Whether you enjoy swimming, hiking, boating, bicycling, camping, picnicking or simply relaxing, summer activities also bring unique hazards. While most accidents happen at home, having fun in the great outdoors brings a new set of potential maladies that can affect your family’s health and well-being.
Preparation is the first and most integral step in dealing with summer emergencies. It's time to be a real boy scout here – adopt their mantra, "always be prepared." You must learn to recognize what can happen to deal effectively with what does happen.
Of course, getting professional assistance is always preferable in an emergency, but there are times when location or circumstances may not allow for immediate help. Thus, it’s best to prepare to deal with certain situations on your own, particularly if camping in remote locations where cell phone reception is spotty.
The first thing to do is stay calm. It's normal to be afraid, and an emergency is no time for shyness or modesty. Don’t be afraid to make your situation known to people in the immediate area. You never know when an off-duty doctor, nurse or other emergency responder is nearby and can assist. You may encounter someone who will know exactly what to do and how to contact auxiliary authorities if the situation requires immediate outside help.