The warm, sunny days of summer are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Whether it’s gardening, boating, or construction, we can all work and play outside when the thermometers head into the 80’s.
Of course, thermometers that find 80 degrees may also work their way up to 90 and beyond, and that heat is often accompanied by high humidity that amplifies the effects of the temperatures. Finally, the bright sun that makes it all possible can also cause problems of its own.
That combination of factors can subject us to heatstroke, heat exhaustion, sunburn, and secondary injuries that can result from our exuberance to make the most of our warm, sunny days. Any of those interruptions can really ruin the summer for us, so it’s important to follow some good sense recommendations on avoiding them.
But we’re all human, and we make mistakes. Sometimes the perils of summer will catch up with us, and we’re left injured or sick because of it.
Once that happens, it’s important to know how to respond. Getting the right care at the right time will get us back in the game or on the job more quickly.
How do we know what’s necessary to treat a summertime problem, and when to step up the level of care we seek? When do we need the urgent care Sacramento has on seemingly every corner, and when is it time to go to the ER?
Triaging Sunburn
Sunburn is a common summer mishap. Whether it’s a nap on the beach or failure to reapply sunscreen after a swim, we can all get a little too much UV.
Prevention is key. We should wear wide-brimmed hats to protect our ears and faces, and we should apply high-SPF sunscreen frequently. But once we’ve goofed up and gotten a burn, it’s time to assess how serious it is.
Sunburn is a condition with degrees. Your typical red, burning skin is a minor burn that needs to be shielded from further exposure and treated with over-the-counter products. But the more serious burns can blister, and the larger the area involved in that level of burn, the more likely you will need medical care to treat it properly.
And over the long term, it’s critically important to avoid sunburn because of the increased risk of skin cancer that it poses.
Determining Severity of Heat Exposure
We all get hot and sweaty when we’re active outdoors in the summer. It’s critical that we know when the condition has escalated to the point of requiring medical care.
In terms of prevention, we must first plan on having plenty of cool drinks available. Sports drinks and water are preferable to sodas, which may contain caffeine. Caffeine is a diuretic and increases the frequency of urination, exacerbating dehydration.
We should also take frequent breaks in cooler areas, preferably indoors. And we should all keep an eye on each other, making sure that everyone in the group or on the job is feeling okay and able to continue.
If someone does get overexerted, he or she should be moved to a cooler area, ideally with air conditioning. As long as the person is oriented and able to speak and is still sweating, there is time to work on things yourself. If the person’s skin is red and flushed and sweating has stopped, heatstroke is likely to have occurred and emergency care is needed immediately.
Watching For Secondary Injuries
Summer time is full of work and play, but that level of activity depends on weather. Sometimes a rare dry spell in a wet summer can get overbooked with fun or chores, and we can move a little too fast. This can lead to sprains, strains, fractures, cuts, and concussions. Fun on the water can even be deadly as we risk drowning or boat-related injuries.
Prevention is important. Don’t expect more of your day than it can provide, and take time to utilize safety equipment. Don’t drink when boating or doing other demanding activities.
In terms of injury assessment, make sure bleeding is easily controlled. If the person cannot move an injured area, seek medical care. Any injury to the head should be seen by doctors if it is accompanied by confusion, disorientation, or severe pain.
We all like to make the most of our summer, and there’s no reason we can’t do it safely by avoiding and properly treating summer-related injuries.
