During the Stanley Cup playoffs, some residents in Quebec prioritize watching the Montreal Canadiens over seeking medical attention. Hospitals in the Montreal area experienced a decrease in emergency room visits on game nights during the first playoff round. Dr. Zackary Levine, chief of emergency medicine at McGill University Health Centre, suggested that individuals might be postponing non-urgent care until after the hockey games.
The Montreal Canadiens’ games offered a temporary reprieve for overcrowded emergency rooms in the area, which typically operate above capacity. Dr. Levine noted that the enthusiasm for watching the games often outweighs other commitments, such as work.
A study conducted in 2011 revealed a similar trend during major sporting events in Canada, with emergency room visits in Ontario dropping by 17% during the men’s hockey final at the 2010 Winter Olympics. In Quebec, ERs also saw slightly fewer visits during recent Canadiens games, according to Santé Québec.
The Montreal teaching hospitals, including the Royal Victoria Hospital and the Montreal General Hospital, experienced fewer patients in the ER during playoff games. However, after the game ends, emergency rooms return to normal or see a slight increase in patient numbers.
Urgences-santé, the public ambulance service for Montreal and Laval, noticed a decrease in ambulance calls during Canadiens games, followed by an increase post-game. Not all hospitals reported the same pattern, with some not observing a consistent link between Canadiens games and emergency room activity.
At the Montreal Heart Institute, there was an approximate 20% increase in cardiac-related cases during playoff games. Dr. Audrey-Jane Hall advised caution due to the emotional impact of intense hockey games on health. Dr. Levine recommended considering clinics or Quebec’s 811 health line for non-urgent concerns before visiting emergency departments.
Overall, the Montreal Canadiens’ playoff games seem to have a noticeable impact on emergency room visits and ambulance calls in the region.
