Summer Emergencies

As the summer sun shines down on us all and people take some well-deserved vacation time, let’s focus in on those things that will keep us safe this summer. Just because it is summer don’t forget to be safe. Often many injuries will happen because we were in a hurry, didn’t want to walk back to the garage to get other tools, or simply just were not thinking. Have a word with yourself before you engage in the activity vs laying in the hospital emergency room getting stiches or worse, then saying to yourself “what was I thinking. ”

We’ve all seen someone with sunburn this summer. Sunburn is the leading cause of skin cancer which is on the rise here in Saskatchewan. This is easy to prevent but slipping on a shirt, slapping on a wide brimmed hat and slopping on the sun screen. Make sure you reapply the sun screen especially after swimming or if sweating due to exercise. While the beach body may be something everyone desires this summer, 30 or 40 years from now those hours basking in the sunshine might not be what you wished you had done. Please remember children and infants have poor abilities to regulate heat so helping them with added sun screen is recommended.

Heat emergencies can creep up on anyone, especially when we fail to drink plenty of good old fashioned water. Staying hydrated is very important. Please don’t wait till you are thirsty to take on the needed water.

For those who work outdoors, taking regular if not frequent breaks out of the sun is essential to preventing a heat emergency.

How do you spot a heat emergency?

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No matter what the activity from cycling to gardening or construction we are all susceptible. First we typically get thirsty, sweat and might complain of generalize muscle aches. If we fail to drink more water or take a break we might become dizzy and lighted headed or even a bit nauseated. Again, if left unchecked the confusion increases, we sweat more, our skin gets very hot and we act very strange. If left unchecked it quickly will move to heat stroke where we become unconscious and our bodies in burning on the inside. Heat stroke is a very serious medical emergency that requires immediate lifesaving interventions from paramedics and other medical professionals in the hospital. Early intervention is key!

With the hot humid weather our seniors might be having more difficulty especially those with existing breathing problems.

Certain respiratory conditions are aggravated by the increase heat. So regular prescribed medications are not improving the breathing and walking short distances are way more difficult than they usually are, see your doctor or call for paramedic assistance. If you have an older family member or neighbor on your block, with the restraints of heat, please check on them to be sure they too get lots of water and a chance to get cool.

As we are into summer and with all the rain, it is mosquito season. Remember bug spray can also be an effective treatment against the recent high numbers of ticks. The higher the DEET concentration in the repellent formula, the longer it provides protection.
While this is true for protection against both mosquitos and ticks, DEET repels mosquitos for a longer duration than for ticks. When seeking protection against ticks, look for a product that specifies use for ticks. Health Canada has approved the following concentrations for different age groups. Prolonged use should be avoided in children under the age of 12.
• Up to 30% concentration of DEET for adults and children over 12 years of age. One application of 30% DEET should be effective for six hours against mosquitos.
• Up to 10% concentration for children aged two to 12, applied up to three times daily. One application of 10% DEET should be effective for three hours against mosquitos.
• Up to 10% concentration for children aged six months to two years, applied no more than once daily. One application of 10% DEET offers three hours of protection against mosquitos.

Do not use personal insect repellents containing DEET on infants less than six months of age. Use a mosquito net when the child is outdoors in a crib, playpen or stroller.

Read the labels before applying any insect repellant on yourself or other family members. But be sure to use some this summer, just as you would sun screen. Enjoy your July and keep safe in your travels.