Staying Safe For Summer

As Canadians, we’re used to spending the summer outdoors. We’re no longer held captive inside by blowing snow and frozen noses, and that means that we’re used to getting outdoors every chance we get. Whether we’re swinging at a baseball, kicking a soccer ball into the net, hiking through trails, cycling on busy streets, or any other activity - we’re usually soaking up the sun in every free moment.?

There are tremendous health benefits to all of that activity. Provided you’re being sun safe (more on that later!), outdoor activity in the sunshine is not only a source of Vitamin D, but can be great for your cardiovascular health as well. Even if you’re taking a leisurely walk, just moving your body in fresh air can help lower blood pressure and improve your mental health.

Yet it’s crucial to stay safe, and that means both taking precautions and having the right training. Summer activities can be risky, and some incredibly so, if they’re not done smartly. A strong foundation in first aid training can help keep everyone safe, and make sure that everyone is having a good time.

Be Sun Smart

While our parents and grandparents used to lather themselves in baby oil and sit outside with a mirror around their neck, we know better today. Prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous without sun protection, and we probably all know someone who’s had a ‘bad sunburn’ or two. But how can you tell when someone has had too much sun?

We often think of heat stroke as being dangerous, but the sun can be a risk long before heat stroke. Heat exhaustion, which can be the precursor to heat stroke, comes when your body loses too much water and salt through sweating. If someone is feeling weak, sweating heavily, nauseous, has clammy skin, or their heart rate is off, it may be a sign of heat exhaustion.

Move that person to a cooler area and do what you can to cool down their body temperature, like taking off unnecessary clothing or rehydrating them with water and sports drinks. If vomiting occurs, they should seek medical attention.?

Heat stroke is where the body has lost its ability to control its core temperature, and may display as a rapid heart rate or a loss of consciousness. If someone has an elevated body temperature from sun or heat exposure, call 911 and do what you can to keep the person cool and shaded where possible.?

Bumps, Bruises and Breaks

It’s not uncommon for children, or even adults, who play summer sports to injure themselves. They may run the wrong way and twist an ankle, fall and break a bone, or even get hit in the head while performing an activity. Some of these injuries may be more serious than others but all can benefit from quick attention.?

For bumps and bruises, icing them and rest can help the swelling go down, but a broken bone needs more attention. Putting the bone in a splint and keeping it immobile can help avoid any further injury while you get the person off to a medical facility for X-Rays and a proper check-up.

Head injuries are serious business, and need to be taken seriously. If left ignored, a serious head injury can prove dangerous, or even life threatening - even if the person seems okay after the initial trauma. If an adult or child is showing signs of a concussion (there are many, but serious ones that need medical attention are loss of consciousness and vomiting), get them medical attention immediately to make sure that they are examined properly. Even recovery from a mild concussion can be prolonged, so it is crucial not to wait until a person is showing ‘serious’ signs of trouble.?

Bites and Stings

Unfortunately good weather also comes with a ton of bugs and insects - an important part of our ecosystem, but less fun when they’re biting or stinging us! There are ways to help ward off insects, such as wearing light colours and clothing that covers your skin, avoiding strong scents, and using insect repellants can help keep critters away.

If something bites or stings that isn’t too serious, try and scrape the stinger away and then clean the area with water. Cold compresses can help keep swelling down. If someone is having an allergic reaction (monitor their airway, breathing, and circulation) then be ready to use an Auto Injector i.e.Epi-Pen and call 911 immediately.

The other major biting risk that’s increasing in prevalence is ticks. Tick bites can carry lyme disease, which is a serious chronic illness and one that’s difficult to diagnose and treat. Taking proper precautions such as wearing long clothing, tucking pants into socks when hiking or in long grass, and checking the skin for ticks after coming indoors are key. Also make sure to check pets for ticks - they can attach themselves to your dog, and then easily move onto humans.?

Knowledge Is Power!?

This only scratches the surface, but knowledge of proper first aid protocols and carrying the proper first aid supplies is crucial for staying safe. Accident and injury prevention is important, but they are not entirely avoidable. When something does happen, knowing how to act quickly can truly help save the day.

We offer our training to almost all age groups throughout the year, from our babysitting and high school courses to our workplace certification programs to our private classes - there’s no need to live without first aid knowledge! Contact us today to learn more and sign up for one of our programs.

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