Life-Saving Summer Tips: First Aid Guide from Dr. Dikmen

As we enjoy the sunny days, it is crucial not to overlook the life-threatening reality of extreme heat, which can also bring about various emergencies. Especially in hot climates like Cyprus, incidents such as heatstroke, dehydration, drowning, insect bites, and food poisoning become more common. In such situations, a well-informed first aid response can be life-saving.
Dr. İpek Nurdan Dikmen, Head of the English Program in First and Emergency Aid at the Vocational School of Health Sciences at Cyprus International University (CIU), shares essential precautions and correct first aid practices for emergencies that may occur during the summer months, drawing on her expertise in public health and first aid.
Understanding the risks that can affect everyone—from children to the elderly, vacationers to athletes—and knowing how to respond appropriately is of great importance for both personal and public health.
1.    What are the most common emergencies during the summer months, especially in hot and humid regions like Cyprus?
In climates like Cyprus, the most frequently encountered emergencies during the summer months include: heat stroke and sunstroke, dehydration (loss of fluids), insect and bee stings/allergic reactions, drownings (risk of drowning in water), food poisoning, sunburn, traffic accidents and motor vehicle injuries, and forest fires.
2.    How can heatstroke be recognized, what are its early symptoms, and how should we respond if someone around us experiences it?
Hot weather and high humidity can disrupt the body's temperature regulation mechanism, leading to overheating. Heatstroke, commonly known as "sunstroke," often occurs when the head and neck area are exposed directly to sunlight. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, redness on the face, fatigue, sometimes restlessness, muscle weakness or cramps, and fainting.
In the early stages, someone experiencing heatstroke may sweat excessively. The body tries to cool itself by sweating—this is a natural mechanism to lower body temperature. However, as fluid loss increases, this mechanism becomes impaired. When sweating is no longer effective, the skin may feel dry and hot.
Mild cases may present with headache, fatigue, and slight nausea, which typically resolve within a few hours. However, more serious symptoms like sunburn, severe headache, vomiting, and fainting may take several days to fully recover from.
If someone exposed to the sun shows symptoms like headache or fatigue:

•  Move the person to a shaded and cool place immediately
• Do not leave them under the sun
•  Loosen tight or thick clothing to promote sweating
•  Apply cool, damp cloths to the forehead, neck, underarms, wrists, and other parts of the body
•   If the person is conscious, not nauseous, and able to drink, give plenty of water
•  You may mix 1 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 1 liter of water
•  Avoid giving fizzy drinks, very cold drinks, or caffeinated beverages
•  Encourage the person to rest
•  Do not have them stand up, as there may be a risk of fainting
•  If symptoms like confusion, coordination problems, vomiting, or fainting occur, and if you're trained in first aid, place the person in the recovery position and call emergency services
•   Until help arrives, check consciousness and breathing every 2 minutes

3.    Are young children more sensitive to hot weather? What should parents pay attention to when children are playing in the sun?

