Summer Fun Happens — So Do Unexpected Emergencies
Summer in the Lowcountry means family vacations, pool days, beach trips, backyard barbecues and outdoor adventures. While the season is filled with opportunities to make memories, it can also bring unexpected injuries and illnesses that may require emergency medical care.
At HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital, we want families to enjoy a safe summer. But if the unexpected happens, our emergency care team is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide the care you need.
Common summer health concerns
Heat-related illness
South Carolina summers can be hot and humid. Spending too much time outdoors without proper hydration can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Symptoms may include dizziness, nausea, confusion, rapid heartbeat and fainting. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
Sunburns and burns
A day in the sun can quickly lead to painful sunburns. Summer also brings an increased risk of burns from fireworks, grills and outdoor cooking equipment.
Water-related injuries
Whether you're spending time at the beach, pool or lake, water activities can lead to slips, falls, cuts and other injuries. Near-drowning incidents require immediate emergency evaluation, even if a person initially appears fine.
Sports and recreation injuries
Summer camps, youth sports, biking, skateboarding and outdoor recreation can result in fractures, sprains, concussions and other injuries. Trident Hospital's emergency team treats a wide range of injuries, including fractures and severe head injuries.
Insect bites and stings
Mosquitoes, bees, wasps and other insects are more active during the summer months. While most bites and stings are minor, severe allergic reactions can become life-threatening and require emergency care.
Severe cuts and wounds
Outdoor activities, home improvement projects and recreational equipment can sometimes lead to serious lacerations and injuries. Uncontrolled bleeding or serious wounds should be evaluated immediately.
Know when to seek emergency care
While some illnesses and injuries can be treated at home or by a primary care provider, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Seek emergency care immediately for:
- Sudden chest pain
- Signs of a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness or difficulty speaking
- Severe burns
- Serious head injuries
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe fractures
- Sudden dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe allergic reactions
Here when you need us
No one plans for an emergency, but it's reassuring to know expert care is close by. For more than 50 years, HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital has cared for families throughout the Charleston region and remains committed to providing compassionate, high-quality emergency services when they are needed most.
The hospital's emergency department as well as our Free Standing Emergency Rooms are staffed around the clock and supported by advanced specialty services, including trauma, stroke, cardiac and burn care.
This summer, focus on making memories with your loved ones. If an unexpected emergency interrupts your plans, the emergency care team at HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital is ready to help. Find emergency care near you on the Trident Hospital Emergency Care page.