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Chicago hospital bracing for influx of World Series-related ER visits

Cubs Wrigley Field Hawk Harrelson

As the 2016 World Series heads back to Chicago for Game 3, the folks at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center — just blocks from Wrigley Field — are preparing for an uptick in emergency room visits.

The Chicago Cubs are hosting the Cleveland Indians the next three days. The series is tied up 1-1 at this point, and there is a chance it may never head back to Cleveland.

Given the historical context of these games, the levels of anticipation and excitement for these next three games are at astronomical levels — it’s going to be an intense atmosphere at Wrigley.

That same fervor could also lead to an increase in poor choices and potential cardiac problems for fans who drink too much or who have heart problems. This is why the ER at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center is preparing for a 20-percent increase in patients the next three days, per Dina Bair of WGNTV.com.

“Register Nurse Anna Scaccia, emergency department director, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center: ‘Especially after the bars closed, we did see an increased amount of patients coming in. Falls, injuries, lacerations. It was very significant, hence why we are increasing our employees during that time.'”

Scaccia also cautioned fans to take extra precautions when consuming alcohol, saying, “Be aware of your surroundings. Safety is our number one priority. Watch your alcohol intake. Know when to stop and please make sure you have a safe ride home, have a buddy have a partner.”

She urges those who have heart conditions to make sure not to forget their medications, as the intense experience of watching such a high-anxiety game could exasperate their existing conditions.

Because the hospital expects more patients this weekend, it has enacted “code triage,” which includes extra beds for the expected influx of patients needing emergency care.

Stay safe out there, Cubs and Indians fans. It’s going to be crazy at Wrigley, and the waves of energy pulsing on each pitch, swing of the bat and big hit will be at all-time high levels. Have fun, but stay out of the emergency room if you can help it.

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