Emergency Services Articles

Summer Safety Tip

For many people, summer means fun in the sun. The children are out of school and adults are on vacation, it's a perfect time for outdoor activities such as swimming, biking, hiking, family reunions and picnics. Remember to take precautions to make summer activities safe and always use safety equipment such as seat belts, helmets and life jackets. Relaxation and a change in routine is what summer fun is all about but having a great summer also includes using caution to keep your family safe.

Basic safety tips to avoid heat exposure and possible death

• Limit outside activities during the hottest parts of the day. If possible stay inside an air-conditioned building during the hottest hours of the day which are typically between the hours of 11AM and 3PM
• Drink plenty of water and other clear fluids throughout the day. It is best not to drink sodas, beer or other alcoholic beverages to maintain hydration
• Move your exercise routine to early morning or later in the evening.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater at least 30 minutes before going outdoors even on days that appear cloudy. Reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors
• Never leave a pet or child in the car even if you have a quick errand. It’s never safe! Cars can become overheated quickly and become like an oven. Pets and children can die very quickly in a hot car.
• Never leave any prescription medications in your car or in direct sunlight.
• Wear protective clothing as well as sunscreen when taking medications that cause sensitivity to sunlight.

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Clammy or moist skin
• Loss of color in skin
• Sweating
• A tired look on someone’s face
• Dry mouth
• Headache

If you feel thirsty, there’s a good chance you’re already dehydrated. If you see any of the above exhaustion signs get the person out of the heat immediately. If possible, get them to drink plenty of cool fluids and wipe them down with cool wet cloths. If they don’t improve rapidly call 911.

The signs of major heat exposure, also known as heat stroke, include:

• High body temperatures – (over 103 degrees F)
• Confusion
• Poor breathing – if you can’t hear a person breathing it can indicate a problem
• Seizures
• Weak pulse
• Hot dry skin to the touch
• Fainting or total loss of consciousness

If you see any of the above signs of heat stroke or major heat exposure, get the person out of the heat immediately and take them to the nearest hospital or call 911. Heat stroke always requires medical attention.

Although anyone, at any time, can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.

• Infants and young children up to 4 years of age
Persons over 65, and particularly those who have health problems involving their heart, kidneys, or lungs Persons who are overweight Persons taking certain medications, such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, antihistamines or any other medication which interferes with their ability to perspire Persons who work or exercise excessively in the heat Persons who are dehydrated or have poor circulation, reducing the ability of their body to deliver blood to the skin Persons who have a mental illness that interferes with their ability to care for themselves

Outdoor Sports Safety

One of the best ways to stay safe this summer is to wear a helmet and other safety gear when biking, skating, skateboarding, riding scooters, all-terrain vehicles, and horses. Research on bicycle helmets reveals they reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent.

Boating Safety

• Children should wear life jackets at all times when on boats or near bodies of water.
• Make sure the life jacket is the right size for your child. The jacket should not be loose. It should always be worn as instructed with all straps belted.
• Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts and air mattresses should not be used as life jackets or life preservers.
• Adults should wear life jackets for their own protection, and to set a good example.
• Adolescents and adults should be warned of the dangers of boating when under the influence of alcohol, drugs, and even some prescription medications.

Swimming

• Never swim alone. Even good swimmers need buddies!
• A lifeguard (or another adult who knows about water rescue) needs to be watching children whenever they are in or near the water. Younger children should be closely supervised while in or near the water – use “touch supervision,” keeping no more than an arm’s length away.
• Make sure your child knows never to dive into water except when permitted by an adult who knows the depth of the water and who has checked for underwater objects.
• Never let your child swim in canals or any fast moving water.
• Ocean swimming should only be allowed when a lifeguard is on duty.

Patients and Families
How to Make your Stay at Winter Haven Hospital Safer

If you must make a visit to the Emergency Department or a hospital the most important thing patients and their families can do to have a positive hospital experience is to ask questions. If there is something you don't understand or if you're just curious, don't be embarrassed to ask your nurse about it. Your questions can help you while in the hospital. By following these steps, you will be promoting your own safety.

• Bring a copy of your medical history (conditions, previous surgeries, past illnesses) and be ready to share this information with your nurse or physician.
• Bring a list of your current medications, including any over-the-counter drugs, herbal medicines and alternative products (include the dose, frequency and the reason for taking each).
• Bring a list of your allergies, including food, environmental and medication allergies
• Bring a list of your physicians and their phone numbers
• Bring a list of all pharmacies that you use and their phone numbers
• Ask questions! Your care team can only help you if they know you have a problem. If you have trouble remembering important information or your questions write it down.
• Make arrangements for pets to be cared for while you are away from your home.
• Notify medical staff in advance of any special needs
• If you have a completed, signed and notarized living will and / or durable power of attorney for healthcare bring these with you.
• Work with the doctors and other health care professionals as a team member
• Involve a family member or friend in your care
• Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your doctor

For more information about safety for you and your family refer to the following websites:

http://www.aap.org/family/tipppool.htm

http://www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DHHS_SITE/summer.htm

http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=a69ff6c5fd47b110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD

http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.cfm

 

 

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