Happy Memorial Day Weekend! For many, this weekend marks the beginning of summer, and that deserves some lively outdoor celebrations.
To help you keep the party safe – and memorable in a good way – here are pool and safety tips, as well as a brief refresher on administering CPR.
Safety Tips for Outdoor Parties
It won’t be a fun party if someone falls on their face and breaks their nose. Before the party starts, make sure the area is safe and free of tripping hazards, such as uneven sidewalks or protruding tree roots. Additionally, make sure decking and railings are secure.
For groups that include teens and children, make sure an adult is nearby, to lend assistance if needed. Keep emergency phone numbers on-hand, within easy reach.
Fire Safety
Planning a bonfire? Basic fire safety tips include:
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Don’t overload the fire-pit
- Make sure there is nothing flammable within 3 feet of the fire
- Check the nearest roof to make sure it’s clear of dry leaves and debris
- Keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby
- After the event, make sure you’ve extinguished the fire water 100% (ashes should feel cold)
Hiking and Camping Safety
With warm weather in store, Memorial Day presents the perfect opportunity for getting back to nature. Here are a few tips for hikers and campers:
- Travel with a companion
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with someone
- Research the area before you go. Know how to find a telephone or ranger station in case of an emergency
- Don’t take on more than you can handle, physically
- If your trip requires skills like reading a compass, erecting a tent or giving first aid, practice before you go
- Check your equipment. Make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Pack emergency signaling devices
- Keep an eye on the weather
- Don’t hike after dark
- Stay hydrated
Swimming Pool Safety
- Never allow anyone to swim alone
- Ensure everyone knows how to swim
- Keep your pool clean, with healthy chemical levels and filtration
- Don’t run on slippery surfaces
- Keep safety equipment on hand – including plenty of sunscreen!
- Ensure that a member of the group knows first aid and CPR
CPR Refresher Course
“Be prepared” is good advice for any situation, regardless of the activity or time of year. Here are some high-level reminders for administering CPR. For details, please check out the First Aid and CPR page on the Mayo Clinic website.
C-A-B – The American Heart Association uses the acronym CAB to help you remember the order of CPR steps. For anyone not formally trained in CPR, they recommend that you ONLY perform Step 1, compression, while waiting for paramedics to arrive and take over.
- C = Compression – to help restore circulation. Place one hand over the other in the center of the patient’s chest and use the weight of your upper body to push straight down. Push hard at a rate of 100-120 compressions/minute.
- A = clearing the Airway – If you’re trained in CPR and have performed 30 chest compressions, open the person's airway by tilting the head back and the chin up. Take a few seconds to check for normal breathing. If the patient is not breathing normally (and you’re fully trained) begin mouth-to-mouth.
- B = Breathing – Rescue-breathing can be mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose, if the patient has a face injury that prevents opening the mouth. Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Want to Save Lives?
If you have an interest in first aid, CPR, Wilderness Medicine, or Medicine in general, you will love Envision’s hands-on healthcare and STEM-related summer programs.
For Elementary students, check out NYLF Pathways to STEM. In this 6-day course, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders learn medical procedures, PLUS how to program a robot and investigate a crime scene. Future doctors will especially love the Wilderness Medicine simulation.
Middle School students explore the frontiers of science and technology with a Mission to Mars simulation at NYLF Explore STEM. This hands-on summer camp also includes a Wilderness Medicine simulation, led by professors from Stanford Medicine.
High School students can choose from 3 exciting programs:
- NYLF Medicine – Gain real-world medical career experience at one of the country’s leading medical schools, with simulations such as Triage: When Disaster Strikes
- NYLF Advanced Medicine & Healthcare – Step into the role of a physician at Johns Hopkins! In this amazing program, students go behind the scenes at renowned medical facilities and also experience life-saving on Virtual Reality!
- Advanced Emergency Medicine, in Collaboration with Stanford Medicine – If you’re ready for the intensity of medical school and Emergency Medicine, come learn life-saving techniques from Stanford Medicine professionals. You’ll emerge from the program with your Basic Life Support certification, as well as some unforgettable and eye-opening medical experience!
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