Small bodies come with big risks. Children's responses to dehydration and heat are different from those of adults. Their bodies heat up more quickly. The ratio of skin surface area to body weight is higher in children, which causes them to heat up faster and makes it harder for them to cool down. They often do not realize they are thirsty until it is too late, and they cannot adequately compensate for fluid loss through sweating. Sweating is the body’s way of cooling down, but in children, the sweating system is not fully developed, so it does not function efficiently. Their sweat glands are less active and not as effective as those of adults. As a result, they lose less heat through sweating. Children under the age of 4 are especially vulnerable to heatstroke, dehydration, and sunburn. They can experience heatstroke even if they are not sweating. This may mislead parents into thinking the child is fine, when in fact, they are not. In short, children sweat less, heat up faster, and cool down more slowly. Therefore, if they play outside or stay in the sun for extended periods during the summer, the risk of heatstroke is significantly higher.
Children may experience hidden sweating and fluid loss while playing, and this can be difficult to detect. Therefore, children should always be under adult supervision. If the child is engaged in outdoor activities, parents should pay attention to the timing. Outdoor play should be avoided during peak sun hours between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and instead, early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler should be preferred. Children should wear light-colored, thin, cotton clothing, and be equipped with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, preferably purchased from a pharmacy. Sunscreen should be carefully applied to the face and all sun-exposed areas of the body every 2 hours and after sweating, making sure it does not get into the eyes. Hydration is crucial. Simply telling a child to drink water may not be enough. It is recommended to encourage water intake by offering it frequently in small sips, and using fun tools like a straw or water bottle to make drinking more appealing. Signs of heatstroke in children can include excessive fatigue, drowsiness, red, dry skin, rapid breathing, dry mouth, and irritability. If such symptoms appear, the child should be moved immediately to a shaded area. Apply a cool, wet cloth to the forehead, neck, underarms, and back of the neck, and gently wipe the body with a damp, cool cloth. If the child is conscious and not nauseous, offer water and provide mineral support. You can mix 1 teaspoon of salt or 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 1 liter of water and have the child drink it. In case of loss of consciousness, emergency services must be contacted immediately. Children should never be left in a car, even for a short time. The temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels within minutes. Every summer in the United States, more than 30 children die due to heat inside parked cars. It is important to remember that similar incidents have also occurred in Turkey and Cyprus.
Busy work schedules, everyday problems that occupy the mind, hours spent in traffic, and even sudden emergencies can easily distract parents. Lack of sleep and fatigue are additional factors that increase this risk. Studies show that mentally exhausted parents may switch to "autopilot mode" and unintentionally exit the vehicle without realizing that their child is asleep in the back seat. This situation becomes especially dangerous in larger vehicles or those with designs where the back seats are not directly visible. Every year, hundreds of children around the world lose their lives after being forgotten in hot cars. Research conducted in the United States shows that more than 900 children have lost their lives due to this cause since 1998. The majority of these incidents begin with "just a few minutes" of forgetfulness. Small precautions can save lives. To prevent children from being left behind in hot cars, there are many solutions available at both individual and institutional levels. Today, many car manufacturers are integrating technologies such as rear seat reminders, sensors, and alarm systems into their vehicles. In addition, smartphone apps and GPS-based systems can help keep parents alert and attentive. In fact, as of 2025, some of these technologies have become mandatory in certain car models in the U.S. Experts emphasize that in addition to technological measures, simple habits can also be life-saving. For example, placing a child’s item, such as a bag or toy, on the front seat can serve as a visual reminder for parents. Checking the back seat before exiting the vehicle is a critical habit that should be developed. During crowded trips, children may fall asleep or remain quiet in the car, which can easily go unnoticed by parents. That’s why increased attention and coordination are especially necessary during these times.

4.    Why are elderly individuals at greater risk in hot weather, and what precautions should be taken at home or outdoors?
Elderly individuals are at greater risk during hot weather because the body's ability to regulate temperature (thermoregulation) decreases with age. The sweating mechanism weakens, making it harder to maintain a stable body temperature. As people age, the number and activity of sweat glands decline, reducing the body’s capacity to cool itself through sweating.
Sweating is controlled by the autonomic nervous system, and this system's response to heat becomes less efficient with aging. The hypothalamus, the brain's temperature control center, also reacts more slowly to thermal stimuli as we age.In older adults, skin becomes thinner, blood vessel structure weakens, and subcutaneous blood flow decreases, all of which delay and diminish the skin’s response to heat (such as redness or sweating). Elderly individuals often take medications for chronic conditions—such as antihypertensives or anticholinergics—that can suppress sweating. These medications may interfere with the stimulation of sweat glands and also reduce the sensation of thirst. Thirst naturally declines with age, which can prevent adequate fluid intake and increase the risk of dehydration. As a result of all these factors, older adults cannot effectively lower their body temperature through sweating, which leads to serious risks in hot weather, including heatstroke, fainting, and dehydration. Additionally, some elderly individuals may have mobility limitations that delay their ability to move to a cooler environment when needed.
To protect elderly individuals at home, the following measures can be taken: Keep curtains closed during the day to prevent direct sunlight from entering, keep the environment cool using air conditioning, fans, or natural airflow, ensure the elderly person drinks at least 8–10 glasses of water daily and remind them to stay hydrated, support these reminders with calendars or timed alerts if necessary, prefer dressing the elderly in light-colored, lightweight, cotton clothing, encourage taking lukewarm showers several times a day or washing hands and feet with cool water and avoid heavy meals during extreme heat and opt for light, watery foods such as salads, fruits, and yogurt.
Avoiding going outside between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, choosing shaded and cool areas, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, always carrying water, avoiding long walks and strenuous activities, and taking frequent breaks to rest in cool places if staying outdoors are examples of precautions that can be taken for outdoor environments. If an elderly person shows symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, cessation of sweating, redness and heat in the skin, confusion, or fainting during extreme heat, they should be taken to a medical center immediately or emergency services should be contacted.

