Football season means tailgate parties; caution issued for safe practices

SAN DIEGO COUNTY -

Football season is underway and tailgate parties are as much a part of football as marching bands, cheerleaders and costumed mascots. But a rousing tailgate party can lead to preventable illness or injury, so paramedics at American Medical Response (AMR) ambulance service are providing advice on tailgating safely.

Injuries from too much alcohol and food poisoning are two of the more common emergencies associated with tailgate parties.

Many tailgate parties involve excessive alcohol, too often with tragic results. If someone has been drinking before and during a game chances are their blood alcohol level is too high to be operating a motor vehicle. Having a designated driver is critical to preventing DUI crashes. AMR medics also respond to injuries from tripping or falling caused by excessive alcohol consumption. There is danger in walking under the influence, particularly on uneven surfaces like parking lots and stadium steps.

Avoid food poisoning from tailgate fare. Tailgate cooks should wash hands and utensils frequently. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold and cook meat thoroughly. Leftovers should be chilled promptly. Discard any hot food left out after two hours. Using a tray filled with ice under containers of cold food and warming trays for hot food will also reduce the chances of food poisoning.

Courtesy of American Medical Response Inc.