Tips to Keep You Safe While Enjoying Time Outside
Spring and summer bring longer days, which means more time to enjoy the outdoors! While you may be excited to get out and get going, it’s essential to stay safe while doing so.
Keep reading to learn how to prevent injury outdoors, and when to seek treatment from our team at Quality Care ER:
Looking Out for Poisonous Plants & Insects
While the flowers on certain plants may look beautiful — they can also be dangerous. View the Texas Parks & Wildlife website to learn more about what plants to avoid, as well as how to identify them. In addition to plant matter, knowing how to handle an insect sting is essential.
If you experience any swelling, redness, or adverse symptoms, visit our emergency center for treatment.
Knowing Your Limits
No matter the activity and your experience level, everyone has a limit. It’s important to not overextend yourself when working strenuously outdoors, or engaging in labor-intensive exercises such as biking, riding, or hiking. Remember your limits, and stop if you begin to feel fatigued.
Observing Safety Rules
From staying on marked paths to observing depths of open water and pools, it’s important to be in the know when you’re headed outside. Wandering off or swimming too deep can result in life-threatening injuries.
Always check posted signage at your destination, and have an emergency plan in place.
Wearing Appropriate Gear
Involved in a spring or summer sport, or love to go hiking? It’s important to wear the right gear to prevent injury and keep you safe. This includes appropriate footwear, headgear, and other protective options such as knee guards and mouthguards for athletes.
Wearing appropriate gear also extends to ensuring you’re protected from the sun’s UV rays. This means sunglasses, long sleeves, hats, and sunscreen. For severe cases of sunburn or sun poisoning, at-home treatments will not be enough; you should seek immediate medical attention.
Preventing Heat Stroke & Dehydration
To prevent overheating as summer rolls around, you may also want to wear cooling towels and clothing made from materials to help reflect heat instead of absorbing it. This is especially helpful to prevent heat stroke in workers who spend a majority of their time outdoors.
Severe dehydration is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated. If dehydration is not treated, it can lead to complications such as urinary issues, seizures, and low blood volume shock. If you think you might be dehydrated, please do not hesitate to visit either of our emergency centers.
Emergency Medical Services in Paris and Greenville
The healthcare professionals at Quality Care ER are here to help diagnose and treat your family’s medical emergencies this season. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, dial 911 and visit either of our locations for proper treatment. For questions or concerns, contact our office at (903) 417-0886.
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