Medical Safety Tips

Cuts & Scrapes

  • Use clean running water to thoroughly rinse the area of any debris.
  • Gently wash with soap and water.
  • Pat dry with a clean cloth. If bleeding continues, apply gentle pressure for 5 minutes or so.
  • Apply antibiotic cream and a bandage.

Make sure you tend to these as soon as possible to prevent infection.

Bumps & Bruises

Being outside can inevitably lead to bumps and bruises. While these are not serious injuries because the skin is less prone to infection if it doesn't break, they tend to become achy if not treated. Common treatments for a bruise involves a cold compress or an ice pack to reduce swelling, and using common pain reliever to reduce pain in the healing process. As a general rule of thumb, icing on and off for 24 to 48 hours should help successfully reduce the selling. If the bruise is near a joint and the pain persists, you may need to see a medical professional to check for a sprain or strain.

Tip

Getting the average bump or bruise is not a particularly serious injury. However, if the pain persists, the injury could be more serious, such as a strain or sprain. Seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion

Early symptoms include: 

  • Confusion
  • Cool/Clammy Skin
  • Excessive Sweating
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Leg Cramps
  • Nausea or Vomiting

Tips

  • Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after physical activities in hot outdoors. Water is good, but isotonic sports drinks are better, such as Gatorade or PowerAde as they help your body retain liquid.
  • Take plenty of breaks in the shade to prevent heat illness symptoms from even starting. If you do begin to see symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Sunburns

It is important to always wear sunscreen, even it if isn't extremely sunny out. Treat a sunburn by cooling the burn with cold water or cold compresses, but don't expose the skin directly to ice or an ice pack (wrap in a towel first). This will reduce body temperature and help the burn heal. Using cooling agents such as a burn spray with aloe ( or even natural aloe vera) can soothe irritated skin and help the healing process.

Tip

Using a moisturizing lotion to lock in moisture and replenishing your fluids by drinking water can help your skin. Avoid petroleum based moisturizers as they can actually trap the heat in your skin.

Stings

From bee stings to mosquito bites, stings are the most prevalent in the spring and summer months. Use an insect repellant spray which significantly reduces the chances of your being stung. Call 911 immediately and begin treatment for a sever allergic reaction if a person has an allergy or begins to show serious signs such as: 

  • Dizziness
  • Extreme Swelling of the Tongue or at Point of Sting
  • Hives
  • Loss of Consciousness
  • Short of Breath

Make sure to use an EPI-Pen if necessary. Treatment of a ting involves removing the stinger ( if it has been left in the wound) by gently scraping along the area with a flat edge, such as that of a credit card. Squeezing the area of the sting can actually cause further irritation and swelling. Once the stinger is removed, applying a Sting Relief Product can help reduce the pain and itchiness associated with a bad sting. This is especially helpful for children. It also helps to cover the sting with a bandage so as to avoid itching or rubbing and causing further irritation and scabbing of the sting.

Tip

Try and be aware if anyone has severe sting allergies, and run through an emergency process with them in the event of a sting so you are as prepared as possible.

Related Tips

  • Get plenty of rest and sleep, to make sure you are functioning at your best.
  • Keep a first aid kit available and fully stocked at home and on trips.
  • Keep emergency numbers handy and have a cell phone with you at all times.
  • Take a CPR and first aid class.