More and more people are winding up in Geelong hospital’s emergency department due to binge drinking, doctors warn

More and more binge drinkers are finding themselves in Geelong hospital’s Emergency Department in recent weeks, doctors warn.

MORE people are ending up at Geelong hospital after binge drinking, doctors say.

Geelong hospital emergency department director Dr Belinda Hibble said there has been an increase in requiring treatment due to binge drinking and alcohol intoxication in recent weeks.

Dr Hibble said there had been more presentations on Friday and Saturday evenings as social interactions increase with the easing effects of the Omicron outbreak.

“Some people who binge drink or pre-load and find themselves in the ED need dedicated nursing care, as they are often unable to safely care for themselves,” Dr Hibble said.

Binge drinking is taking its toll on Geelong residents.

“This can include managing dehydration and vomiting, to ensure their airways remain clear.”

It comes as police last week confirmed they were concerned by the number of people being found unconscious in Geelong’s CBD after binging on alcohol.

Dr Hibble said many people who were binge drinking or pre-loading on alcohol also needed treatment for injuries.

She said these included plasters for broken bones, stitches and occasionally surgery for severe injuries.

“Binge drinking and pre-loading can make people very drunk in a short space of time, which makes them much more vulnerable to injuries, increases risk-taking behaviours, and makes people more likely to need hospital care for severe alcohol intoxication,” Dr Hibble said.

“Patients are more likely to be involved in fights or assaults, motor vehicle crashes and can present with worsened mental health issues.

“Repeated binge drinking is also known to increase the risk of liver damage and many cancers over time.”

Dr Hibblee said binge drinking impacted families who needed to support their loved one, other patients who are being cared for in the ED, and the ED staff who are caring for disruptive intoxicated patients.

“We are seeing patients of all ages, from young adults through to older persons who are presenting with illness and injuries related to alcohol use, though binge drinking and pre-loading is more prevalent in our young and middle aged adults.”

Originally published as More and more people are winding up in Geelong hospital’s emergency department due to binge drinking, doctors warn