Dr. Bernice Sessa, an ER physician in Livonia, said Fourth of July weekend typically brings a jump in avoidable emergency visits and warned this year's heat could worsen the surge.
30 years into practice, Sessa said holiday crowds and high temperatures create a "double whammy" for emergency departments, adding heat exhaustion and dehydration to the usual holiday trauma.
Firework burns, hand and eye injuries, boating and swimming accidents, and alcohol-related incidents are among the cases her team expects to treat over the weekend.
Sessa urged families to hydrate before they feel thirsty, avoid handling malfunctioning fireworks, keep alcohol away from swimmers and boat operators, and assign a phone-free designated observer.