With summer and the beautiful warm weather that makes you want to go outside creeping ever closer, it's important to make sure you and your first aid kit are prepared for all kinds of emergencies.
Of course we all need to replace/refill our first aid kit consumables regularly, but summer presents different issues than other seasons, making it a good idea for some additions to your kit. An emergency won't wait for you to drive down to the store and restock.
What should you add?
#5: Instant Ice Packs, for on-the-go access to relief. Good for anything and everything from a rolled ankle to heat stroke. They don't need to be refrigerated, either - stick one in your kit and it's good to go!
#4: Tick Puller to deal with the little friends we all pick up when out and about. Not only reusable, but incredibly effective for removing ticks wholly and safely even if they're embedded in your skin. Always have one on hand to keep the ticks off.
#3: Hand Sanitiser. Thanks to 2020, we're all intimately familiar with this stuff, but it's still just as important as ever! Always keep a steady supply on hand (and on your hands) to minimise the risk of catching anything. Even if it doesn't help you with the pandemic, your hands will appreciate it.
#2: Snake and Spider Bite Kits are essential going into our warm weather. We all know how dangerous a snake bite or spider bite could be, so don't delay on picking up one - maybe even two or three - to make sure nobody comes out the bad side of a wildlife encounter. The kits even come with instructions, so there's no reason not to bring one.
#1: Hydrogel - a necessity when it comes to sunburn. This one's so important that even though it comes with most first aid kits, it's worth getting extra. We've all been sunburned before, and chances are we'll all get burned again, so pack as much of this as you can. Sunburn is the most common first aid emergency, so treat it as a threat.
What to watch out for?
With the searing summer on its way, things like heat stroke and heat exhaustion are going to rise in frequency and severity. Although we have a more detailed post about dehydration in summer, here are some pointers to keep in mind.
The two dangerous stages of major dehydration are Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.
If somebody is suffering from Heat Exhaustion, they need to be immediately removed from their location, and taken to a cool or shady area so they can lie down in total rest. Be sure to monitor them during this. Excess clothing should be removed, and tight clothing should be loosened if at all possible to allow them to cool off more efficiently.
They need to be cooled, with something like a cooling towel or neck tie. If responsive, they should be given cold water or a high-hydration drink to hydrate and restore electrolytes.
If they are, or become, unresponsive, place in the recovery position. If they are unable to drink, vomiting, unresponsive and/or do not improve, call an ambulance immediately. Prepare to give CPR if necessary.
The next, far more dangerous stage of dehydration is Heat Stroke. It is a life-threatening emergency and can cause a person to collapse or fall unconscious. Heat stroke is more serious and means the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature by cooling the skin's surface by sweating. The internal body temperature rises, and organ damage can occur.
If somebody appears to be suffering from heat stroke, call 000 immediately. Do not delay - they need to be attended to by trained medical professionals.
While waiting for the ambulance, cool the person using cooling towels or a wet sheet with a fan directed across the surface. If ice packs are available, wrap them in towels and place them around the neck, groin, and armpits. Make sure to monitor the person continually, and if shivering occurs, reduce active cooling. If unresponsive or not alert, place them in the recovery position, and prepare to give CPR if necessary.
