Celebrate with safety in mind

The long-awaited December holiday is almost here and, whatever your intentions, be it going away on holiday, visiting local attractions or staying at home, ER24 is urging everyone to celebrate with safety in mind.

If you are driving to your destination, remember the following:

• Buckle up and ensure children in the vehicle are appropriately restrained. If you are travelling with pets, make sure they are restrained.

• Ensure your vehicle is roadworthy. Ensure you have a spare wheel, first-aid kit, torch, reflective bib and fire extinguisher in the vehicle.

• Plan your route. It is a good idea to take note of all filling stations, police stations and hospitals.

• Take regular breaks during your drive. If there is another person in the vehicle who is licensed to drive, rather share the driving. Be alert at all times and do not speed. Alter your speed according to the environment you are in.

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• Do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Keep a list of telephone numbers of people to contact as well as your medical details and history (medical aid number, blood group and allergies, for example).

• Let people you trust know where you are going and when they can expect you back.

• If you do happen to come across an accident, ensure it’s safe to stop before doing so. Ensure your vehicle is parked a safe enough distance away (usually more than 50m) and have warning triangles/ hazard lights to warn other motorists of the hazard. Removing people from vehicles is best left to the experts, unless a life-threatening situation exists. Keep car accident victims calm until the experts arrive.

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Youngsters

• Matriculants and other youngsters celebrating are urged to do so responsibly. Youngsters should ensure their parents are aware of where they are going for the youngsters’ own safety.

• Warn your children about the dangers of reckless driving and the abuse of drugs and alcohol. Never allow them to drive with someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

• Remember not to accept open drinks from anyone you don’t know and do not leave your drinks unattended.

Outdoors

• If you plan on going camping or sightseeing, do some research about the area if you have never been there and plan accordingly.

• If you’re going to a remote area for a long time, take a first-aid class before you go. Knowing CPR or the Heimlich manoeuvre beforehand may save a life. Always take a first-aid kit with you and be sure to include medication for common ailments, such as allergies, nausea and pain.

• Sunburn may turn a great camping trip into a miserable stay. Knowing how to treat it is the second most important thing, after prevention. Apply sunscreen often.

• Although you may want to unplug while on holiday, it’s a good idea to keep your cellphone charged. Even in areas without a cellphone signal, you may be able to make an emergency call.

•If you’re travelling outside South Africa, make sure your health insurance is up to date.

Braai

• If you plan to have a braai while away on holiday, ensure you are allowed to do so at the location you have chosen.

• When having a braai at home or while away on holiday, be mindful of safety. Don’t leave an open fire unattended, and don’t leave minors around a fire unsupervised. Teach them about the dangers of playing with matches and lighters, and the importance of following instructions for fire ignition devices. The best first aid for small burns is clean, cold running water.

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Drowning

• Remember that anyone is at risk of drowning.

• Never allow children to swim without adult supervision. Keep your pool covered with an approved cover when not in use.

• Do not swim too far out into the ocean, and only swim in areas supervised by lifeguards. You may struggle due to fatigue or get swept further away due to strong currents.

• Wearing a life jacket is vital on the open water.

• Never dive or jump into unfamiliar or shallow water.

• If you are at the beach and you see a person struggling in the water, call for help or inform a lifeguard immediately.

• If you do need to start CPR as a result of drowning, remember it’s never too late to start CPR.

ER24 can be contacted 24 hours a day on 084 124 in case of a medical emergency.

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