Have fun ... but don’t let St. Patrick’s Day lead you astray

Hospitals, police, paramedics prepare for a busy weekend treating illness, injury ... and the ravages of green beer

WATERLOO REGION — Kitchener’s two hospitals are bracing for a busy weekend caring for St. Patrick’s Day revellers whose “over celebrating” leads to illness or injury.

Last year, Grand River Hospital’s emergency department saw 64 extra patients related to the celebrations on Ezra Avenue in Waterloo.

Two were so intoxicated that they ended up in the intensive care unit because their breathing was compromised.

“They can be quite acute at that state,” said Jill Schitka, emergency department director.

Other common causes for an emergency department visit were falls, cuts, “lots of different injuries,” and people not being dressed for the weather.

Many visits could have been avoided. People participating in the festivities are urged to not overindulge, stay hydrated and dress appropriately.

“Alcohol intoxication is something that is preventable. Just don’t overdo it,” Schitka said.

Local emergency departments have already been busier than usual in recent months dealing with the flu and other winter ailments, and an influx of patients on Saturday could quickly overburden resources.

Grand River will have extra doctors, nurses, security and cleaning staff on duty on Saturday.

More medical staff can be called in if needed.

“It’s hard to be prepared when you don’t know how many people you’re going to get,” Schitka said.

St. Mary’s General Hospital increased nursing staff during the day and night shifts. An ambulance off-load nurse will receive patients to let paramedics designated for the festivities to get back out as soon as possible.

Schitka asks people coming into the emergency department on the weekend to be patient because those who are not urgent may have a longer wait.

“We will be seeing the sickest patients first,” she said. Hospitals, police and paramedics have been using social media to relay their message, encouraging partygoers to be safe.

Region of Waterloo Paramedic Services tweeted: “Planning your weekend? Please make sure it doesn’t include spending time with us.”

People are being urged to carry at all times identification including a health card as well as emergency contact information to help hospital staff reach a family member if the patient can’t make a phone call themselves.

Also tell someone about your celebration plans.

Last year, Schitka said, many patients came into Grand River without any identification.

Stricter enforcement by Waterloo Regional Police means a no-nonsense approach when it comes to enforcing the law. Even city officials are expected to crack down on violating partiers.

Bylaw infractions are hefty at $550 for garbage on the front yard and $490 for excessive noise after 5 p.m.

Police will issue tickets ranging from $65 to $300, as well as criminal charges for holding a keg party.

Urinating in a public place will tag students with a $300 fine, while underage drinking will cost $125, drinking in public is $125, drunk in public is $65.

Police will automatically arrest students who throw beer bottles at anyone. Causing a disturbance also leads to an arrest.

For those students looking for an alternative, Veritas Café will be hosting Shamrock Café, an alcohol-free party. The event is sponsored by Waterloo Lutheran Seminary along with Veritas.

Shamrock Café will be held from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and, this year, dogs will visit from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.