The wackiest reasons for treatment in British hospitals have been revealed and they’re packed with DIY fails, animal attacks and zero-gravity space horrors
Crocodile bites, injuries from volcanic eruptions and accidental suffocation in bed were among the wacky reasons for UK hospital trips this year.
Seven people ended up in casualty after attacks by the long-snouted reptiles while 69 suffered poisonous spider nips. Another 52 were nibbled by venomous snakes or lizards.
Seven people were admitted for lightning strikes and three were hurt in volcanic eruptions abroad and required treatment on return to the UK. Another 21 cases saw medics help folk wounded in avalanches or landslides. Some 22 patients needed to see a doctor ‘for an illness resulting from staying too long in a weightless environment’ – believed to be people who have taken zero gravity space simulation flights.
DIY fans also kept the wards busy. There were 5,784 admissions linked to injuries from power tools and other household machinery, while lawnmower accidents accounted for another 515.
Eleven people needed treatment for accidentally suffocating themselves in bed, and three more were hurt by a boiler explosion. Vermin caused problems as well with 53 rat bites and 460 cases of injuries caused by plant thorns or sharp leaves.
Some 545 needed to see a doc after falling out of a tree.
A&E staff treated more than 1million people last year. But not all of them were injured in weird ways – 102,891 were admitted after ‘slipping, tripping or stumbling’.
Cops have also previously revealed the inappropriate reasons for folk dialling 999. West Yorkshire Police launched a campaign after a spate of calls from bozos clogging up the lines for real emergencies.
The force said: “Residents have called the three nines used for trying to get into a casino, retrieve a parcel and asking if police could help to turn electricity back on in someone’s home. Our call handlers do try to be patient and appreciate that not all inappropriate 999 calls are hoaxes.
“Many are driven by mental health issues or a lack of awareness, that is why we all have a part to play in educating ourselves and others.”
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