July is “Summer Safety Month” and typically our busiest month of the year in the emergency room. There is still plenty of summer left, so we want everyone in our community to be more aware of the potential dangers that occur with this wonderful warm weather, so your fun isn’t ruined with a trip to the ER! There are many types of injuries that can occur this time of year from broken bones or fish hooks to bug bites, heat stroke or salmonella. Be sure to prepare for whatever your day’s activities include with these reminders.
- Always wear your seatbelt! Summer travel on the roads is very busy and right now we are in the middle of Idaho’s “100 deadliest days on the road”! Please make sure everyone is properly buckled up when traveling.
- Protect your skin by applying and REAPPLYING often a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and seek shade from 11am-4pm to avoid sunburn.
- Use the buddy system when swimming at the pool, river, or lakes and NEVER let children swim without an adult nearby.
- Everyone should wear a lifejacket when in a boat and avoid alcohol.
- Wear helmets, practice safe driving, and avoid alcohol when operating ATVs.
- Keep the bugs and mosquitos away by applying repellants, avoid wearing heavily scented lotions or perfumes, and cover-up. Do a thorough skin check after hiking in brush to check for ticks.
- Cook all meat to proper internal temperatures and then promptly store leftovers or discard the food after two hours to avoid a nasty case of salmonella or stomach poisoning.
- If you see lightning and then hear thunder before you count to 30– stay inside.
- Keep a water bottle nearby and stay hydrated on hot days. Cool down at the first signs of heat illness– thirst, headache, dizziness, rapid pulse, and clammy skin.
- Learn to recognize poisonous plants in our area and keep your distance when outdoors. Wear long sleeve pants and shirts when out hiking.
- Use caution when bating and removing fish hooks or casting around others.
- Kids should always wear helmets when riding bikes or scooters around town. Make sure they practice safe riding on streets to be on the lookout for cars.
- Be careful lighting fires- please extinguish them responsibly!! It is a very dry and hot year with a high potential for damage to our community. Follow all local and state laws regarding fireworks as well.
There is so much more to enjoy with the rest of this busy summer season of travel and activities. Unfortunately some of the worst injuries we see at the ER occur during this fun, so please remember to plan ahead, teach your children to be careful and try to be a little more vigilant with following these tips while enjoying your day. Have a safe and fun summer!