[Check! Health] Essential Outdoor Emergency Rules for an Enjoyable Vacation

As the peak vacation season approaches, more people are making enjoyable travel plans with family and friends to mountains, valleys, and the sea. However, the vacation season is also a time when sudden emergencies increase.

[Photo by Himchan Hospital]

According to the Fire Department's "2021 Rescue Activity Analysis" data on the 8th, the total number of emergency rescues in 2021 was 85,297, averaging about 7,108 per month. When broken down by season, summer accounted for the highest proportion with 23,990 cases (28.1%). In particular, July, the peak vacation month, recorded 8,590 rescues, the only month exceeding 8,000 rescues. August followed closely with 7,910 rescues, the second highest monthly figure of the year.

This is attributed to the frequent occurrence of sudden emergencies during outdoor activities at the sea, mountains, and campsites in the summer vacation season. Many situations requiring emergency treatment can arise, including accidents such as traffic collisions, falls, and fires, as well as cases involving loss of consciousness, severe bleeding, paralysis of limbs, or cardiac arrest.

Lee Hyuk-ho, head of the Emergency Medicine Department at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, said, “Golden time is very important in emergencies, and knowing simple first aid methods can help secure this golden time, ultimately saving your own and others' lives. The purpose of first aid is to prevent the condition from worsening and to promote recovery to sustain life, so it is important to quickly transfer the patient to a medical facility after first aid.”

Fix fractures with a splint and apply direct pressure to wounds to stop bleeding

Unexpected traumatic injuries often occur at vacation spots. Especially in valleys, water parks, and beaches, it is common to suffer ankle or wrist fractures from slipping. If pressing lightly on the painful area causes severe pain and swelling gradually increases, a fracture is suspected. In such cases, do not forcibly realign the bone; instead, immobilize the fractured area with a splint or a hard object like a branch. Applying cold compresses immediately after the fracture also helps.

For cuts or stab wounds caused by sharp objects, if the wound is minor, first wash the bleeding area with water or saline solution, then apply pressure with a clean towel or gauze. Bright red blood spurting in pulses indicates arterial damage, which can be seriously dangerous. Apply direct pressure to the wound to stop bleeding and tightly tie a bandage closer to the heart. If bleeding is heavy and continues for more than 10 minutes, promptly call 119 or seek medical help.

Lower body temperature and promptly transfer to hospital for heat-related illnesses

In outdoor areas with little shade during heatwaves, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke is high. Heat exhaustion is fatigue caused by heat, while heat stroke is a serious condition that can be fatal. Heat exhaustion occurs when body temperature rises to 37?40 degrees Celsius, causing reduced heart rate, headaches, and dizziness. Heat stroke occurs when body temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, causing failure of temperature regulation and accompanied by loss of consciousness and other neurological symptoms.

If someone with a heat-related illness feels dizzy and pale, move them to a cool place, provide hydration, and remove clothing to lower their body temperature to relieve symptoms. Heat stroke patients who are unconscious or in critical condition require immediate 119 notification and should be moved to a cool place to reduce body temperature until emergency responders arrive. However, do not force water into an unconscious person’s mouth to avoid choking.

Cool burns thoroughly with cold water and prevent secondary infection

Burn accidents frequently occur while cooking at campsites or enjoying campfires and fireworks. When a burn occurs outdoors, it is important to first assess the severity: first-degree burns cause redness, second-degree burns cause blisters and swelling, third-degree burns cause the skin to turn white or black, and fourth-degree burns damage muscles, nerves, and bones.

For burns of second degree or higher, immediately cool the burn area with cold water for at least 10 minutes. If clothing sticks to the wound, do not forcibly remove it. Wrap the burn with a clean cloth to prevent secondary infection. After covering the wound, keep the burn elevated as much as possible to reduce swelling and then proceed to a hospital.

Perform CPR with a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths during cardiac arrest

Drowning accidents due to carelessness during water activities at vacation spots often lead to emergencies such as respiratory distress or cardiac arrest. If a drowning victim is unconscious, it is crucial to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quickly. The purpose of CPR is to supply oxygen to the brain and heart until the patient’s heart recovers. Performing CPR can increase survival rates by 2 to 3 times.

First, lay the patient flat on a firm surface with their back down, tilt the head back, and lift the chin to open the airway. The rescuer should kneel beside the patient’s shoulders and perform CPR at a ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue monitoring the patient’s response and breathing until the 119 emergency team arrives.

Lee Hyuk-ho, head of the Emergency Medicine Department at Incheon Himchan General Hospital, added, “Before going on vacation, it is necessary to check the climate and environmental conditions of the destination, prepare emergency medications accordingly, and know the location and contact information of nearby hospitals. After first aid, when transporting a patient to the emergency room, it is better to seek prompt medical help at the nearest emergency room rather than insisting on a large hospital and missing the optimal treatment window.”