Desiree Thomas, RN, MSN, TCRN, program director, Trauma Center, MemorialCare Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach and MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center
Southern California summers bring the hot sun, trips to the pool, and holiday fireworks. While your family enjoys the summer, it’s important to keep safety in mind so that you and your little ones can keep the family fun going and trips to the doctor at a minimum.
Sun Safety Sunburn is one of the most common and preventable injuries. Go over these tips with your kids and remember that sun safety goes beyond sunscreen.
- Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 15 before you go outside. Even on cloudy days UV rays from the sun can still cause damage to your skin.
- Wear a hat with a brim all the way around that covers your face and ears. If wearing a baseball cap, remember to apply sunscreen to the back of your neck and ears.
- Umbrellas and canopies are great for the beach and can help you and your family stay cool and shield you from the sun.
- Don’t forget your sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from damaging UV rays.
Water Safety Whether you’re at the beach, pool or even the bathtub, constant supervision and keeping these safety tips in mind are key for your child’s safety.
- Never leave your child unattended around the water. Even if your child knows how to swim, they are still at risk for drowning. Small children can drown in less than two inches of water that is left in a bucket.
- Wear life jackets and other flotation devices. Make sure to check the size and weight recommendations and read all warning labels.
- Being comfortable in the water is a life skill for people of all ages and it’s never too late, even for parents, to take swimming lessons.
Firework Safety Holidays and other celebrations can be fun times to break out the fireworks, but its important for the family to keep these safety tips in mind.
- Only adults should light fireworks. Even sparklers can be dangerous. If you give your child a sparkler, remind them to keep them away from their face and clothing.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Always light fireworks outdoors in an open space, away from housing and dry brush or vegetation.
- Buy only legal fireworks and store them in a cool, dry place. Keep in mind your local community’s regulations on fireworks.
- Don’t let kids pick up fireworks after they have gone off. Some may have a delayed fuse and can still be lit.
Know the Location of your Nearest Trauma Center and Emergency Services It’s important to think ahead and be prepared. Having knowledge of the nearest trauma center and emergency services, whether at home or on the road can be lifesaving for you and your family.
The Trauma Center and Emergency Department at Miller Children’s & Women’s and Long Beach Medical Center are the largest of its kind in California and are equipped with the latest and most advanced technology to provide emergency and trauma care to both Los Angeles and Orange County.