4. How to Avoid a Trip to the ER (Part 1)

The Doc Talk Podcast

The emergency room is one of the busiest places in healthcare—and while it’s there for when we need it most, wouldn’t it be great to avoid a trip altogether? In our first episode of 2025, we kick off a two-part series on how to stay out of the ER. This episode focuses on pediatrics, though many of the tips are just as relevant for adults. Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe dive into the ways we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from common, preventable emergencies.

As an experienced ER physician, Dr. Mithani shares valuable insights on the emergencies she sees most often and how to avoid them. From ingestion risks like button batteries and magnets to water safety, trampoline injuries, and head and spinal cord trauma, we discuss practical steps you can take to minimize risk.

While the topics may feel heavy at times, this episode is packed with actionable advice, empowering you with knowledge to stay safe. Prevention is truly the best medicine, and our hope is that this conversation helps you feel prepared and confident to keep your loved ones out of harm’s way.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

•How to spot and prevent ingestion emergencies in kids (e.g., button batteries and magnets).

•Essential water safety tips to prevent drowning.

•The truth about trampolines and injury risks.

•Head injuries and spinal trauma: what to know and how to protect yourself.

•Effective ways to communicate safety practices with kids and loved ones.

This is an episode everyone needs to hear. Share it widely to help others in your life avoid unnecessary trips to the ER!

Listen now and join the conversation.

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