Rotorua festive season accidents cost $900,000

Christmas and New Year's accidents cost more than $900k and peak on New Year's Day. Photo/FILE

It's not a present anyone has on their wish list, but an unlucky 480 Rotorua residents were injured during the Christmas and New Year's period last year.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) figures show an average of 80 Rotorua residents per day had an accident which required an ACC claim on December 24, 25, 26 and 31 in 2015, and January 1 and 2, 2016.

To date, these accidents have cost ACC $917,000 in treatment and lost earnings compensation.

Rotorua injuries are more serious than the rest of the country, coming in at a cost of $1900 each, or more than twice as much as the national average of $836 per accident.

The most common injuries during the Christmas period were soft tissue injuries, lacerations, punctures and stings, fractures/dislocations and dental injuries.

The most common causes were loss of balance, slipping, colliding or being knocked over by an object, lifting, twisting and being struck by a person or animal.

New Year's Day accidents cost more than $4200 each on average; almost five times more than the average accident.

Boxing Day was the most common day for accidents, closely followed by New Year's Day, with 93 and 92 incidents.

Rotorua Hospital Emergency Department senior medical officer Dr Mary Reed said the hospital treated a large number of patients with accidental injuries during holiday periods.

"Given the popularity of our local mountain bike trails by both visitors and residents the Emergency Department treats a large number of patients with mountain bike injuries, ranging from minor to severe.

"Alcohol ingestion is a contributing factor in many ED presentations including those for accidental injury, many of which may have been prevented if alcohol had not been involved."

She urged people to be sensible during the holiday period, saying a large number of injuries were preventable.

"Be responsible with alcohol intake, be aware of hazards, and make safer choices to avoid accidental injuries. For instance alcohol ingestion and driving, going up ladders, or other dangerous activities are not wise choices.

"Please spend your holiday time enjoying time with family and friends and not in the hospital or Emergency Department with an injury."

ACC received 31,000 claims from accidents occurring in Rotorua last year, with a total cost of more than $24 million.

ACC spokeswoman Suzanne Muth said most accidents in summer happened in and around the home as a result of falls, with stairs being the most common location.

"It's important to take time to clear away clutter away from underfoot, secure extension cords and rugs, keep thoroughfares well-lit and remind energetic youngsters 'to apply the brakes', especially if you have more folk than usual at home over the upcoming holidays," Ms Muth said.

Ms Muth said DIY and alcohol-related injuries were also common.

- Additional reporting Stephanie Arthur-Worsop

Some tips include:

Around the home:
Point out hazards that you may be familiar with, but which could trip up visitors, eg single steps between rooms.
Wipe up spills as soon as they happen.
Put away toys and keep clutter, guests' luggage, etc clear of walkways.

DIY:
Be realistic about your ability; if you can't do it, get an expert.
Use a safe, stable ladder; always keep three points of contact, eg two feet and one hand, and don't over-reach sideways.
Make sure you know how to use hire equipment.
Plan your schedule so you're not rushing to get the job finished at the end of the day, when you're tired and more likely to slip up.

When drinking alcohol:
Set a limit on your drinking and stick to it.
Eat substantial food and pace yourself with non-alcoholic drinks.
Look after your mates.