With summer approaching, it is important to stay up to date on how to keep ourselves safe in the outdoors.
Our Australian summer is known as the ‘trauma season’ for hospital emergency rooms as more time spent outdoors results in more incidents requiring first aid.
Anthony Rogers, TAFE NSW Head Teacher of First Aid, has provided some helpful tips to treat these summer-associated injuries.
Sunburn
- Cool the burn with cool running water for at least 20 minutes
- Apply a moisturiser or aloe vera to soothe the burn only after heat has been removed
- Drink water to prevent dehydration
- If required, seek medical advice if the burn continues to stay strong in colour and painful to touch for more than three days
Nose bleeds
- Sit the casualty down with their head leaning forward
- Ask the casualty to pinch the soft part of the nose, below the bone
- Maintain pressure for 10 to 20 minutes
- Apply a cold pack to the neck, nose or forehead
- If bleeding continues after 20 minutes, seek medical advice
Bluebottle Stings
- Remove the casualty from the water
- Seek the assistance of a lifeguard
- Pick off tentacles by hand and wash sting site with sea water
- Place casualty’s sting site in hot water for 20 minutes. If hot water does not relieve the pain (or is not available), apply a cold pack or ice in a dry plastic bag
- Do not use vinegar, this may make the sting worse
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