FROM HEAT RASH TO JELLYFISH STINGS

SUNBURN Prevention is obviously key: covering up with light layers, staying in the shade and regularly applying high- factor sunscreen, preferably SPF 30 or above, especially if you are by the sea or in the mountains. SYMPTOMS

Red skin Peeling or blistering Nausea

WHAT TO DO

Cover the skin with light clothing and move out of the sun. Sip water. Cool the skin with a cold, wet sponge.

Apply calamine or after- sun lotion to mild sunburn.

if blisters develop, seek further medical advice.

HEAT RASH

HEAT rash consists of small red spots or raised bumps that can cause a stinging or prickling sensation on the skin, sometimes also known as prickly heat.

it occurs when sweat glands become blocked due to sweating more than usual. Although it can appear anywhere on the body, it’s most commonly found on the face, chest, legs and back. SYMPTOMS

Small red spots or bumps A stinging sensation The condition worsens when exposed to direct sunlight

WHAT TO DO Drink lots of water. Have a cool bath or shower. Do not use perfumed gels or creams on the affected area. Apply an ice pack to the area. Wear loose clothing. Avoid excessive heat or exposing the area to direct sunlight.

Seek further medical advice if you are worried or feel unwell.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

THIS is caused by loss of salt and water, often through excessive sweating. it develops slowly and usually happens to those who aren’t used to hot weather or after they’ve spent long periods in the heat. SYMPTOMS Sweating Skin looks pale Nausea or vomiting Confusion WHAT TO DO

Help the person to lie down out of the sun, with their legs raised.

Give the person regular sips of water or an isotonic drink to replace some lost salts and sugar.

Monitor their responsiveness and suggest they seek medical advice.

if they don’t improve, or for emergency help, call 999 or 112.

HEAT STROKE

HEAT stroke is caused by a failure of the part of the brain responsible for regulating body temperature, so the body is unable to cool down when it becomes too hot.

it could be caused by too much time in the sun, or can occur following heat exhaustion when sweating ceases. Your priority is to cool the person down as quickly as possible and get them to hospital. SYMPTOMS Not feeling better after half an hour Confusion Unresponsiveness Temperature over 40c WHAT TO DO

Move the person to a cool place and call 999 or 112. remove outer layers of clothing. try to take their temperature. Sit the person down and wrap them in a cool, wet sheet. Pour cold water over the sheet.

Keep taking their temperature: you are trying to reduce it to 37.5c.

Swap the wet sheet for a dry one.

Monitor their responsiveness and temperature until help arrives.

BITES AND STINGS BEES, WASPS AND HORNETS

THESE stings are quite common, particularly when you are having picnics or drinks outdoors. they’re not normally dangerous but can lead to a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylactic shock, so look out for this and get medical help quickly if necessary. SYMPTOMS Redness Swelling Itchiness Stinging pain WHAT TO DO if you can see the sting, brush or scrape it off sideways. Don’t use tweezers to try to pull it out, or you could squeeze more poison into the wound. Use an ice pack to reduce swelling, and raise the affected area. if the sting is in the mouth or throat, get the person to suck an ice cube or sip cold water. Keep checking their breathing, pulse and level of response. if you notice signs of breathing difficulties or reddened, swollen, itchy skin, particularly to the face or neck, call 999 or 112 for emergency medical help.

SPIDERS AND INSECTS

SOME spider and insect bites can cause serious illness and even be fatal. Bites in the throat or mouth can be particularly dangerous, as swelling can block the airway. Ask if the casualty has any allergies so that you are prepared to deal with anaphylactic shock. SYMPTOMS Local swelling Localised bleeding In rare cases, paralysis or convulsions WHAT TO DO Clean the wound using mild soap and water.

Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.

Advise the person to take an over- the- counter painkiller if needed. if the wound is itchy, an antihistamine may help.

Seek medical help if you’re unsure whether the person was bitten by a poisonous spider or if they have abdominal cramps.

Call 999 or 112 for emergency help and prepare to administer CPR (see back page) if the person stops breathing.

SNAKES

THERE are two common snakes in the wild in

Britain — the grass snake and the adder, the only venomous native snake. Most bites occur at the extremities, due to putting your hands or feet into foliage or a wooded area where the snake is. if bitten by a snake, try to describe it to doctors, or if possible take a picture — this will help to identify it and is particularly useful in countries such as australia, Thailand or the U.S., which have an abundance of species. Do not try to capture it. SYMPTOMS NON-VENOMOUS SNAKE: Pain Scratches at the site POISONOUS SNAKE:

A severe burning pain at the site within 15 to 0 minutes

Swelling or bruising at the wound, and all the way up the arm or leg

Nausea/general weakness WHAT TO DO

Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if the person shows signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Reassure them and help them to sit or lie down.

Clean the wound and cover it with a clean dressing.

Monitor vital signs: breathing, pulse and responsiveness.

Place an ice pack or cold compress on the bite or sting for at least ten minutes.

Be alert for any signs of an allergic reaction such as wheezing or red, swollen skin.

Do not make a tourniquet — it may lead to venom concentrating in one part of the affected limb.

TICK BITES

TICKS are small creatures found in woodlands or grass. They attach themselves to skin, bite and burrow in, sucking blood. They can carry diseases so should be removed as soon as possible. SYMPTOMS Small black bump Pain if the area is pressed Redness and swelling around the bite area WHAT TO DO

Don’t squeeze the tick or try to pull it out — part of it will probably get stuck inside the flesh.

either using a special tick removal device (which has a small hole you fit over the tick’s body) or tweezers, carefully ease the tick out by grabbing its head as close as possible to the skin.

Collect the remnants of the tick in a sealed plastic bag.

Give it to the person and advise them to seek medical advice.

if you are not confident in removing the tick correctly, take the person to hospital for a medical professional to remove it.

JELLYFISH

SYMPTOMS Stinging pain Itching Rash Raised welts on the skin WHAT TO DO

Sit the person down and wash the injured body part in sea water (not fresh water).

Remove any tentacles with tweezers.

Soak the area in very warm water for at least 30 minutes to break down the venom. Use hot flannels and towels if you cannot soak it.

Give painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if the person has these symptoms and prepare to administer CPR: Difficulty breathing Chest pain Fits or seizures Swelling around the area Severe bleeding Vomiting Loss of consciousness

SEA URCHINS

TREADING on a sea urchin is a common accident in coastal areas where these spiny sea creatures live in shallow water crevices. The sting is painful and the spines may also have been embedded in the sole of the foot, which could become infected. SYMPTOMS Stinging and discomfort Puncture wounds Black pin-pricks in the affected area WHAT TO DO TREAT as for a jellyfish sting, removing any spines where appropriate. Call 999 or 112 for emergency help if the person has these symptoms: Difficulty breathing Chest pain Fits or seizures Swelling around the area Severe bleeding Vomiting Loss of consciousness