A Summer First Aid Guide from an CIU Academic

Dr. İpek Nurdan Dikmen, Program Coordinator of the English Paramedic Program at the Vocational School of Health Sciences, Cyprus International University (CIU), shared vital precautions and correct first aid practices for emergencies that may occur during the summer months. Drawing from her expertise in public health and first aid, Dr. Dikmen emphasized the importance of being prepared—especially highlighting the risks of drowning. Dikmen noted that during the summer, we are at risk of conditions such as heat stroke, dehydration, insect and bee stings, allergic reactions, drowning, food poisoning, and sunburns. She underscored the importance of first aid in these situations, stating: "Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, maintain a healthy diet, learn first aid, keep a first aid kit available, and monitor children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses carefully."
In cases of heat stroke, the person should immediately be moved to a cool, shaded area. Their clothing should be loosened, and cool, wet cloths should be applied to areas like the forehead, neck, and underarms. If the person is conscious, can drink water, and is not nauseous, they should be given plenty of fluids. Adding one teaspoon of salt or baking soda to one liter of water can help. Avoid acidic, caffeinated, or very cold beverages, and do not try to make the person stand up. If there is confusion, vomiting, or loss of consciousness, emergency services should be called immediately, and the person should be placed on their side with breathing monitored every two minutes.
Dr. Dikmen explained that children and the elderly are among the most vulnerable to heat. "Children should always be under parental supervision. Symptoms like extreme fatigue, drowsiness, dry and red skin, and dry mouth should be taken seriously," she said. She also emphasized that the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels within minutes and children should never be left inside cars. Since elderly individuals sweat less and have difficulty regulating body temperature, sun exposure should be limited during the day. Their environment should be kept cool, they should wear light-colored cotton clothing, stay well hydrated, and consume light, watery foods throughout the day.
Dikmen also reminded that July 25th is the World Drowning Prevention Day. In drowning cases, she recommended using flotation devices or ropes instead of swimming directly to the victim. "If you must swim to the person, approach from behind and, if necessary, begin rescue breathing while still in the water," she said. She also warned against turning a drowning victim upside down. If seawater or pool water enters the lungs, it can cause chemical irritation, making immediate medical attention essential.
Regarding insect stings, Dikmen emphasized that sucking the wound, cutting it, or cauterizing it are incorrect and dangerous practices. Such actions can cause infections and delay healing. Substances like toothpaste, vinegar, or mud may cause skin irritation. Ticks should not be touched with bare hands, twisted, shaken, or removed using heat.

While the contents of a first aid kit at home or in a vehicle may vary depending on needs, some basic materials must be included. These include band-aids, sterile gloves, gauze bandages, scissors, antiseptic solution, thermometer, breathing mask, insect repellent, water spray, flashlight, a card with emergency contact numbers and a basic first aid manual.