Action: Immediately flush eyes with the freshest water available – from your water bottle or, if need be, the lake. Return to land, says Kearney, and see a doctor as soon as possible.
Don't: Rub eyes or use eye drops.
30. Your toddler is choking on a piece of hot dog.
Action: "If the child can still get some air, encourage him to cough," says Johnson. If not, use the Heimlich manoeuvre: From behind, wrap your arms around him, with one hand covering a fist placed in his mid-abdomen. Pull firmly inward and upward. Repeat until blockage is cleared. For illustrated instructions from St. John's Ambulance, visit www.sja.ca and click on Publications and Resources.
Don't: Slap him on the back; it can worsen the blockage.
31. You're sitting in the hammock at the cottage and suddenly, you're covered in mosquito bites.
Action: Use anti-itch products (such as After Bite or calamine lotion). Try one of the many home remedies, one of which is to rub liquid laundry detergent on the bite to help reduce irritation (it can't hurt!).
Don't: Use topical anesthetics; they may cause a reaction.
32. Your son is hit in the head with a baseball at a game at the lake.
Action: If he's knocked out or exhibits dizziness, abnormal behaviour and/or is vomiting, go to the nearest hospital or medical clinic. Whether you go to the hospital or not, use ice to reduce pain and swelling of the bruise or "goose egg" (a large, swollen bruise).
Don't: Play down the seriousness of this kind of accident; there could be serious damage.
33. An unleashed dog bites you at the campground.
Action: Make sure the owner secures the dog. Then, says Chute, flush the wound with water and wrap it in something clean such as a T-shirt. Puncture wounds must be seen by a doctor, who will help determine if there is a rabies concern.
Don't: Assume all dogs are friendly; always approach with caution.
34. Your dried fruit supply goes overboard and sinks at the beginning of your three-week canoe trip.
Action: Review what's left of your food – if necessary, delay the rest of the trip by a day to restock supplies.
Don't: Go for extended trips without proper nutritional supplies or a contingency plan.
35. Your child eats a wild mushroom, and you're not sure if it's poisonous.
Action: Pick one that looks similar and call the local poison control centre. You'll receive instructions from there.
Don't: Induce vomiting, says Warda; it may make things worse.
Page 5 of 5
Read more:
Stay safe in the water this summer
Keep your kids active this summer
Summer safety in the city
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