Halifax Health in Daytona Beach sees rise in trauma cases during Biketoberfest

This Biketoberfest proved busier than years past for the Halifax Health Trauma Center.

There were 32 Biketoberfest-related trauma admissions this year and 25 Biketoberfest-related trauma team activations, according to data released Friday.

Trauma admissions and trauma team activations as a whole also increased, according to a news release from Halifax Health spokesperson John Guthrie.

During the 30th anniversary of the four-day event, the trauma center saw 66 trauma admissions, 52 trauma team activations, 32 Biketoberfest-related trauma admissions and 25 Biketoberfest-related trauma team activations.

About half of the Biketoberfest-related trauma admissions were wearing helmets, Guthrie said.

During last year's event, the trauma center saw 52 trauma admissions, 30 trauma team activations, 22 Biketoberfest-related trauma admissions and 15 Biketoberfest-related trauma team activations.

"This four-day event is known to be a busy time in the emergency department at our three hospitals, but this year was the busiest year in the last four years with 66 patients with trauma admitted," Lindsay Martin, RN and director of emergency and trauma nursing, said.

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Demographics show the average trauma-patient age was 48, and more than 50% were Volusia County residents, according to the release.

Martin commended hospital staff for their teamwork and commitment during such a busy time.

"Everyone gears up for this event and is ready to provide the highest level of care in the area to support all our special events," Martin said. "Having a Level ll Trauma Center in Volusia County is a blessing."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Beach hospital sees rise in trauma cases during Biketoberfest