Silver Cross Hospital Wants You to Have a Fun – and Safe – Summer
Dr. Matthew McCormick specializes in emergency medicine at Silver Cross Hospital and offers several tips for staying safe this summer.
From poolside splashes to backyard barbecues, everyone’s ready to dive into summer. But before you do, keep these tips from Silver Cross Hospital in mind to make your summer fun and safe:
Water Safety
There’s nothing like a dip in the pool or frolicking at the beach on a hot summer day. But that fun can turn to tragedy if people don’t take the proper precautions, said Dr. Matthew McCormick, D.O., an emergency medicine physician on the medical staff at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox and medical director of the Silver Cross Emergency Medical Services System (EMS) .
“If you own a pool or are going to a pool or the beach, make sure your kids are not going in the water by themselves,” Dr. McCormick said. “Also, if they are on an inflatable raft, keep an eye on them. They sometimes can flip over and trap kids underneath.”
Lake Michigan may look serene from the beaches, Dr. McCormick said, but, “it acts like an ocean. There can be undertows and strong currents, even if the water looks calm.”
To ensure safety, he encourages CPR training for all. “If there is a drowning incident, at least you may be able to help that person while someone else is calling 911.”
If someone has been submerged, keep a close eye on them, Dr. McCormick warned. “They may be alert and coughing up some water. Don’t be fooled. Take them to the Emergency Room for evaluation. They could be suffering from ‘dry drowning,’ respiratory distress or failure that occurs, even if the person appears to have recovered.”
Sun Not Always Fun
Dehydration is the number one concern when you’re out in the heat. Not drinking enough water can put you at greater risk for heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
With the former, a person may feel dizzy and nauseous, and sweat excessively. That person needs to go to a cool place out of the sun right away or even take a cool – not cold – shower to bring their body temperature down.
Heat stroke is much more severe. The person can become disoriented or even pass out. They would have a rapid pulse and not be able to sweat. Call 911 immediately to get them to the Emergency Department quickly to prevent a coma or even death.
Drink alcohol in moderation. In excess, it can lead to dehydration much more quickly and cause a person to be unaware of heat stroke.
Sunburn also is a concern during the more intense summer months, especially for those who are fair-skinned. Some medications can increase that risk. Check the prescription bottle, or with your doctor or pharmacist.
Medical officials suggest wearing a hat and sunscreen of at least SPF 30, or a cool, cotton, long-sleeved shirt, especially during the more intense hours, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Check the UV index on your phone’s weather app to see if you need to limit your time in the sun.
If you do end up with sunburn, apply aloe and take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen to ease the pain. Blistering can mean a deeper burn and would require medical attention.
Food Safety
Those backyard barbecues are fun and tasty, but be aware of food out in the heat too long. Keep the perishables such as mayonnaise-based salads in the cool house and/or on ice.
And even hot, cooked foods should not be out in the elements for more than an hour or so. Much like leftovers after indoor holiday meals, refrigerate them as soon as possible.
Nothing Like a … FIRE!!
Whether you’re hankering for some s’mores or just want to enjoy a relaxing backyard fire in the evening, make sure you keep those flames where they’re supposed to be.
Always check with your municipality or county for open burning regulations, even enclosed fire pits.
Never use gasoline or other accelerants to start a fire; they will cause explosions and severe or deadly burns.
As with an indoor fireplace, make sure the wood you are using does not emit sparks, especially if you don’t have a screen around the fire. Check the direction and strength of the wind. Be kind to your neighbors who may have breathing issues.
Keep the fire at a safe distance from the house or other structures such as fences. And always keep a water source nearby, just in case.
Taking commonsense precautions can help make sure you, your family and friends have a fun … and safe … summer!
To learn more about Emergency Services at Silver Cross Hospital, visit silvercross.org
