March 15, 2023
(London, Ontario) – While March 17 marks one of the busiest days of the year for bars and restaurants, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) reminds party-goers that St. Patrick’s Day can also lead to injuries and a busy emergency department if the occasion isn’t celebrated safely.
"Alcohol and other drugs can impair your reaction time, coordination, and ability to make smart, safe decisions,” says Jennifer Britton, Injury Prevention Specialist at LHSC. “St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with alcohol consumption, which can increase the likelihood and severity of injuries. It is important to pace yourself and take an extra second to consider the potential consequences associated with an activity or situation to reduce your chances of ending up in the emergency department this year.”
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LHSC’s Injury Prevention Specialists offer these quick tips to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day safely:
- Plan ahead. Make sure you designate a sober driver if celebrating outside of your home. If this plan falls through, make sure you or someone you’re with has money for a cab or rideshare home. Never get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Monitor your alcohol consumption. Pacing your consumption of alcohol can help to avoid impairment. This includes ensuring you have a glass of water between alcoholic beverages and making sure you have a meal before drinking and throughout the day.
- Exercise caution if walking home at night. If you choose to walk home from the festivities, ensure you use sidewalks, cross the street only at crosswalks or intersections, avoid railway tracks and wear easily visible clothing. It's best to have a sober friend with you. Don't leave anyone behind or assume they'll make it home safely.
- Don’t let alcohol impair your decision-making. Impairment can cause you to make risky decisions. Before making a decision, take the time to recognize the potential risks and consequences associated with it.
For more information please contact:
Elizabeth Summers
Senior Media Relations Consultant
London Health Sciences Centre
519-685-8500 ext. 77767
media@lhsc.on.ca
