Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for emergency medical services. Warmer temperatures, outdoor activities, vacations, and sports all lead to an increase in injuries and medical emergencies. While we’re always ready to respond when you need us, we’d much rather help you stay safe enough that you never have to call 911.
Here are five simple ways to reduce your risk of needing an ambulance this summer.
Stay Ahead of the Heat
Heat-related illnesses can develop quickly, especially during Arkansas summers. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are all common emergencies we respond to every year.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you’re spending time outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the afternoon.
Remember that young children, older adults, and people with chronic medical conditions are especially vulnerable to the heat.
Wear Your Seat Belt Every Time
Whether you’re driving across town or heading out on a family vacation, buckling your seat belt remains one of the simplest ways to prevent serious injury.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be one of the leading reasons EMS is called. Wearing a seat belt dramatically reduces your risk of severe injury and gives you the best chance of walking away from a crash.
The same goes for children, make sure car seats and booster seats are installed correctly and appropriate for your child’s age and size.
Respect the Water
Pools, lakes, and rivers are great places to cool off, but they also present serious dangers.
Never swim alone. Always supervise children around water, even if they know how to swim. Wear a properly fitted life jacket while boating or participating in water sports, and never mix alcohol with swimming or operating a boat.
It only takes a few seconds for a fun afternoon to become a life-threatening emergency.
Protect Yourself During Outdoor Activities
Summer means yard work, home improvement projects, ATV riding, bicycling, and sports.
Wear helmets when riding bicycles, motorcycles, or ATVs. Use appropriate safety equipment when operating power tools. Wear sturdy shoes when mowing or working outdoors, and don’t rush jobs that require ladders.
Many traumatic injuries we respond to happen during everyday activities that people have done hundreds of times before. Taking an extra minute to think about safety can prevent hours (or months) of recovery.
Know When It’s Time to Call for Help
Not every medical problem requires an ambulance, but some absolutely do.
Call 911 immediately if someone experiences:
● Chest pain or pressure
● Difficulty breathing
● Signs of a stroke, such as facial drooping, arm weakness, or slurred speech
● Loss of consciousness
● Severe bleeding that won’t stop
● Serious traumatic injuries
When in doubt, it’s always better to let trained professionals evaluate the situation.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Our crews are proud to serve our community every day of the year. While we hope you never need our services, we’re ready 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if an emergency happens.
A few simple safety habits can make all the difference. Stay hydrated, wear your seat belt, practice water safety, protect yourself during outdoor activities, and don’t hesitate to call 911 when a true emergency occurs.
Have a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer from all of us at Riverside Ambulance.
Riverside Ambulance 