HCA Florida Citrus Hospital shares summer weekend safety tips from the ER
Inverness, FL — As summer temperatures soar, HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is encouraging residents and visitors to take precautions while enjoying outdoor activities. Whether you're boating on Kings Bay, hiking in the Withlacoochee State Forest or relaxing at a backyard barbecue, safety should be part of your weekend plans.
“Citrus County offers so many ways to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to stay alert and prepared, especially in the summer heat,” said Dr. Jason Grabert, emergency room medical director at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. “Understanding the signs of heat-related illness and taking simple safety steps can help prevent serious health emergencies.”
Staying safe on the water
With popular local rivers and lakes drawing crowds, water safety is critical. Always wear a properly fitted life jacket when boating, tubing or kayaking, regardless of swimming ability. Children should be closely supervised at all times and swimming alone is never recommended. Boaters should stay sober, follow posted waterway rules, and ensure their vessels are equipped with safety gear like a whistle, fire extinguisher and throwable flotation device. Be cautious of currents and underwater hazards, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Beat the Heat: Know the signs of heat Exhaustion and heat stroke
Florida’s high humidity and temperatures can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion is the body’s warning sign that it’s overheating, and if not addressed, it can progress to heat stroke - a life-threatening emergency.
Heat stroke happens when the body gets severely dehydrated or is unable to cool itself off in extreme temperatures. It tends to be the result of spending long periods of time or doing strenuous activity in hot weather. With heat stroke, the body’s core temperatures rise above 104 degrees in adults and 105 degrees in children.
Watch for signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, the precursor to heat stroke: Heavy sweating, clammy skin, a rapid pulse, dizziness and headache.
If you notice a sign of heat exhaustion, get into a cool place and hydrate.
If someone is showing signs of heat-related illness, cool them down with a wet cloth or ice bath to lower their body temperature as soon as possible and encourage them to take tiny sips of sport drinks with electrolytes.
With heat stroke, the most severe heat-related illness, signs and symptoms include nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate and possible loss of consciousness.
One way to cool the body temperature quickly is place cold water or ice in the groin area or armpits.
It only takes 10 to 20 minutes to develop heat stroke. If you feel sick more than 30 to 40 minutes, call 911.
Trail and ATV safety
With several nearby off-road areas, outdoor recreation is popular but not without risks. Protective gear is essential; helmets, gloves and goggles can prevent serious injuries. Stick to marked trails, ride with a buddy and let someone know your plans.
Avoid riding during peak heat hours, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade. Heat and fatigue can impair judgment and increase the risk of accidents.
Alcohol awareness
Everyone knows about the dangers of drinking and driving. Excessive alcohol consumption during weekend activities can be just as dangerous, so make intelligent choices if you choose to drink while enjoying the weekend.
Drinking and driving dangers apply equally to boats and cars. If you are hitting the lake and manning watercraft, leave the alcohol at the shore. You need to be alert and focused so that you can avoid and respond to unexpected situations.
Alcohol poisoning is very real and if you are farther away from emergency care, especially with people who are not sober enough to transport you, you could put yourself in a dangerous situation.
“Summer should be about making memories, not medical emergencies,” added Dr. Grabert. “By staying informed and taking a few simple precautions, you can enjoy all that our community has to offer, safely.”
For more information about emergency services at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital.