Summer
Safety: Red Cross Issues Tips
On How
to Have a Safe Summer
Getting trained and
downloading First Aid and Emergency Apps make summer fun and travel easy
North
Charleston, SC, Thursday, May 26, 2016— Millions of people are looking
forward to having fun and traveling this summer and the American Red Cross
wants everyone to stay safe.
“Preparation
and prevention are key components of summer safety,” said Louis Welch Williams,
Regional CEO, American Red Cross South Carolina. “If an emergency occurs,
people need to know what to do until advanced medical help arrives.”
When
traveling, it’s important to know the level of ability of the people in your
group and the environment around you. Sprains and falls are some of the
most common misfortunes travelers may face. Sprains are the
most common injury for someone on a cruise, along with contusions and other
superficial wounds. Going to the mountains? Falls are the biggest threat, many
due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or not being properly prepared.
Dehydration is also a danger. People planning a camping trip face the same
dangers.
WHAT TO DO IF:
- Stung
by a jellyfish?
Wash liberally with vinegar as soon as possible for at least 30 seconds.
If vinegar isn’t available, make a thick mixture of baking soda and water.
- Mosquitoes
biting?
Ideally the first step is to prevent mosquito bites. If not, use an
over-the-counter product to reduce the itch and urge to scratch.
- Sick
stomach?
Keep the person hydrated and take a medication made specifically for
someone with tummy woes.
- Too
long in the sun?
Get out of the sun, cool the area and use topical pain relief medication
if needed.
- Blisters? Leave it alone
to protect the area. If the blister may cause further injury, puncture at
the base, clean and protect with another barrier such as a bandage.
- Allergic
reaction?
Remove the person from the allergen; give them oral antihistamines if needed.
If the situation is life-threatening, consider the use of epinephrine.
AVOID VACATION
MISHAPS Vacationers
should pack appropriate clothing, insect repellant, sunscreen and first aid
items. Include soap, tweezers, wound gel, personal medication and items such as
fever reducers, fungal creams and pain relievers.
TAKE A CLASS Prepare for the unexpected with First Aid/CPR/AED
training. Training can give people the skills and
confidence to act in an emergency and to save a life. Red Cross offers a
variety of online, blended (online content with in-class skills session) and
instructor-led classroom training options. Register at redcross.org/takeaclass. A variety of First
Aid kits and emergency supplies are available at redcrossstore.org.
DOWNLOAD APPS Download the Red
Cross First Aid App for instant access on how to treat common emergencies as
well as a hospital locator which is helpful for travelers. The Emergency App is
a single ‘go-to’ source for weather alerts and safety tips for everything from
a power outage, to a severe thunderstorm, to a hurricane. All Red Cross apps
can be downloaded for free in app stores by searching for ‘American Red Cross’
or by going to redcross.org/apps.
About
the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
No comments:
Post a Comment