How to stay out of the emergency department this summer

Note: Alberta Health Services has an emergency department physician available in Calgary and Edmonton to speak to media on this topic. Please reach out to the media relations team to schedule an interview.

ALBERTA – While many people look forward to a slower pace during the summer months, emergency departments often see the opposite.

Warmer weather brings more outdoor activities, sports, travel and time on the water, all of which can contribute to an increase in injuries and illnesses that send thousands of people to Alberta emergency departments each summer.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) reviewed the most common injuries that our healthcare teams see at some emergency departments (ED) in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. Between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2025, more than 33,000 ED visits were recorded at 13 AHS EDs for the six most common injury categories. On average, that represents more than 350 visits per day. These categories often include common summer-related injuries such as:

• Arm, wrist and hand injuries, often related to sports, cycling, playground activities and falls – 8,781
• Leg, ankle and foot injuries, including sprains, fractures and other injuries from outdoor recreation and physical activity – 8,562
• Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds that occur during yard work, home improvement projects, camping and recreational activities – 6,130
• Head injuries resulting from falls, collisions and recreational incidents – 4,717
• Major trauma injuries associated with higher-impact incidents such as vehicle collisions, cycling crashes and other serious accidents – 3,463
• Allergic reactions particularly from insect stings, bites and outdoor environmental exposures – 1,511

A few simple precautions can make a big difference:

• Wear a helmet when cycling or riding an e-scooter
• Use appropriate protective equipment for sports and recreational activities
• Keep tools in good condition when completing home projects
• Supervise children closely outdoors and keep young children within arm's reach when near water
• Protect yourself from excessive sun exposure. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and seek shade when possible
• Stay aware of your surroundings when hiking, swimming or participating in summer activities
• Take extra precautions and make safe choices when alcohol is part of summer activities

Summer safety isn't limited to injury prevention. It is also important to know when emergency care is needed. Seek immediate medical attention for serious injuries, major bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of stroke, loss of consciousness or any other life-threatening condition.

People with known allergies should carry prescribed medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors, if recommended by their healthcare provider, and seek immediate medical attention if they have trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Alberta Health Services provides acute care services for more than five million Albertans at hospitals, urgent care centres and health centres across the province. Our mission is to provide excellent and accessible patient-focused healthcare for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, increasing access to surgeries and improving patient flow.