Enjoy the summer holidays but stay safe

The summer holidays are finally here and as children and families make exciting plans for the coming weeks, North West Ambulance Service is asking everyone to take extra care to make sure their holidays don’t get spoilt by harm or injury.

The majority of emergency 999 calls the Trust receives are for seriously ill or life-threatening conditions, but over the summer calls significantly increase for incidents that can be easily prevented if everyone took care of themselves and each other.

Ged Blezard, Interim Director of Operations explains: “We all want to enjoy the long summer days, but no-one wants a visit to A&E interrupting their holidays. This time of year we traditionally see a rise in the number of children and young people involved in accidents which can be easily avoided.

“Last summer we had 90 call outs to water related incidents during July and August so we are urging parents and care providers to keep an eye on what their children are doing over the holidays.

“By keeping safe, we can all enjoy the Summer, however brief it may be, and it helps to ensure that those who really need our care can receive a timely response.”

Here are some top tips to help stay safe throughout the summer months:

In the Heat

• Drink lots of water
  It is important to keep hydrated as you lose more fluid than you take in during hotter temperatures, this is also vital if you are doing any physical activity and when you are travelling long distances. 
• Keep out of the sun
  It is best to try to stay in the shade between the hours of 11am to 3pm, as this is when the sun is at its hottest.
• Wear sunscreen and sunglasses
  Apply a sun cream of at least factor 15 that includes UVA protection and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection lenses to protect your eyes.
• Loose clothing
  Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes along with a hat.
• Look out for others
  Keep a check on those vulnerable to the effects of heat, especially the elderly, young children and babies and those who have a heart or respiratory condition such as asthma.
• Never leave babies, young children or animals in a parked vehicle
  Temperatures can soar in a parked car very quickly, and children under the age of two are particularly at risk of getting heatstroke or heat exhaustion. 

Water safety

• Unsupervised water
  Don’t be tempted to take a dip in reservoirs, canals, lakes and rivers to cool down. There are hidden dangers lurking under the surface such as deep and cold water, debris and underwater currents which can result in drowning.
• Keep an eye out
  Children should always be supervised when they are in or around water and make sure they are swimming within designated areas. 
• Don’t be pushy
  Never run, push or jump on others when in a swimming pool or at the beach and if you see someone in difficulty tell a lifeguard or call 999.
• On the water
  If out in a boat or canoe always wear a lifejacket. 

Out and About

• Pokemon Go
  As children and adults alike are getting busy playing the latest mobile app it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings to avoid any accidents and not get too absorbed looking at your phone screen. 
• Road safety
  When out on a bike or scooter always wear a helmet, be aware of busy roads and cross roads safely.
• Dangerous playgrounds
  Make sure you know where your children are going to ensure they aren’t playing in any hazardous areas such as railway tracks or abandoned buildings and always arrange a time for when they are going to be home.
• Stick together
  Don’t walk away and leave friends to get home on their own. 

Medical help and advice is also available at your local urgent care centre, by contacting your GP, calling NHS 111 or visiting a pharmacist.

By taking these steps it will help to keep our services free for those who are most in need and also ensure everyone has an enjoyable summer.