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Facial fractures, concussions, broken bones, lacerations, assault-related injuries, verbal abuse, and alcohol poisoning are expected to skyrocket in emergency departments (EDs) across the country as another cash day is coming.
The event was launched by radio station The Rock in 2009 as a publicity stunt that encouraged people to celebrate the first Saturday of summer by buying a case of beer.
Christchurch Hospital ER physician Scott Pearson said the number of alcohol-related injuries seen in the ER doubled from five to 10 percent on checkout day compared to an average weekend in December.
Things
The Vodka Cruiser cases are ready for Case Day sale, an event many fear will lead to binge drinking and injury.
Comparing the most recent Saturday to the previous two days, there was a five-fold increase in people who came to the emergency room for alcohol-related problems.
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Last Saturday, the emergency department saw five people with alcohol-related injuries. In 2018 it was 29, while last year it was 23.
Pearson said the guidelines recommended no more than three standard drinks per day for men and two for women, but a box would contain 29 standard drinks.
“Not everyone will drink a whole box, but the advertising and marketing seem to support that level of consumption.”
Pearson is part of a group that includes first responders, police, councils, Maori health advocates and public health workers who would like the event banned.
Pearson said injuries from dangerous drinking on checkout day include those from associated violence and falls, such as lacerations, broken and sprained ankles, cuts from walking on broken glass and facial fractures.
Those who arrive at the emergency department severely intoxicated suffer alcohol intoxication and risk dying by choking on their own vomit.
JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON / Stuff
ER doctor Scott Pearson says checkout day pushes people to drink far more than the recommended limits.
In 2019, checkout day was the day with the highest number of injury claims accepted to ACC for youth ages 18-24.
The Rock’s content manager, Brad King, said that box day was not sponsored or owned by The Rock and previous campaigns for the day promoted the message “that this day is about sharing a box with your friends on your House”.
This year, the station has been promoting a music countdown, “Cratest’s 100 Hits from The Rock,” starting at noon on Saturday.
“The Rock does not condone irresponsible drinking, public nuisance, or excessive drinking,” King said.
FAIRFAX NZ / Stuff
There are concerns about the damage cage day can cause.
Super Liquor CEO Campbell McMahon said the bottle store company had checkout day promotions advertised on Stuff and The Rock, and with in-store signs.
He said the company was “committed to the highest standards of responsible liquor retailing and to ensuring that we and our stores comply with all regulations related to the sale, advertising and promotion of alcohol, designed to minimize alcohol-related harm. alcohol”.
Maori health advocate and former Maori warden of South Auckland David Ratu said the day would only add to the “pain” for Maori, who have a disproportionately higher rate of damage from alcohol.
“I am afraid of what may happen. We know from past experiences of the day of the cage that, without a doubt, domestic violence, drunk driving and any type of violence, which tends to reach its peak, without a doubt ”.
Ratu, who has filed a claim that the government failed to protect Maori from alcohol-related harm before the Waitangi Court, said he was not against drinking, but promotions such as the day of the box only increased the problems.
STUART GRANGE / Stuff
Alcohol Healthwatch CEO Dr. Nicki Jackson said she would like to see checkout day banned.
Alcohol Healthwatch CEO Nicki Jackson said the liquor industry made more boxes, including boxes of ready-to-drink pre-mixed alcohol, available during the day and made “huge profits.”
“Everything is prepared for this day that is really just a promotion of excessive alcohol consumption.”
He said the fact that checkout day was in its 11th year showed how ineffective the Alcohol Sale and Supply Act was in reducing binge drinking.
“No amount of responsibility from the host is going to stop the damage from this event.”
Cameron burnell
Living Sober writer and director Lotta Dann said society has lost sight of the fact that alcohol is a drug.
Lotta Dann, author and manager of the alcohol support group Living Sober, said it was surprising how little concern was expressed about cage day.
“What I want to know is where is the outrage at the heavy drug use being promoted. We have the outrage of politicians over drug testing, which is harm reduction … where is the outrage here?
Dann said society had lost sight of the fact that alcohol was a drug.
“We live in a double standard society and it is crazy. And you’re reluctant to talk about it because there’s nothing worse than being seen as awesome … but heck, too many people are struggling.
“I’m not saying don’t drink, but don’t promote excessive alcohol use.”
