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EDMONTON — Alberta Health Services is urging residents to take extra precautions this summer after emergency departments recorded more than 33,000 visits for common seasonal injuries over a three-month period last year.
AHS says emergency departments in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray treated an average of more than 350 patients a day for the six most common summer injury categories between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2025.
Arm, wrist and hand injuries topped the list with 8,781 emergency visits, followed closely by leg, ankle and foot injuries at 8,562.
Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds accounted for another 6,130 visits, while head injuries resulted in 4,717 trips to emergency departments.
Major trauma cases, including injuries from motor vehicle collisions and cycling crashes, totalled 3,463 visits. Emergency departments also treated 1,511 people for allergic reactions, many linked to insect stings, bites and other outdoor exposures.
Health officials say many of those injuries can be prevented by wearing helmets while cycling or riding e-scooters, using proper protective equipment during sports, supervising children near water, maintaining tools used for home projects and staying hydrated while limiting sun exposure.
AHS is also reminding Albertans to make safe choices if alcohol is part of summer activities.
The health authority says emergency departments should be used for life-threatening conditions, including major bleeding, severe injuries, chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke or loss of consciousness.
People with severe allergies are also encouraged to carry prescribed medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors when recommended, and seek emergency care if they experience trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
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