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Summer first aid

Summer means time spent outdoors enjoying sports and recreational activities.

Mayo Clinic family health book
Scott Litin, editor-in-chief.
[New York] : Time Inc. Home Entertainment, c2009.
Since its initial publication in 1990, the Mayo Clinic Family Health Book has become a classic home medical reference, selling more than 1.5 million copies. Now in its fourth edition, this updated and abundantly illustrated volume offers the latest in medical knowledge, with a strong emphasis on self-care. From prevention to treatment, from infancy to old age, this comprehensive health guide offers reliable, easy-to-understand information in five convenient sections: Part I: Injuries and Symptoms Part II: Pregnancy and Healthy Children Part III: Healthy Adults Colour section Part IV: Diseases and Disorders Part V: Tests and Treatments
     
The Essential guide to travel health : don't let bugs, bites and bowels spoil your trip
Jane Wilson-Howarth.
London : Cadogan Guides, 2009.
Gives helpful advice on all aspects of travelling, from what to expect and pre-trip vaccinations to the hazards of heat and sun in deserts and jungles, and of cold and exposure in mountains and caves, offers the latest information on MaIaria treatments and deep vein thrombosis, assesses the usefulness ofnatural remedies and covers responsible tourism, advises on how to treat bites and stings and deal with accidents, first aid and common ailments
     
American Medical Association handbook of first aid and emergency care
Italo Subbarao, Jim Lyznicki, James J. James, medical editors.
New York : Random House Reference, c2009.
For the general population, this handbook details how to respond to medical problems requiring first aid and emergency care. Subbarao, an emergency medicine physician, et al. (who are associated with the American Medical Association's Center for Public Health Preparedness and Disaster Response) provide information on preventing illness and injury, being prepared for injuries and emergencies, and dealing with illnesses, which are listed alphabetically. These include allergic reactions, fractures, burns, dental, eye, heart, skin, and mental health problems, sports first aid, environmental injuries and illnesses, and disaster preparedness. Coverage encompasses symptoms, risk factors, what to do, signs to watch for, and prevention. Annotation #169;2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
Sport first aid
Melinda J. Flegel.
Champaign, IL : Human Kinetics, c2008.
This textbook introduces basic human anatomy, especially as it relates to injuries, and outlines the causes, symptoms, and first aid response to 110 sports injuries and illnesses. Color illustrations depict simple anatomy throughout the book. The fourth edition reflects 2005 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Annotation #169;2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
     
Basic illustrated wilderness first aid
William W. Forgey, illustrations by Lon Levin.
Guilford, Conn. : Falcon Guides, c2008.
  1. Initial survey -- Focused survey -- Shock -- Difficulty breathing -- Heart attack -- Fever/pain/itch -- Wilderness wound care -- Bone and joint injuries (sprains, fractures, and dislocations) -- Head injuries -- Neck and back injury management -- Eye -- Ear -- Nose -- Teeth/mouth -- Abdominal problems -- High-altitude illness -- Cold and heat injuries -- Lightning -- Insects -- Snakebites.
  2. Includes bibliographical references (p. 86) and index.
     

It also means being prepared to manage outdoor emergency situations. 

Consider these tips:

Keep gloves with your first aid materials

Identify outdoor injuries and illnesses and take action

  • Be prepared – have First Aid kit and protective gloves available
  • Act calm and with confidence—be aware of your limitations
  • Identify dangers to you and the victim
  • Survey the victim – check for bleeding and breathing or circulation problems
  • Know when and how to contact emergency personnel

Be able to use appropriate first aid

Practice first aid techniques

Learn to tell the difference between

  • Bone fractures and sprains
  • Types of wounds
  • Heat stroke and heat exhaustion
  • Bites and stings
  • Types of burns


Learn CPR, Heimlich, and other first aid techniques

Teach children to be safe around animals

Practice prevention

  • Teach family members to swim
  • Teach safety around tools
  • Learn how to identify poisonous plants and animals
  • Practice safe behavior around unknown pets and animals
  • Drink lots of water, stay out the sun, and use common sense during hot weather

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff