As emergency departments brace for another busy summer, doctors warn that common household items and everyday habits are sending Australians to hospital in growing numbers.
Dr Preeya Alexander, a Melbourne GP and author, is known for cutting through health misinformation online with practical, no-nonsense advice she regularly shares with her 99,000 Instagram followers.
In a recent video filmed alongside her doctor husband Will – a plastic and reconstructive surgeon who also specialises in trauma – the tone was noticeably more urgent as the medical couple revealed the five common summer scenarios they say lead to the most preventable injuries.
Drawing on real-world data and what doctors are increasingly treating in emergency rooms, the pair said many of the biggest risks don’t come from extreme sports or freak accidents, but from everyday activities Australians barely think twice about over summer.
‘We’re two doctors and here are the things we consider that you might not,’ Dr Alexander said, before outlining a list that spans everything from popular e-scooters and backyard pools to button batteries, footwear, and even dogs at family gatherings.
However, their message isn’t about cancelling summer fun.
Instead, the couple said small, practical changes could prevent weeks – or even a lifetime – of consequences, particularly as new technologies collide with relaxed holiday habits.
As parents to two children, aged five and nine, the medical pair said they are acutely aware of the simple protective measures that can help prevent unnecessary accidents.
Melbourne GP Dr Preeya Alexander (left), and her surgeon husband Will (right) have issued a timely warning about the everyday habits sending Australians to hospital in growing numbers
The rise of e-scooters and e-bikes
At the top of their list were electric scooters, bikes and skateboards, which Dr Alexander said are now a major source of trauma presentations.
‘There are escalating numbers of injuries being seen with these e-scooters, e-bikes and e-skateboards,’ she warned, adding that if parents are gifting one to a loved one, ‘just be aware’ that serious injuries are on the rise.
Crucially, the injuries aren’t limited to children, with a growing number of adults also presenting to hospital after using the devices improperly.
‘There are head injuries, they’re occurring in adults as well, so if you’re going to use these devices, use helmets,’ she said, stressing that alcohol is a major contributing factor.
‘Being careful, not to ride them with any alcohol in the system, if you’re an adult, is so important.’
The comments section lit up in agreement, with one follower writing that it blows their mind that people will get those e-scooters and e-bikes home when they’re drunk, instead of driving.
‘It’s the same thing!’
‘I see so many kids riding them at excessive speed without their helmet clipped on, let alone when they aren’t wearing one at all!’ another added.
At the top of their list were electric scooters, bikes and skateboards, which Dr Alexander said are now a major source of trauma presentations – especially with users not wearing helmets
Always wear shoes
The second risk, the couple said, comes down to what people wear – or don’t wear – on their feet.
‘We worry about anything with wheels like scooters and bikes. Wear shoes,’ Dr Alexander said, urging people to opt for footwear that covers the toes.
And while Crocs are often debated online, she made it clear they’re still better than bare feet.
‘Crocs are better because people put their feet down, and their little toes bend back [and] the bit of skin between the nail and the nail bed gets torn off.’
Beware of button batteries
The third danger is one Dr Alexander said she is ‘very pedantic’ about, and for good reason.
‘You will see a lot of stuff on social media at the moment about button batteries. They can kill children,’ she said.
She added that any toy or device containing a button battery must be securely covered and should never be left in a child’s bed.
The consequences can be catastrophic, with the small batteries capable of burning through the oesophagus if swallowed by young children.
Dr Alexander also urged parents to store spare and low batteries well out of reach. ‘If there are button batteries that are low, put them high if you’ve got young children who are crawling around.’
One follower shared a potentially life-saving reminder in the comments: ‘If you suspect your child has eaten a button battery, feed them honey until they get to emergency, as it helps protect the flesh.’
Dr Preeya Alexander is also an author and is known for cutting through health misinformation online with practical, no-nonsense advice she regularly shares with her 99,000 Instagram followers
Kids, dogs and food
Number four is a perfect storm many families don’t think twice about during parties – kids, dogs and food all at the same eye level.
With alcohol often involved and homes full of people, Dr Alexander warned the situation can quickly escalate.
‘Kids, dogs, heads, and food at the same eye level is a disaster,’ she said, noting it’s a scenario that frequently results in facial injuries and bites.
Dr Preeya also urged parents to stay vigilant around pools, warning that even small bodies of water can be deadly for young children, and advised dressing kids in bright swimmers for better visibility
Pools and bodies of water
The final warning is one Dr Alexander said never becomes less important, particularly in Australia where backyard pools are common.
‘If you’ve got little kids around, please be careful of even the smallest body of water because kids can drown,’ she said.
She also offered a practical visibility tip many parents have adopted: avoiding blue swimmers.
‘You need bright colour bathers to see them.’
One parent praised the advice, writing: ‘Such great reminders. When we had a pool and young kids around for parties, I used to have a rule that at least one adult had to be inside the pool fence at all times.
‘We took in turns to ‘lifeguard’ because I was so aware that when ‘everyone is watching’ often no-one is.’
Dr Alexander stressed that the goal isn’t to scare families, but to reduce risk while still allowing children to enjoy the summer safely.
