In the carnival week from Weiberfastnacht, the number of injured people in many emergency rooms increases significantly. The German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) points out that cuts and joint injuries – especially to the ankles – and injuries after falls and altercations are typical. The most common cause is alcohol consumption, which greatly increases the risk of falls for pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users.

The burden on hospitals depends heavily on the location: Hospitals near large parades or celebration areas are recording significantly higher case numbers, while clinics in quieter districts usually only experience a moderate increase of about 10 to 15 percent – especially at night and on the main carnival days. Since such peak loads recur annually and are easily predictable, emergency services and hospitals can adjust personnel and resources in good time.

According to the DGOU, orthopaedics and trauma surgery are particularly challenged during this time, as bone and joint injuries predominate. A quick specialist assessment is crucial in order to provide patients with rapid care. Alcohol plays a central role in most accidents, while fatigue is observed much less frequently as a cause of accidents in practice.

Additional risk: sexually transmitted infections and alcohol poisoning

Carnival is often accompanied by higher alcohol consumption and casual social contacts. This increases the risk of unprotected sexual intercourse and thus of sexually transmitted infections (STI/STN) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV or HPV. Many infections initially have few symptoms, but can lead to serious complications in the long term.

At the same time, the number of acute alcohol poisonings is increasing: excessive consumption leads to unconsciousness, vomiting with the risk of aspiration, hypothermia, cardiac arrhythmias and, in extreme cases, death. Emergency rooms regularly report an increase in such intoxications in carnival regions, often combined with injuries from falls or aggression.

The DGOU and the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) emphasise that orthopaedics and trauma surgery function reliably even during short-term stress peaks – provided that there are sufficient specialists and stable personnel structures. Both societies advise moderate alcohol consumption and refraining from driving a car, bicycle or e-scooter after drinking alcohol.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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