Here in the United States, it is Labor Day – a Federal holiday established in 1886 by U.S. President Grover Cleveland. We, apparently, have Canada to thank for this innovation.
But, what was actually news to me – Labor Day is actually the highest-volume holiday for pediatric trauma, outpacing all other holidays. I’d have thought 4th of July – with it’s various explosive devices – would be the most popular pediatric trauma holiday, but, between 1997 and 2006, Labor Day takes the lead, followed by Memorial Day, and 4th of July as a close third. Halloween, Easter, Thanksgiving, New Year’s and Christmas round out the list, in that order.
Most common documented products associated with injuries on Labor Day included: Football, bicycles, stairs/ramps, playgrounds, and beds. Contrast with Christmas: Stairs, beds, skiing, tables, knives, and sofas. And the article provides lists of appropriately seasonal injury mechanisms for each other holiday.
So – beware Labor Day! The most dangerous holiday of the year!
“Epidemiology of Pediatric Holiday-Related Injuries Presenting to US Emergency Departments”
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20368316
Haven't read the paper yet, but I wonder if the fact that Labor Day always occurs on a Monday plays a major role. That's always the busiest day of the week at any ED I've worked at.
Perhaps. Probably more a combination of good weather and a 3-day weekend, as far as trauma goes.