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Added on Feb 02, 2009 | Filed Under: General News

Ochsner Baptist ER on Napoleon Ave. Opens Just In Time for Carnival Season

Ochsner ER Physician Offers Mardi Gras Safety Tips: Ochsner Baptist ER on Napoleon Ave. Opens Just In Time for Carnival Season NEW ORLEANS - Add alcohol, parade throws and moving vehicles to the mix of large crowds during Mardi Gras and it could be a recipe for disaster during carnival time if you don't take the proper precautions. "Numerous injuries can occur during carnival season," says Dr. Joe Guarisco, Ochsner Systems Chief of Emergency Services. "You should be aware of your surroundings when driving or walking near parades and parade traffic to avoid being hit by a float or other vehicle and do not climb on or over barricades," Guarisco explains. They're meant to protect you since floats can be especially dangerous because it's impossible for drivers to be able to see everything around them. It is your responsibility to avoid running in between or chasing floats for beads and throws. Also, he goes on to say, "never reach under a float for a throw, even when the float is not moving." It's also important to be alert for beads, doubloons and other trinkets being thrown during parades. Many injuries occur from being hit in the eye or head by throws. Parade-goers also need to keep things in perspective. "One really nice bead is not worth getting injured and ending up in the Emergency Room, so don't fight over throws," says Dr. Guarisco. Additionally, if throws end up on the ground and you want to pick them up, put your foot on them first, and then reach for them to avoid having your hand stepped on by someone. Take caution when carrying someone on your shoulders or when using elevated ladder stands. The risk for falls during parades is high due to so many people trying to move around in such a small area. Another potential danger that some may not think about is the sun. "Due to unpredictable weather in New Orleans, use sunscreen if you plan to be outdoors all day," says Dr. Guarisco. "Sunglasses will protect your eyes not only from the sun, but also from being hit by throws." Last, be sure to keep beads, trinkets, snapping pops and plastic bags out of reach of children. These can easily pose a choking or suffocation hazard to kids whose parents turn their attention away even briefly. "Although we hope visitors will have a safe and enjoyable experience this carnival season, we're ready should someone need emergency medical care," says Dr. Guarisco. Since Katrina, Emergency Rooms throughout the New Orleans area have seen higher volumes of patients during Mardi Gras due to fewer open hospitals in our area. However, with the recent opening of a full-service ER at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, carnival-goers Uptown will have another option for medical care if necessary. The ER, located at 2700 Napoleon Avenue, opened for the first time since Katrina on Monday, January 12th. "With local ERs still plagued with overcrowding and diversion problems, Ochsner Baptist's services will fill a significant need and provide residents with a new, full-service ER closer to home," explains Robert Wolterman, Chief Executive Officer at Baptist. The 6,000-square-foot ER includes two trauma rooms, nine exam rooms, one triage room, an electronic medical records system, and computerized patient tracking for fast door-to-doctor care and quicker treatment. "Another advantage to the Ochsner Baptist ER is our on-campus, comprehensive Imaging Center. In an emergency, an X-ray, ultrasound, CT or MRI are crucial to proper care and diagnoses," explains Dr. Guarisco. For more information, contact the Ochsner Baptist ER: 504-897-5907.

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