Injury Prevention

Our medical team at the Yuma Regional Medical Center Emergency Department is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to treat any medical emergencies that may arise for you and your family. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize the possibility of incurring the types of injuries or illnesses that would require a visit to the Emergency Department:

• Minimize the chance of falling – Check your home for possible risks such as loose carpets and mats, electrical cords and uneven surfaces. Install night lights to guide you to the bathroom and kitchen, and have grab bars or other aids installed if you require additional support. Also, if you are experiencing dizziness as a side effect of medications you’re taking, please discuss this situation with your doctor.
• Stay hydated - If the body isn't replenished with fluids and electrolytes, dehydration may occur and increase the risk of a heat illness such as heat stroke. Make sure to drink the recommended amount of water each day and increase your intake during extreme summer heat or during physical activity.
• Wear protective headgear – Head injuries that result from activities such as biking, skateboarding, playing football or off-roading can be very serious and even life threatening. When enjoying these activities, adults and children should always wear a properly-fitted helmet. At various events throughout the year, Yuma Regional Medical Center’s Injury Prevention team partners with Safe Kids Yuma County to distribute a number of children’s helmets free of charge.
• Light the way – When walking, running or bicycling at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing so drivers can see you. If you are riding a bicycle, make sure to mount front and rear lights to stand out at night.
• Safeguard against drowning - Young children are especially susceptible to drowning and near-drowning incidents, so take the proper precautions. Fence your pool and keep it secure. Never leave children unattended around water. Learn CPR and have your children take swimming lessons. Adults and children who don’t know how to swim should always wear a life jacket any time they’re around water, whether they’re at a pool, lake, river or the ocean.
• Drive safely – Make sure the driver and all passengers always wear their seat belts, no matter how short of a trip they’re taking. Children should also be seated in a car seat or booster seat that’s appropriate for their age and size and that has been installed properly and securely. Avoid distractions like mobile phones and never drive while sleepy or impaired. For new teen drivers, limit the number of passengers they have to minimize distractions.

Should you or a family member ever need emergency care, our medical team is ready to help. The Yuma Regional Medical Center Emergency Department is located on the hospital’s main campus at 2400 S. Avenue A, Yuma, AZ 85364. The entrance to the Emergency Department is off of Avenue A. If you have any questions about emergency services at Yuma Regional Medical Center, please call 928-344-2000.