This summer, in addition to staying safe in hot weather, you can work to prevent driving-related injuries or deaths as you and your family travel for vacation or holidays. Driving sober and wearing a seatbelt can significantly reduce your chances of traumatic injury or injuring or killing someone else.
Wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of serious injury and death by 50%, and nearly one in three traffic deaths in the U.S. involves a driver under the influence. Also, if you’re spending some time swimming this summer, there are a few safety precautions you can take to reduce the risk of drowning or injury.
Swim in designated areas with lifeguards, and never swim alone. If you are supervising children, keep a close eye on them, even if they have already learned to swim. Don’t leave children unattended near water, and make sure children and inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading cause of death and disability among ages 0-45 is traumatic injury. When someone experiences a traumatic injury, getting timely, expert care is crucial. With Georgia's largest trauma network, Wellstar has expertise and experience in providing emergency and trauma care when it matters most.
- Wellstar Paulding Medical Center and Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center are Level IV Trauma Centers.
- Wellstar Cobb Medical Center is a Level III Trauma Center.
- Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center have both earned the Level II Trauma Center designation.
- Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center is a Level I Trauma Center — the designation signaling the highest level of care.
Wellstar’s trauma centers are part of a statewide team that collaborates closely to provide expert care.
“With the largest trauma network in Georgia, Wellstar is a leader in trauma care. This means patients get the right level of care during the critical hour following injury," said Dr. Katherine Kohler, trauma medical director at Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center.
In addition to an extensive trauma network, Wellstar is also home to the largest emergency department in the Southeast and the second largest in the country at Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. To serve younger patients, specialized pediatric emergency departments are located at Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, Wellstar Douglas Medical Center, Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center and Wellstar Paulding Medical Center.
To learn more about emergency and trauma services at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/emergencycare.