5.    How should first aid be administered in drowning incidents in places like the sea or pool? Are untrained interventions dangerous?
Drowning is a major public health issue and ranks among the top three leading causes of accidental death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 250,000 people die from drowning each year, and the majority of these deaths involve children under the age of 14. July 25 is observed as World Drowning Prevention Day. This day was established by the World Health Organization and the United Nations to highlight that drowning is a preventable issue and to raise global awareness on the importance of water safety. 
In drowning incidents that may occur in environments like the sea or a pool, immediate first aid is critically important. However, these interventions must be carried out correctly and consciously. Incorrect actions can worsen the situation and increase the risk to the drowning victim.
 

6.    In extreme heat, dehydration can lead to serious consequences. How can we recognize and prevent it in daily life?
Dehydration during extremely hot weather can cause serious health issues in children, elderly individuals, and active people alike. Recognizing and preventing dehydration early in daily life is critically important. Here are the signs and prevention methods:
In daily life, dehydration can be recognized through symptoms such as thirst, dark-colored urine, headache and dizziness, fatigue and weakness, dry mouth and skin, muscle cramps, increased heart rate and low blood pressure,  difficulty concentrating and drowsiness or sleepiness.
Thirst is the earliest sign of dehydration. However, especially in elderly individuals, the sensation of thirst may be diminished. Thirst is controlled by a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. As people age, the hypothalamus’s ability to detect thirst and send signals weakens. This causes elderly individuals not to feel the need to drink water even when they are dehydrated. Medications such as diuretics, antihypertensives, and laxatives increase water loss, but elderly people taking these medications often do not notice the decrease in their body fluids. With aging, the vagus nerve and other sensory nerve pathways become less effective in transmitting the thirst signal to the brain. This results in delayed recognition of thirst by the brain. Consequently, elderly individuals are more prone to dehydration because their bodies have difficulty sensing and responding to their water needs. For this reason, it is vital that elderly people drink water regularly at set intervals and do not wait until they feel thirsty. In healthy individuals, urine should be light yellow; darkening indicates water deficiency. Dehydration of the brain can cause difficulty concentrating and headaches. When the body's water level drops, energy production decreases, leading to fatigue. Reduced saliva secretion and loss of skin elasticity cause dryness of the mouth and skin. The lack of water and electrolytes lost through sweating can cause muscle cramps. The heart responds to the decreased blood volume. Particularly children and elderly people can become dehydrated without it being noticed.
An average of 2 to 2.5 liters of water should be consumed daily. Tea and coffee do not count as water intake. After drinking tea or coffee, water should always be consumed. If sweating increases, the need for fluids rises even more. When there is excessive sweating, water should be drunk to replace the lost fluids. Water should be consumed frequently but in small amounts. Instead of drinking a large amount of water at once, it is better to sip water regularly throughout the day and drink without waiting to feel thirsty. Foods rich in water content should be consumed. Watery fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, cucumber, tomato, zucchini, orange, and strawberry can be eaten frequently. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided as they increase water loss from the body. Light-colored, cotton clothing can be worn. These types of clothes reduce sweating and keep the body cool. Going outside during the hours when the sun is strongest (10:00 AM–4:00 PM) should be avoided. If possible, staying in the shade or cool environments is recommended. Physical activities should be planned during cooler hours, preferably early morning or late evening. Elderly people, children, and those with chronic illnesses should be closely monitored. Reminders to drink water can be given when necessary.

7. What are the common mistakes made in mosquito, bee, or insect stings? What is the correct first aid approach?
Mosquito bites, bee stings, and other insect bites are common during summer and can range from mild itching to life-threatening allergic reactions. Unfortunately, some frequently used home remedies can actually worsen the situation.
Do not attempt to suction the venom via mouth or syringe, cut or incise the wound, or use cauterization (e.g. by mouth suction, cutting, or applying heat). These methods can lead to infection and delay wound healing. Avoid applying toothpaste, cologne, vinegar, mud, or similar substances, as they can irritate the skin, increase infection risk, and even trigger allergic reactions.
It is not suggested to squeeze the sting or use tweezers inappropriately when bee stings. This may cause more venom to spread. Scratching the sting area may create abrasions and further spread venom and the risk of infection increases. Applying heat instead of cold in bee stings may increase inflammation. Instead, cold compresses help reduce swelling and itching. If the bee's sting is still embedded, gently scrape it away with a flat-edged tool (like a credit card, ruler, or nail) rather than using tweezers. Clean the area with soapy water, apply a cold compress (ice pack or ice wrapped in a towel), and call for emergency help. If the sting is around the mouth, tongue, or throat, seek immediate medical attention.
It is not recommended to rub the affected area in jellyfish stings. Pressure bandages should not be used in the treatment of jellyfish stings. Fresh water should not be applied, as it may trigger the release of more venom and worsen the envenomation. Ice should also not be applied to jellyfish stings. If tentacles are still attached, gently remove them using a flat tool (credit card or ruler).
When going to picnic areas or engaging in outdoor activities, it is advisable to wear thick, long-sleeved shirts and thick, long pants that fully cover the legs, as well as boots or similar shoes that cover the ankles if possible. Special insect repellent products purchased from pharmacies can be used for protection. In case of mosquito bites, you can wash the affected area with clean water and soap.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and itching, and be careful not to scratch the affected area. If an allergic reaction such as hives, widespread redness, or shortness of breath develops, emergency help should be called or the nearest healthcare facility should be consulted.
Box jellyfish and Portuguese man o' war are venomous types of jellyfish. These species are rarely encountered in Turkey. The sting site of a jellyfish should not be rubbed. If the tentacles are still attached, they can be scraped off using a flat object such as a credit card or ruler.
To neutralize jellyfish tentacles, seawater, baking soda, or vinegar may be applied depending on the geographic region and the type of jellyfish. Freshwater should not be used, as it can cause the venom to be released and lead to increased envenomation. Heat should be applied to the sting site.
In tick bites, the bite is often painless, so people usually notice the tick long after the bite. Once a tick is detected, it is important to remove it from the body as soon as possible. The longer the tick remains attached to the human body, the higher the risk of disease transmission becomes. This risk increases significantly if the tick stays attached for 24 hours or more. Therefore, the tick should be removed quickly and without being crushed.
Never touch a tick with bare hands; always wear gloves. Ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers (not with fingers). Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible by its head and pull it upwards gently without squeezing. Make sure the tick’s head and mouthparts are completely removed. The person bitten by the tick should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility.

8.    What should be included in a simple but effective first aid kit to carry with us during outdoor summer activities (picnics, hikes, etc.)?
The first aid kit you keep in your vehicle or home may vary depending on your location and needs. Your first aid kit can include adhesive bandages (preferably waterproof), sterile or non-sterile gloves (1–2 pairs, disposable), triangular bandage (to make an arm sling), round-tipped scissors, elastic bandage (for sprains, if available), thermometer, thin ruler, a flat object similar to a credit card (recommended for removing stingers from bee or jellyfish stings), artificial respiration mask (can be used if trained), gauze bandage, sterile gauze pads (in various sizes), adhesive tape (Band-Aids), additional adhesive strips (to secure wound edges), wound cleaning solution (antiseptic solution, available at pharmacies), antihistamine cream recommended by healthcare professionals for insect and bee stings, insect repellent spray or lotion purchased from a pharmacy, spray bottle filled with water (to cool the body if needed), safety pins (to secure the triangular bandage), battery-powered flashlight or torch, a small card with emergency phone numbers written on it, emergency blanket, notebook and pen and first aid manual (a guide containing basic first aid information). For the first aid kit, a waterproof, lightweight, and easy-to-carry bag should be preferred. The bag should be stored in a place not exposed to sunlight, out of reach of children but easily accessible. The contents of the kit should be checked regularly, and any missing supplies should be replenished. 

