Along with misfired rifle shots, common medical emergencies involving hunters include heart attacks, back injuries and broken bones. By following certain safety precautions, however, hunters can prevent injuries and avoid a trip to the emergency room, says a physician who enjoys the hobby himself. "I am a hunter and always need to remind myself to lead by example when I'm in the woods," Dr. Eric Grube, an emergency medicine physician at the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wis., said in a Mayo news release. "Hunting can be a fun sport for all to enjoy. But we need to make sure that fun isn't spoiled by some unfortunate accident."

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Tags: Dr. Eric Grube, Health Policy, HealthDay, hunting safety, Mayo Clinic Health System, safety precautions