How to Stay Out of the Emergency Room This Summer

Summer is the season for fun, travel, and relaxation. But it's also the time of year when emergency rooms across the country see a sharp increase in visits. From heat-related illnesses to accidents in the back yard or in the water, summer brings unique health risks that can turn a joyful season into a stressful one.

The good news? Most summertime emergencies are preventable with a little planning, awareness, and a few smart habits. Here’s how you can enjoy the season while staying safe—and out of the ER.

Respect the Heat

Heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, are some of the most common—and most dangerous—reasons to end up in emergency rooms during the summer. These conditions can escalate quickly, especially in young children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses. To beat the heat:

• Hydrate consistently. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink water throughout the day, especially if you’re sweating or spending time outside.
• Avoid the midday sun. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
• Know the signs of heat illness. Symptoms like headache, nausea, confusion, rapid pulse, or dry skin can signal a medical emergency.
• Dress appropriately. Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing can help you keep cool.

Play it Safe in the Water

Whether it’s pool, lake, or ocean, water activities are a summer staple. Unfortunately, they’re also a top cause of ER visits. Add these water safety tips to your list for summer fun:

• Supervise children at all times. Even if they know how to swim, youngsters should never be left alone near water.
• Learn CPR. It can be lifesaving in emergencies and gives you peace of mind.
• Don’t mix alcohol with swimming. Impaired judgment and slower reaction times increase the risk of accidents.
• Watch out for shallow dives. Always enter unknown water feet-first.

Stay Smart with Summer Sports

Hiking, biking, and backyard sports keep us active and healthy—but they also increase the risk of sprains, fractures, and concussions. Make preparation a part of your athletic activities this summer, and:

• Warm up and stretch. This helps avoid muscle strains and joint injuries.
• Use proper gear. Helmets, pads, and appropriate shoes are musts for safety.
• Don’t push beyond your limits. Fatigue increases the chance of mistakes and injuries.
• Watch the terrain. Uneven ground, loose rocks, or wet grass can lead to falls.
• Consider the impact of novelty. A trampoline or an eBike might look like a lot of fun. However, a spur of the moment experiment without considering the importance of equipment safety and a bit of coaching around its use may have consequences.

Protect Yourself from Insects and Plants

Bug bites and stings can cause allergic reactions, and poisonous plants like poison ivy, oak, or sumac can lead to painful rashes and infections. Proven prevention tips include:

• Using insect repellent. Products with DEET or picaridin are effective against mosquitoes and ticks.
• Wearing long sleeves and pants. Especially if you’re hiking or camping in wooded or grassy areas.
• Knowing how to identify dangerous plants. “Leaves of three, let them be” is a good rule of thumb for poison ivy.
• Checking for ticks. After spending time outdoors, especially in wooded areas, do a full-body check.

Act on Sudden Symptoms

Perhaps the best advice of all is to stay attuned to your body. Often, we brush off early signs of illness or injury, hoping they’ll go away. In the summer heat, small problems can escalate quickly. Don’t ignore persistent pain, dizziness or fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath or high fever or signs of infection.