How to avoid a trip to the emergency department this summer: Check out these top tips from an Emergency Physician

From beautiful sunny days and outdoor sports to afternoons by the pool and weekends at the cottage, summer is the season many of us look forward to all year. But with more time spent outdoors comes a seasonal spike in preventable injuries and illnesses that can lead to a hospital visit. 

We asked Dr. Jefferson Hayre, Emergency Physician in the Stavro Emergency Department (ED) at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), to share the most common summer-related issues he sees in the ED and what you can do to prevent them. 

Heat-related illnesses 

In the summer we can experience high heat temperatures and humidity that can lead to serious heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This can make it harder for the body to cool itself through sweating. 

“People tend to underestimate how long it takes for our bodies to acclimate to temperature changes,” says Dr. Hayre. “Going from 20°C to 40°C in a day doesn’t give your body enough time to adjust.” 

Tips to stay cool: 

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Electrolyte drinks can help if you’re sweating a lot.
• Avoid dehydrating drinks like energy drinks, soda, coffee and alcohol.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that fully covers you.
• Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Stay inside a cool, air-conditioned environment.
• If your home is not cool, visit air-conditioned community places like libraries, malls and community centres.
• Check in on people at higher risk during heat waves. This includes elderly neighbours, individuals who are pregnant, those with limited mobility or those who may be socially isolated.  

When to seek care if you’re experiencing symptoms from the heat: If you experience confusion, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness or vomiting, seek medical attention.  

Sun safety 

Summer heat can feel nice at first, but it can lead to a sunburn. Sunburns not only hurt, but they can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. 

“Sun safety isn’t just for kids. Everyone should be using sunscreen and avoiding prolonged sun exposure.” 

How to stay protected: 

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, applied 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply at least every two hours.
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear tightknit clothing that covers your skin or fabrics designed specifically with UV protection.
• Don’t rely on cloud cover. UV rays can still be strong. 

Outdoor injuries 

Hiking, outdoor sports, e-scooters and e-bikes are activities we look forward to during the summer. However, they can also increase your risk of injury. 

“We’re seeing a lot more injuries from motorized devices. These high-risk activities can result in anything from sprains and broken bones to traumatic brain injuries that can lead to permanent disability.”  

Tips to stay safe: 

• Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear, such as knee and elbow pads.
• Ride at a safe speed and always follow traffic laws.
• Avoid distractions such as using earbuds or your phone.
• Do not carry multiple people on an e-scooter.
• Avoid using e-scooters, e-bikes or any motorized device if you’ve consumed alcohol.  

Water safety 

Water-related accidents can happen quickly and tragically. Whether you or your family and friends are spending time by the water, always take the necessary steps to stay safe and avoid a life-threatening emergency.  

“No matter your age, everyone should know how to swim. If you don’t know how to swim, consider taking lessons at any age.” 

Water safety basics: 

• Always wear a certified life jacket, instead of wearing water wings or small flotational devices.
• Always supervise children around water, even shallow areas.
• Never swim alone.
• Regardless of age, take swimming lessons.
• Ensure home pools are fenced and locked when not in use. 

Insects and tick bites 

As summer’s hot weather lingers, people tend to wear less clothing that covers them, becoming more prone to insects and tick bites. 

“Ticks are now a year-round concern in many parts of Canada, but their activity peaks in the warmer weather.” 

Prevention tips to follow: 

• Use insect repellant.
• If you get an insect bite and notice you are having a reaction, take antihistamines if you can or apply a cold compress.
• Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
• Do a full body check on yourself, your children and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
• If you see a tick, remove it immediately and as safely as possible. 

When to seek care for an insect bite: If you have an insect bite and notice redness increasing, redness that’s spreading or streaking or experience a fever or discharge from the bite, seek medical attention. 

When to seek care for a tick bite: Seek medical attention immediately if a tick has been attached for 24 hours or more or if you notice symptoms like a spreading rash, fever, headache, joint pain or muscle aches. 

Final Tip: 

“In the excitement of summer, we sometimes rush into activities without thinking of the risks. I strongly recommend always wearing a helmet and a life jacket when needed. These steps can help prevent serious injuries and even save your life,” Dr. Hayre concludes.