Summer is in full swing with its hot sun and soaring temperatures. It is the time of the year for relaxing in the warmth and going on vacations. Yet, warm weather brings risks of health and safety along with it. Hence, it is appropriate to equip yourself with a summer first aid kit and be aware of the first aid procedures. This keeps you proactively prepared for any seasonal illnesses or injuries that may occur. It is important to keep the kit handy and carry it along while travelling.

With ageing, the body does not adapt itself quickly to changing temperatures and immunity mechanisms are low. This must be particularly true in the context of seniors or patients with chronic illness. Excessive exposure to the sun makes one prone to dehydration, sunstroke and heat exhaustion. So, it is important to use medical transportation services when such elders need to visit a hospital or a care facility for treatment, routine check-ups or emergencies.

Even in non-emergency situations, ambulance transport services can be availed for both short and long-distance travel. These ambulances are adequately equipped with basic medical devices and trained staff. This makes the journey safe and comfortable during the hot season. It also ensures senior’s needs and healthcare contingencies are managed properly.

Summer First Aid Kit

Contents of the kit should include the following items to ensure safety-

• A waterproof cover for the kit to prevent moisture from damaging its contents
• Disinfected wipes for cleansing your hands before attending to the person needing first aid
• Disposable sterile gloves and mask
• Distilled water, antiseptic lotions and antibiotic ointments for treating cuts/wounds to prevent infection
• Bandages of various sizes including band-aids, gauze and surgical tape
• Tweezers, scissors, safety pins and a sterile needle
• Instant portable ice packs for soothing bruises, inflammation and bumps
• Vaseline, cotton balls and swabs
• Saline solution for cleaning the eyes
• Over-the-counter medicines like painkillers
• Emergency paediatric medications including baby and children's pain relievers, baby diapers and wipes, prescribed medicines and measurement cup for administering medications.
• Thermometer
• Insect repellents to prevent insect bites
• Sunscreen lotions or aloe vera gels to prevent tans and burns
• Creams or gels for treating summer boils/rashes, sunburns and bug bites
• Ear drops for treating ear-pain/infection
• Medications for pre-existing medical conditions

Basic First Aid Tips

• Symptoms of heat-related emergencies include cramps, headaches, dizziness, nausea, rapid breathing, pale or red skin and irritable behaviour. If the person has any of these, first aid must be administrated as follows -
  1. Move the person to a cooler location or an area with good ventilation
  2. Ensure that the person is well hydrated by making him drink cool water in sips. Use electrolytic supplements for severe dehydration.
  3. Loosen any tight clothing to avoid excessive sweating.
  4. Use fanning for better air circulation.
  5. Put cool water on the skin for faster body cooling.
  6. For heat stroke, covered ice packs must be put in each armpit and on the back of the neck.
• Insect Bites:
  1. For bee stings, use a blunt object for stinger removal and apply hydrocortisone cream.
  2. For tick bites, use tweezers for tick removal and apply an antiseptic.
• Swimming hazards
  1. In case of drowning, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation(CPR) may be administered as a life-saving measure.
  2. Use ear drops for treating infected swimmer’s ears. Avoid inserting cotton-buds.
• Use running water for burns and cleaning wounds.
• For nasal bleeding, sit in upright position and pinch the lower nose to stop bleeding.
• Apply aloe or lavender oil for soothing sunburns.
• Use emergency medical services for persistence or severity of symptoms in all cases.