The spring season is in full force! For many Canadians, this is a wonderful time of year at it means more outdoor excitement. With the summer months ahead, many of us are gearing up for such nature-laden adventures as hiking, biking, gardening and sports. They all bring about fun times in the sunshine. However, they also come with a higher risk of minor injuries and accidents. Knowing how to quickly and effectively tend to mishaps is essential.
Here are four spring and summer first aid tips for outdoor adventures:
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Disinfect cuts, scrapes and bruises.
Skin abrasions are bound to happen. Especially if your activities involve uneven terrain, sharp or hard objects and physical exertion, you’re in line for a bump or two. The key to addressing cuts, scrapes and bruises is to ensure that they don’t get infected. First things first, clean the wound with water and mild soap. You’ll then want to apply an antiseptic before covering it with a sterile bandage. Be sure to change it daily.
To ensure your readiness, keep a small portable first aid kit in your backpack or car. It should be stocked with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers and antibiotic ointment. “If an antibiotic ointment or cream is available, ask the person whether they are sensitive to any antibiotics, such as penicillin,” alerts Vanessa Racine of the Canadian Red Cross, “If not, suggest that the person apply ointment to the wound.”
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Prevent and treat insect bites
Beware of mosquitoes, ticks and wasps. Their bites aren’t just itchy nuisances. They are known to cause allergic reactions and even transmit diseases like Lyme disease. This is especially true in wooded areas and grassy trails. “Wash the bite with soap and water and immediately apply a cold compress, which will ease the itching,” advises Orkin Canada, “Apply an over-the-counter cream containing 1 percent hydrocortisone, and take an antihistamine if you develop hives.”
This spring and summer, use insect repellent that contains DEET. It will be particularly helpful when you are hiking or camping. After being in wooded areas, check for ticks around the ankles, behind the knees and along the scalp line. If you are bitten by a tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Clean the area with antiseptic. Then monitor for signs of a rash or flu-like symptoms. Be sure to seek medical attention if needed.
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Avoid overexposure to heat.
Who doesn’t love to soak up the sun on a warm and bright summer day? While it should go without saying that you should always wear sunscreen (a minimum SPF 30 is a smart way to go), it’s important to avoid being in the sun for too long. Overexposure to heat can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Do you plan on long days of biking, golfing or other outdoor events? We’re talking to you!
Beware of the signs of heat exhaustion. They include heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness and nausea. You’re in danger of heat stroke if you experience confusion, a rapid pulse or a loss of consciousness. Make no mistake – heat stroke is a medical emergency. To ward it off, stay hydrated. Carry water with you and drink frequently. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Also, make use of shaded areas as often as possible.
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Take a first aid & CPR course.
At SOS First Aid, we offer Red Cross-certified Standard First Aid and Emergency First Aid courses across the GTA. They meet WSIB standards and are perfect for individuals, families or even teams preparing for a summer full of outdoor fun. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 905-844-9813 or email us at [email protected] today!
