Summer first aid advice

Be prepared for the minor mishaps that can occur over the summer months, by following our advice.

St John Ambulance has this advice for sun protection

• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from sunburn to your head, face, ears and neck;
• Look for shady areas such as under trees and canopies, especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun’s rays are at it’s hottest;
• Stay covered up in loose fitting, long-sleeved clothing;
• Wear high-quality wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes and eyelids;
• Be extra careful with children; babies and children less than 12 months should be kept out of the sun completely;
• Take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks with you and sip little and often to keep hydrated;
• Take a fully-stocked first aid kit with you so that you’re prepared for the minor mishaps that can occur*.

But if Wimbledon or the great British summer is a wash out it’s still important to be prepared when you venture outdoors:

• Bring a jumper and hat to keep you warm – the temperature is likely to drop when it’s raining;
• Take a cagoule or mac with you to shield yourself from the rain;
• Remember to wear sun cream – even on an overcast day the sun’s rays can still be harmful;
• Bring an umbrella with you…not only will you be protected from the rain but if the sun comes out later you can protect yourself from the sun too;
• Bring a clean pair of dry socks with you to prevent fungal infections developing if your feet get wet;
• Take a first aid kit with so you’re ready for any eventuality.

Advice for treating summer ailments

Blisters

Don’t let a bothersome blister ruin your day. Use petroleum jelly in areas likely to rub. If you do happen to get one, cover it with a plaster to prevent further irritation. Don’t try to pop it as this can lead to infection.

Sunburn

A healthy glow looks great in the summer but not when it’s strawberry-red. To treat moderate to severe sunburn move the affected person into the shade and cover them with a towel. Cool the skin by sponging the affected areas with cool water for at least 10 minutes and encourage them to take regular sips of cool water. For mild sunburn apply aftersun or calamine lotion to help soothe the affected area.

Prickly heat

An irritating itchy rash that occurs in hot weather – it develops when sweat glands are blocked and particularly where sweat is trapped and cannot evaporate. The skin may feel as if it is burning and have a rash made up of tiny red spots that disappear when pressed.  If you’re suffering from prickly heat then move into a cool environment and cool the affected skin area by sponging with cool water.

Heat exhaustion

Sweating heavily or using drugs like ecstasy can lead to heat exhaustion. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, cramps, breathing that is fast but weak, and profuse sweating. If someone suffers from heat exhaustion you should get them into a cool, shady area and make them as comfortable as possible. Get them to lie down with raised legs and give them plenty of water. Try to include a teaspoon of salt in each litre of water they drink to restore the loss of salt from their system.

Heatstroke

Prolonged exposure to the sun or lack of fluids can cause your body to dangerously overheat. If someone is suffering from heatstroke they may have symptoms such as a rapid pulse, headache and dizziness. Their skin will be hot to the touch, red and flushed. As the condition worsens they will become disorientated and confused. It’s important to lower their body temperature as soon as possible.

To treat someone suffering from heatstroke remove as much of their clothing as possible and dial 999 for an ambulance. Move them to a cool place and wrap them in a cold, wet sheet until their temperature falls. If a sheet isn’t available sponge them with cold water. Once their temperature returns to normal replace the sheet with a dry one and make a note of their pulse and breathing until help arrives.