9.    Are there any common misconceptions about first aid among the public? During the summer, which topics do these misconceptions most often involve?
Yes, there are some misconceptions commonly believed to be true among the public. One of the main ones is applying toothpaste, yogurt, tomato paste, or butter to thermal burns. What should actually be done is to hold cold water on the burn area for at least 20 minutes. However, if the burned surface area is large, this procedure should not be done due to the risk of significant heat loss. Instead, the burned areas should be cooled by covering them with a gauze or clean cloth soaked in cold water. This cooling process should be applied for 15-30 minutes. Through this method, the injury area in small to moderate burns can be minimized by cooling. During the cooling process, the patient/injured person should be covered with a blanket to prevent heat loss. The clothes on the burned area should be removed without pulling on the skin. The removal of clothes should be done after cooling and, if possible, clothes should be cut along the seams. Attention must be paid to hygiene and cleanliness. After the clothes are removed, if possible, the burned areas should be covered with lint-free, dry, and clean material (for example, plastic cling film). Since swelling (edema) may occur, items such as rings, bracelets, and watches should be removed. To prevent swelling (edema), the burned arms and legs should be kept elevated above heart level for 24 to 48 hours.
Another commonly believed misconception is that the bee stings stinger should be immediately pulled out with tweezers and squeezed. However, in bee stings, the stinger should be scraped off the surface using a card or fingernail without squeezing it, because squeezing the stinger causes the venom to spread further.

Applying a hot towel or ointment immediately to a sprained area is also incorrect. For sprains and swelling, cold compress (ice) should be applied within the first 24 hours.
In cases of heatstroke or sunstroke, immediately giving the person ice-cold water to drink or pouring ice on them are incorrect practices. Instead, the person should be taken to a cool, shaded area; the skin should be moistened with water at normal temperature or water that is not very cold, and if conscious, they should be given plenty of water to sip slowly.

In cases of fractures or dislocations, do not try to straighten the arm or leg by pulling. The arm or leg should be immobilized according to first aid techniques, and emergency medical services should be contacted, or the person should be taken to the nearest healthcare facility. 
In cases of bleeding, cotton should not be pressed on the bleeding area because it sticks and can increase bleeding when removed. Instead, sterile gauze or a clean cloth should be used.

In snake bites, the wound should never be cut or sucked. Cutting and sucking are very dangerous. The bitten area should be kept still and positioned below the level of the heart, a light bandage should be applied over the wound, and emergency help should be called immediately.
Turning a drowning person upside down, hitting their back, or applying pressure to their abdomen to remove water is extremely dangerous. If the person is unconscious, emergency medical services should be called immediately. If the rescuer has received first aid training, basic life support should be administered to the drowning person right away. If the person is unconscious but breathing, they should be placed in the recovery position, and emergency medical services should be called.
Individuals without first aid training should only perform basic, non-harmful interventions. For example, a person without first aid training can ensure their own safety and the safety of the person in need of assistance, then call emergency medical services with the phone on speaker mode, and provide information about the person and the emergency situation. Those who wish to help in emergencies can receive first aid training.
10.    What advice would you give to the public to protect their health and respond appropriately in emergencies, especially during the summer?

Increased heat, sun exposure, and outdoor activities during the summer can pose various health risks. Therefore, I would like to offer a few basic recommendations to the public:
Stay well-hydrated: Avoiding dehydration is very important. Especially children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses should drink water frequently throughout the day. Water should be consumed regularly without waiting to feel thirsty.
Protect yourself from the sun: Avoid direct exposure to the sun during peak hours (between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.). Do not neglect the use of wide-brimmed hats, light-colored clothing, and sunscreen.

Pay attention to your diet: Light meals rich in vegetables and fruits should be preferred. Avoid consuming food sold in open areas to prevent food poisoning.
Learn basic first aid: During the summer months, emergencies such as drowning, heatstroke, and insect bites are more common. Receiving basic first aid training can be life-saving. For example, if someone is suspected of having heatstroke, simple but effective actions like moving them to a cool place and giving them small sips of cool water—if they are conscious—can make a big difference.
Keep a first aid kit on hand: When traveling or spending time outdoors, carrying a basic first aid kit can be very helpful.
Monitor children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses closely: Especially in hot weather, keeping a close eye on the health of children and older adults can help you detect risks early.
In summary, to protect your health and respond effectively to emergencies throughout the summer, drink plenty of water and eat foods with high water content, protect yourself from the sun, have basic first aid knowledge, and pay special attention to at-risk groups.