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Cottage Safety

Cottage first aid tips

Accidents happen. Unfortunately, when you're at the lake there's rarely a doctor nearby. The following tips are a guideline when dealing with minor to severe injuries. Ailments such as heat stroke, severe dehydration, or allergic reactions can have serious even fatal consequences. If in any doubt, speak to a registered nurse at Telehealth Ontario, 1-866-797-0000, or head to the local hospital.

Cuts And Scrapes

Wash the wound with clean water and remove any dirt or grit, apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection, and cover with a bandage. Monitor for signs of infection, including redness, itching, or swelling. If the wound is jagged, wider than about 1/4”, or continues to bleed after pressure has been applied for 30 minutes, see a doctor for stitches (and a tetanus shot booster if needed).

Splinters

Whether picked up from building a new deck or simply lounging on a weathered-dock, a splinter can put a painful kink into anyone’s plans. First off, try covering the splinter with sticky tape. Slowly peel the tape back and see if it pulls the splinter out. If that doesn’t work, break out the tweezers. If the splinter’s embedded below the skin, use a sterilized needle to break the skin and lift the end so you can grab it with tweezers.

Bug Bites

Scratching inflames an insect bite. A cool cloth, a paste of baking soda and water, calamine lotion or antihistamines can help alleviate itching.

Sprains

Roots, rocks, and wonky docks can easily lead to sprained ankles or wrists. Follow the RICE technique for minor sprains: 

Rest the injured limb; 

apply Ice in 20-minute sessions to reduce swelling; 

use Compression bandages to immobilize the joint; 

and Elevate for a couple hours a day. 

While you’re relaxing, go easy on the dockside drinks, particularly if that’s what led to the sprain in the first place. And monitor for persistent swelling or bruising which could indicate torn ligaments or broken bones.

Burns

Cottagers like to play with fire. But sometimes we get a little too close for comfort. For first-degree burns – where only the surface layer of skin is damaged – cool the skin under running water for at least five minutes, then loosely cover with a gauze bandage and monitor for blistering or infection. If the burn covers a large or sensitive area or you suspect deeper tissue damage, head to the hospital.

Sunburn

Sunblock is water-soluble, so tanning after a swim is a good way to get burned. A cool cloth or bath (but not a shower), followed by a coating of aloe vera lotion can alleviate the pain of a minor burn. Do not use Aunt Edna’s home remedy of applying butter or Vaseline: this will only delay healing. Severe burns resulting in blisters or fever require medical attention.

fish hook

Fishing Hooks

Sometimes the hunter becomes the unintended target. If you snag yourself with a fishhook in a fleshy part of skin, clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and then try to back it out the way it entered. Get a doctor to remove deeply embedded or multi-barbed hooks. And make sure you update your tetanus shot every five years.

Poison Ivy

Within about 10 minutes of contact, you may be able to wash off the toxic urushiol with alcohol, cool water, and soap. Failing that, a cold cloth, calamine lotion, or zinc-oxide based creams can alleviate some of the itching. If a severe rash or blisters develop, you’ll need medicated cream or oral medicine to treat it. And, in future, remember the old adage, “Leaves of three, let it be.”

Severe Allergies

If you or a loved one is at risk of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), it's important to be prepared - especially because cottages are harder to find than houses in the city. For food allergies, always carry an EpiPen when eating and keep spare EpiPens at the cottage. Always be sure guests who may bring food are aware of the allergy and avoid cross contamination when serving food.

Bug stings can also cause life-threatening reactions. Make sure the entire family knows how to properly use an EpiPen. In the event of a reaction, treat immediately with an EpiPen and then seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion

Cottaging can be exhausting, literally. If labouring outdoors is beating you down, find a cool (air-conditioned if possible) area to rest. Remove or loosen restrictive clothing, apply a cool, damp cloth to the head, elevate your feet, and consume water or a sports drink. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.

Note that more severe heat- or sunstroke requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include quickly rising body temperatures reaching 39•C or higher, rapid pulse, confusion or delirium.

Dehydration

Sometimes you get so focused on a task you can forget other things: like replacing all the water you’ve been sweating out. A pasty mouth and fatigue might indicate dehydration. Rest, and drink lots of water or a sports drink that will help replenish lost electrolytes. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Dehydration can be life-threatening, particularly for young children and older adults. Extreme thirst, lack of sweat, or rapid heartbeat are indicators of severe dehydration.

 

- Allan Britnell

 

 

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