Summer 911

Burns
What you need to know: All second- and third-degree burns require medical attention. Extensive burns, including first-degree ones, require medical help.
Symptoms: First-degree burns cause the skin to turn red or whitish red and may lightly blister. Superficial burns involve only the top layer of the skin and should be treated at home. Second-degree burns can cause blisters and rawness. Since some of the dermis (deep layer of the skin) remains unharmed, these burns can heal without scarring. Third-degree burns destroy the full thickness of the skin. If the burn is very deep, muscles and bones may be exposed. The burned area looks charred or waxy.
Treatment: Soothe the burn by submersing it in cool water or covering it with water-soaked cloth. Protect with sterile, lint-free, nonadhesive covering. Do not break blisters or use oils or ointments.
Seek medical attention: if burns are extensive (the definition of extensive varies depending on the degree of the burn – if in doubt, seek help); if they occur on children under age two, elderly people and people with chronic medical conditions that affect their immune systems; if there's an infection risk; if burns are on or near the face or throat; or if the burns interfere with breathing.

Heatstroke
What you need to know: Heatstroke is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body temperature is 40C or higher. It can be caused by overexertion in a hot environment or a failure of the brain's thermostat.
Symptoms: A spike in body temperature, rapid pulse, laboured breathing, flushed skin that is dry or sweaty, restlessness, weariness, headache, dizziness and nausea. Within a few minutes a person with heatstroke may become unconscious.
Treatment: Reduce body temperature by immediately moving the person to shade, removing his unnecessary clothing and either sitting him in a tub of cool water (with constant supervision) or covering him with wet sheets or blankets. Check that breathing is normal. Provide cool, but not cold, water if person
is able to drink.
Prevention: Drink lots of clear fluids. Wear lightweight, breathable clothing that permits air circulation. Avoid excessive summer exertion, exposure to heat and direct sun; be extra cautious in intensely
humid conditions, which inhibit sweating.
Seek medical attention: immediately. Heatstroke is a life-threatening medical emergency.

Sprains and breaks
What you need to know: A sprain, which is difficult to diagnose, is an injury to a ligament. A fracture is a crack or complete break in a bone.
Symptoms: Even minor injuries can swell, bruise and cause tremendous pain if touched or moved.
Treatment: Immediate treatment may reduce long-term discomfort from the injury. For sprains, rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are the cardinal rules. Do not straighten or bend the injured limb. To transport a person, first immobilize the injured limb in a comfortable position.
Seek medical attention: if there is any head or neck injury; if the bone is in an unnatural position beneath the skin; if there's loss of function or excessive pain (can't rotate ankle or bend knee); or if there is serious swelling or bruising. It is often difficult to distinguish between minor and major injuries. If you're uncertain, get the injury checked out by a doctor.

Cuts, scratches, and punctures
What you need to know: All cuts, scrapes or punctures can become infected. Expect heavy bleeding from the scalp and head even with minor cuts.
Treatment: Before dressing a wound, the first-aider should wash hands with soap and water. Run the wound under water. Apply gentle pressure with nonadhesive, sterile covering to control bleeding. If necessary, elevate the injured limb to reduce bleeding; use antiseptic wipes or ointment to prevent infection. Cover injury with bandage.
Seek medical attention: if bleeding cannot be controlled; if the puncture or cut is from a contaminated object (rusty metal or animal scratch); if the wound is a jagged cut needing stitches; or if the wound is on the head, where underlying fractures may exist or blood loss can lead to shock.

Animal bites
What you need to know: Any bite that breaks the skin, including human bites, can cause infection.
Treatment: Thoroughly clean a surface bite with soap and water and protect with a clean nonadhesive covering. Treat with an antiseptic. For a severe bite, allow some bleeding from the wound then wrap with gauze and exert gentle pressure to stop it.
Prevention: Teach children the risks of approaching, feeding and cornering wild and domestic animals. If camping, don't leave food or dirty dishes around.
Seek medical attention: if the bite breaks the skin. It could require stitches, oral antibiotics, a Tetanus shot or it may be a rabies risk.

For more great tips for staying healthy and safe this summer read "101 ways to enjoy your healthiest summer ever" in the August 2004 issue of Canadian Living magazine.