Christmas 2023 was marked by several incidents across Alagoas, with the local authorities and emergency services on high alert to respond to the surge of holiday-related accidents. Among the notable events was the rescue operation involving four individuals trapped in an elevator at a building on Rua Professor Sílvio de Macêdo, Jatiúca, Maceió. The Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Alagoas (CBMAL) was called to the scene, but upon their arrival, they found specialized technicians already working to free the occupants. Fortunately, no one was injured and medical assistance was not required.
Despite the seemingly normal holiday atmosphere, safety warnings accompanied the festive celebrations. The CBMAL emphasized the importance of following safety recommendations when using elevators, as over 600 million elevator trips go without incident. Most accidents occur due to lack of maintenance or overloading. The Fire Department underscored the significance of adhering to the posted weight limits typically found inside elevators, which can accommodate up to six people. It also reminded residents to remain calm and follow protocols if they find themselves trapped, such as using the emergency button to alert help.
Meanwhile, the Hospital Geral do Estado (HGE) recorded 208 treatment cases during the Christmas holiday weekend alone. The medical staff dealt with 102 clinical patients alongside 86 individuals injured due to accidents, and 18 people harmed by assaults. Out of the total accidents, 46 involved traffic incidents, of which 19 were collisions, 16 motorcycle accidents, five rollovers, three pedestrian accidents, and three bicycle falls. The hospital observed this burst of activity as normal for the festive period, reinforcing the need for community awareness about health preservation.
Among the assault cases reported at HGE, seven were attributed to physical fights, six involved knife wounds, and five were from gun-related incidents. Ricardo Calado, the facility's medical coordinator, noted, “We maintained our services available to the public. Nevertheless, it is important to reiterate the call for the community to uphold habits preserving and strengthening their health.” This message is pertinent, as the hospital worked diligently to manage cases, accommodating 83 discharges, 74 new admissions, 17 surgeries, and one patient transfer throughout the holiday.
Adding to the holiday reporting, Flexeiras saw traffic disruption after the overturning of a truck on the BR-101 highway, which blocked one direction of the road. The incident occurred near kilometer 47; luckily, it resulted without injuries. The Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) announced the full closure of the road segment from Flexeiras to Joaquim Gomes and noted the truck was empty at the time of the incident. The cause of the truck's tipping is under investigation by the authorities. The blockage has drawn attention to safety on the roads during busy travel periods like Christmas.
Overall, this Christmas holiday period holds lessons on both the importance of keeping safety protocols during festive travels and the need for emergency readiness. With multiple incidents keeping local hospitals and emergency services on their toes, Alagoans are urged to be mindful of their well-being and adhere to guidelines promoting safety, both at home and on the roads.
Reflecting on these events, it’s clear how quickly celebration can turn to crisis. By staying informed and prepared, residents can enjoy the holiday season with heightened awareness and safety practices to minimize risks.
