, on a flat surface, with a fully thawed turkey, and never leave the fryer unattended. A small splash of hot oil can cause severe burns in seconds, so always wear long protective gloves, an apron, and appropriate clothing when handling hot liquids or deep-frying equipment, and consider using eye protection when cooking around bubbling or splattering liquids.
Food poisoning is also a concern during Thanksgiving. What should families keep in mind for food safety?
Foodborne illness is surprisingly common around Thanksgiving, but a few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your family safe. Make sure to fully thaw your turkey in advance and cook it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to kill harmful bacteria. Keep raw poultry separate from other ingredients to avoid cross-contamination, and wash your hands and surfaces often while preparing food. After the meal, don’t let leftovers sit out for more than two hours, refrigerate them promptly and reheat thoroughly before eating. A little attention to food handling can prevent a lot of post-holiday stomach aches.
Travel is another big part of the holiday. What advice do you have for people driving long distances or late at night?
Holiday travel often means long hours on the road or late-night driving, which can increase the risk of accidents and medical issues. Make sure you’re well-rested before driving, take breaks every couple of hours, and avoid pushing through fatigue. On long trips, get out of the car to stretch your legs regularly which not only keeps you alert, but also helps prevent blood clots (DVTs), which can form when you sit for extended periods. Stay hydrated, share driving duties when possible, and plan ahead for heavy traffic or poor weather.
For patients with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, what precautions should they take during the holidays?
Patients with chronic conditions like heart disease, heart failure, or diabetes should be especially mindful during the holidays, when routines and diets often change. In the ER, we see a noticeable increase in heart failure exacerbations, strokes, and heart attacks around Thanksgiving—often triggered by eating foods that are much higher in salt, sugar, or fat than someone is used to. Try to stick as closely as possible to your usual low-salt or low-carb diet, and consider healthier holiday alternatives when you can. Monitor your blood pressure or blood sugar more frequently if you typically do so, take your medications as prescribed, and avoid skipping doses during busy travel days.
If someone starts feeling unwell during the holiday, how can they tell whether to visit the ER or wait to see their doctor?
The physicians and staff at Hollywood Presbyterian ER are here for you 24/7, open every hour of every day, including the holidays, so you can seek care whenever you need it. If someone starts feeling unwell during the holiday, the decision to visit the ER depends on the severity and nature of the symptoms. Concerning signs such as chest pain, trouble breathing, weakness on one side of the body, severe abdominal pain, high fever with confusion, or symptoms of a stroke or heart attack should never wait and require immediate attention in the ER. Worsening symptoms in patients with chronic conditions like heart failure or diabetes also deserve prompt attention. More mild, lingering issues such as minor rashes, cold symptoms, medication refills, or questions about chronic conditions can often wait for a primary care doctor or urgent care. When in doubt, it’s always safer to err on the side of caution, especially during busy holiday weekends.
Finally, what’s one piece of advice you’d like everyone to remember to stay safe and healthy this Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is a time to slow down, enjoy loved ones, and be grateful for what we have, but a little moderation goes a long way in keeping everyone safe. Enjoy the food, the company, and the celebrations, but avoid overindulging to the point where it impacts your health. And most importantly, never drink or use drugs and then drive. Always choose a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver. A simple, thoughtful decision can prevent devastating accidents and ensure a happy, healthy holiday for everyone.
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