Spring Break Safety: Orlando Health Chief of Staff Warns of Preventable Injuries

Melbourne, Fl – (March 20, 2026) – Spring break is a time for fun and relaxation, but it also brings an increased risk of preventable injuries. To aid travelers stay safe, Kevin Freels, MD, Chief of Staff at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital and Emergency Department Medical Director, is launching the “Sun, Suds, and Stitches: The National Spring Break Injury Prevention Campaign.” This campaign aims to provide practical safety steps for spring travelers.

Why Spring Break Increases Risk

Dr. Freels notes that spring break often leads to increased risk-taking behavior due to changes in environment and routine. Several factors contribute to this:

• Increased Travel: Longer distances, unfamiliar roads, and nighttime driving increase the likelihood of distractions and accidents.
• Alcohol Consumption: Vacations often involve earlier and longer periods of drinking, leading to impaired judgment, especially around water and while driving.
• Water Exposure & Fatigue: Activities like swimming, boating, and exposure to strong currents can be dangerous, particularly when combined with fatigue or overconfidence.
• Sun & Heat: Prolonged sun exposure and dehydration can lead to severe sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
• Footwear & Environment: Flip-flops, broken glass, and rushing can result in lacerations, sprains, and fractures.

“Spring break injuries aren’t random – they’re predictable. And that means prevention is practical,” says Dr. Freels.

Orlando Health’s Commitment to Community Safety

Through the National Awareness Tour, Dr. Freels is working to reduce preventable spring break injuries and ensure families can focus on enjoying their vacations.

Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $14 billion of assets under management, serving the southeastern United States, including Florida and Alabama, and Puerto Rico. The system provides a complete continuum of care through a network of medical centers, hospitals, physician practices, and other healthcare services. Orlando Health provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in fiscal year 2023 through community benefit programs, services, and investments [orlandohealth.com].

About Dr. Kevin Freels

Dr. Kevin Freels is an emergency medicine physician in Melbourne, Florida, affiliated with Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital [US News Health]. He has over 13 years of experience in emergency medicine [healthcare4ppl.com] and currently serves as Chief of Staff at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital [LinkedIn]. Dr. Freels is also Vice Chief of Staff and Vice Chair of Medicine at Melbourne Regional Medical Center [Doximity].