Enjoy a safe summer holiday: Avoid medical emergencies

You can prevent holiday accidents and injuries by being careful and alert. Take simple precautions and don't spend your vacation in a hospital or emergency room.

Photography

There’s nothing wrong with trying to capture a great holiday pic on your camera, but only in safe surrounding. Always remain aware of the world around you while looking through the lens of your cellphone, warns Brian Allchin, Branch Manager, ER24 Pretoria and Midstream.

"Phones, drone cameras, selfie sticks, and earphones are a distraction from the present moment and can prevent you from noticing potential danger,” he points out. Influencers hellbent on bagging the perfect Instagram image may take unnecessary risks on mountains, cliffs, roads, beaches, pools and buildings – causing injury or worse through negligence. “Wearing earphones is particularly dangerous as you won’t hear hooting, shouting, or sirens,” Allchin explains. “Rather focus on what you’re doing, put your tech toys away, and stay aware of what’s going on.”

Watersports and cycling

Wearing the correct protective gear for any activity is key. “We’ve seen countless cyclists survive terrible accidents simply because they were wearing a helmet,” Allchin says. “Often the helmet is shattered into smithereens, but the cyclist walks away virtually unharmed.”

For water sports, a life jacket is non-negotiable. “You might be a strong swimmer, but if you’re knocked unconscious by your jet ski or paddle board, you won’t be able to get back to shore.”

Another no-no is alcohol consumption and water sports, especially when you’re around powerful motors and equipment. “It might be fun to have a beer or glass of wine while waiting for your turn to steer the boat or step into the water skis, but alcohol diminishes your central nervous system and significantly impairs your judgement. Drinking in the sun is especially dangerous as your body warms up and your blood vessels dilate. This makes you more susceptible to fainting, particularly if you’re not properly hydrated.”

Hiking

“Many holidaymakers underestimate the effect heat can have on the body,” Allchin warns. “They’ll set off for a hike or outing without proper protection. That mountain might look small on a map, but when you’re halfway up with no water and no protective clothing, things can quickly turn dangerous. Many people simply don’t take adequate precautions.”

Dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion are very real issues, especially for young children and older adults. “Novice hikers won’t think to pack electrolytes and may suffer fatigue and heat exhaustion. This may often lead to confusion, falls, and injury,” says Allchin. He lists the precautions you should take:

• Don’t push yourself – if you get fatigued and can’t focus, stop, have a proper rest, drink water and look for shade.
• Shield yourself adequately from the sun.
• Allow for unexpected changes in temperature – even on a hot day, the elements are unpredictable. You might be sweating, but a sudden cold wind will cause a chill factor and can result in hypothermia. Your body then begins to lose heat faster than it's produced, which leads to dizziness, confusion, and even potential heart failure. Always pack a warm, wind- and waterproof jacket, no matter how hot it is when you start out.
• Twisted ankles are common – if possible, continue walking slowly, hopping if necessary, and leaning on your hiking companions for assistance. If the ankle is completely swollen, don’t remove your hiking boots, as they can offer protection and support.
• Never hike solo – always let someone know your route and estimated time of arrival back home. That way if they haven’t heard from you, they can call for help early. This might prevent a serious situation from developing.