As warm weather looms, plan safety into activities
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By THERESA BRUNETTO
Monday, April 7, 2008 12:35 PM CDT
For the Herald
May is National Trauma Awareness Month. Now that it’s finally a bit warmer outside, our thoughts are turning to summer activities.
Consider this: If we knew the bad restaurants or construction zones to avoid when planning our summer vacations, we certainly would! Everyone wants to avoid irritations and setbacks.
If we put the same amount of time and energy into taking precautions to avoid preventable injuries as we do when planning our vacation route, we can help decrease the risk of suffering through a preventable trauma.
As there are many possible issues that could affect you or your loved ones during the summer months, below are listed some of the many safety items you should consider before partaking in outdoor summertime daily or vacation activities.
- Seat belts for all, at all times
- Appropriately sized and installed car seats
- Do not drink and drive
- Sunscreen and bug spray with DEET
- Helmets for all, on all wheeled toys (ATVs, motorcycles, bicycles, skateboards)
- Do not drink and boat, jet ski, swim, water ski, motorcycle or ATV
- Follow the speed limit
- Do not drive in poor weather or when tired
- Swim with a partner
- Supervise children when swimming
- Do not dive into unknown waters
- Wear helmets and eye protection when cutting wood or trimming trees
- Stay hydrated when temperature and humidity are high; avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages
- Supervise children near fireworks and campfires
- Check for ticks after all outdoor activities
- Wear helmets when horseback riding
- Supervise children when on trampolines
- Do not wear loose clothing or allow children to work near power take-offs (PTOs)
- Supervise children near large farm animals
Remember, most injuries are preventable. Hopefully, reviewing this list and implementing precautions as part of your daily life will help to avoid life-altering accidents.
Should an injury occur, remember that the emergency and trauma specialists at Luther Midelfort are here to help. As the only Level II verified trauma center in the region, Luther Midelfort has the staff and resources available to care for traumatic injuries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Enjoy your summer and be careful out there!
Theresa Brunetto is a nurse practitioner at the Luther Midelfort Trauma Center.
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