Summer Injury Prevention: What You Need to Know for a Safe Wisconsin Summer

Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, emergency department visits increase significantly as more people participate in outdoor activities such as biking, boating, swimming, grilling and recreational sports. Educating the community about practical safety measures and available health resources can help prevent injuries and promote overall wellness. Here are a few important safety tips to keep in mind as we head into summer in Wisconsin.

Bicycle and Scooter Ride Safety

Electric scooters are a significant contributor to emergency department visits in the summer and fall. Injuries from electric scooters increased by 88% between 2019 and 2022 across the country and continue to rise. Whether you're riding a bicycle or scooter, following these safety tips can help reduce your risk of injury:

• Wear a helmet: Protect your head on every ride.
• Ride sober: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of crashes. Never operate a bicycle or scooter under the influence.
• One rider per scooter: Riding with a passenger can distract you and affect the scooter's balance, both of which increase the risk of accidents.
• Ride in the road: Bicyclists should always use designated bike lanes when available and be conscious of vehicles, pedestrians and construction zones. Scooter riders should use bike lanes or roadways where scooters are allowed and avoid sidewalks whenever possible to protect themselves and pedestrians.

Preventing Tick Bites: The ABCDEFs

Spending time outdoors increases the risk of tick exposure and the potential for tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease. Keep the "ABCDEFs" in mind as you venture outdoors:

• A - Avoid wooded and brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter whenever possible. Walk in the center of trails.
• B - Be Aware of common tick species in your area and the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illness.
• C - Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants and light-colored clothing. Tuck pants into socks to help keep ticks off your skin.
• D - DEET and other EPA-approved repellents: Use products containing 20-30% DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Follow all label instructions.
• E - Examine your body after spending time outdoors. Pay close attention to underarms, behind the knees, the scalp, ears, belly button, and groin. Tumble-dry clothing on high heat to kill any ticks.
• F - Family Pets: Protect pets with veterinary-recommended tick preventatives and discuss Lyme disease vaccinations.

Burn Safety Tips

Each year, approximately 11,500 Americans are burnt or injured by fireworks and almost half of those injured are children. From 2021 to 2023, flames were the cause of 45% of all burn injuries in the U.S., and 94% of those incidents were accidental. As we head into the summer season, understanding and following basic fire and burn safety guidelines to protect you and your loved ones from preventable injuries:

Fireworks:

• Point fireworks away from yourself, nearby buildings or structures, and occupied areas, before lighting them.
• Keep a water source nearby in case of fire and accidents.
• Only use legal fireworks approved for consumer use.
• Attend a public, commercial show if possible.
• The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths is to leave fireworks displays to trained professionals.

Sparklers:

• Sparklers account for an estimated 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries in the U.S.
• Sparklers are thought of as "safer" than traditional fireworks, however, sparklers can reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees, and can cause serious burns to users and bystanders.
• Touching a lit sparkler can result in third-degree burns.
• Use sparklers outside.
• It is important to remember sparklers are not toys. Young children should not use sparklers, and older children should be closely supervised by an adult.

If you get burned:

• Pour cool, not cold water on the burn to stop the burning process.
• Remove all clothing and jewelry from the area.
• Cover the affected area with a clean cloth or sterile medical bandage.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

The emergency department is the best place to receive care for serious firework-related injuries and burns. If you or a loved one experiences a fireworks-related injury or burn, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

By taking a few simple precautions, Wisconsin residents can enjoy a safe, healthy and active summer season.

Ericka Cowan, APNP is a Family Medicine clinician with Ascension Wisconsin in the Racine area located at 3807 Spring Street in Mount Pleasant. To schedule an appointment call 262-687-8173.