Summer is in full swing. But opportunities for outdoor fun also present the potential for serious unintended injuries.
As a trauma surgeon, I have seen just about anything and everything cause injuries — fences, pools, ATVs, ladders, lawnmowers, arrows and yes, even lightbulbs. Clearly you cannot live in a bubble, but there are some basic safety tips that you and your family need to keep in mind as this season plays out.
[See: Top Reasons Kids End Up in the Hospital.]
May kicked off what we call “trauma season” in many emergency rooms across the U.S. To avoid injuries while enjoying outdoor activities, especially those that are water-related, keep these tips in mind.
Cultivate Common (Swim) Sense
Children, teens and adults are much, much more likely to actually drown than experience what is termed dry or secondary drowning. Because of that, basic swim safety should always be followed and enforced. Children and teens should be supervised closely at all times while in and around the pool. Just because someone knows how to swim does not mean she cannot drown. Water safety and swimming classes are offered in most communities (local community centers, gyms) and are highly recommended. Even if you do not own swimming pool, these classes still apply to most families. Children often attend pool parties or visit the homes of friends with pools and need to know basic water safety.
[See: 6 Health Hazards to Watch Out for This Summer Other Than Skin Cancer.]
Know the Different Types of ‘Drowning’
Dry drowning and secondary drowning are not medical diagnoses. In fact, they are both layman’s terms to describe different scenarios. Dry drowning describes a very rare situation in which breathing in water causes the vocal cords to spasm or close shut. This leads to a lack of oxygen to the brain. Dry drowning has the same symptoms as a drowning situation, and should be treated the same way by calling 911 and immediately beginning CPR. Secondary drowning describes a situation in which a child or adult inhales a relatively small amount of water that leads to them being unable to breathe hours later, due to inflammation and fluid in the lungs. Again, this process is not only incredibly rare but treatable if recognized. Symptoms of a problem, such as coughing, difficulty breathing, behavior changes, irritability and feelings of tiredness should prompt medical attention (a visit to the ER or doctor’s office) and may require admission to a hospital.
Jump Versus Dive
Being smart about water safety is not limited to the pool deck. Lakes, ponds and creeks are popular sources for summertime amusement and again, for injury. Diving into anything other than the deep end of a pool or an ocean is dangerous. Just because you did it last year or even last week does not mean it is safe — water levels change often, depending on the weather. You cannot judge how deep any water is just by how it looks. Diving accidents are very serious and can not only lead to drowning but also paralysis.
Brush Up on Boating Basics
Although driving a boat may not require a license in every state, it does require the same level of responsibility and sobriety. Alcohol and motorized vehicles, either on land or water, do not mix. Boating accidents do happen, and unfortunately they often involve the propeller. Because of this, every boat should be equipped with appropriately sized life vests for every occupant and a first aid kit that includes a tourniquet. Tourniquets are life-saving devices that can stop serious bleeding in the arms or legs. Whether you plan on spending any time on the water this summer, everyone needs to know how to apply a tourniquet and training is available in many communities. Check out this guide on basic tourniquet use.
[See: 8 Must-Know First-Aid Tips.]
Take Care With Lawn Mowers
The sound of a lawn mower may be synonymous with summer, but lawn mowers are also the cause of many injuries. Despite warm temperatures, it is important to wear clothing that covers the arms and legs to help protect against objects that could be thrown by lawn mower blades. Closed-toe and sturdy shoes should be worn, as well as eye protection. In addition, children should be kept indoors while lawn mowers are in the yard. Kids can be injured not only from flying debris but also from the lawn mowers themselves, especially in the case of riding lawn mowers. A person operating a riding lawn mower often cannot see or hear small children approach, due to the height and loud noise of the mower, and unfortunately, children fall victim to life-threatening lawn mower injuries every year.
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Trauma Surgeon: Please Avoid These Top Summer Accidents originally appeared on usnews.com
