ROSELAND FIRST AID SQUADWELCOME
FIRST AID TIPS
Your response to an emergency often determines the impact the situation will have on those around you. Knowing what to do saves lives. This easy-to-use guide is organized by event type and gives you the best course of action to take in each situation and because we live in uncertain times, this guide also includes information on how to survive homeland attacks and acts of domestic terrorism, including survival tactics in the event of chemical or biological contamination.
SUMMER EMERGENCIES
The warm weather is returning, and after a long winter spent indoors everyone is anxious to get up and get outside for some fresh air.
However, with the increase in temperatures comes an increase in calls for local first aid squads and it is important to keep the following tips in mind.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF SUMMER FUN
Sun and Summer Heat
The most obvious hidden dangers in the summer simply has to do with the heat and can include:
- Heat stress and heat stroke, which can be prevented. Keep well-hydrated, take frequent breaks when playing outside, and watch for symptoms such as thirst, cramps, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and fever. Never leave a child or let her play in a hot car.
- Getting burned on metal slides or other hot playground equipment. Be sure to check any type of metal slide before allowing your child to get onto it, or any metal playground equipment.
- Sunburns-although parents should be aware of the risks of not applying sunscreen or sunblock on their children, sunburns are still common (especially if lotions are not used properly.)
Water Safety Tips
Many families try to escape the summer heat in a pool or nearby lake. To keep your kids safe around the water be sure to:
- Childproof your pool by enclosing it in a fence with a self-closing and self-latching gate.
- Supervise your kids around the pool, even if they know how to swim.
- Have children who don't know how to swim wear a life vest instead of "floaties" when they are in the pool.
- Always have your child wear a life vest when on a lake or river, even if they know how to swim.
- Take your child to swimming lessons once he or she is four to five years old, the age when most kids can learn to swim.
Other Summer Safety Tips
In addition to using sunscreen, supervising kids around water, and protecting your kids from the heat, you can keep your kids safe this summer by:
- Keeping younger kids away from lawn mowers. Despite the need for a summer job or simply wanting to help, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children younger than 16 years old should not be allowed to use ride-on mowers; children younger than 12 should not use walk-behind mowers.
- Using insect repellents when necessary.
- Doing a daily tick check if your kids have been playing outdoors, especially in or near wooded areas.
- Outfitting your kids with appropriate protective gear, such as a helmet and pads, when they ride a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter, or while wearing heelys.
- Not eating food that has been left out for more than an hour at barbecues and family picnics, which can cause food poisoning.
- Teaching your kids to recognize and avoid poison ivy.
- And of course, keep your home well-childproofed. This also applies to wherever you are staying when you are on vacation, whether it is a hotel or relative's home.
Although not a safety danger, it's important to remember that time off from school also means that your child may have more opportunity to become inactive and eat more junk food, leading to his becoming overweight. Encourage your child to be active and eat a healthy diet all summer long.
Are you ready for summer fun?
Take this summer safety quiz from the American Academy of Pediatrics to find out.
