(NAPSA)—Summertimeis here contact numbers available, carry a attention immediately. and the great outdoors awaits the cell phone if possible, and always Despite your best efforts millions of people ready to partake have your insurance card handy. injuries still happen, so it’s imporin summer sports and other warm Don’t Panic. Whatever haptant to know how to deal with a weatheractivities. pens, remain calm. Experts say serious cut or laceration and when If you’re like nearly 80 percent it’s essential to making good decito seek emergency medical care. of Americans polled in a recent sionsin stressful situations. Left unattended, even for a short survey conducted by Harris InterKnow Your Limits. When period of time, open cuts and laceractive, safety and wearing approyou're tired, you're likely not at ations may attract a high level of priate protective gear is on your your best and the chancesofa fall bacteria, increasing the risk of mind when participating in sumrise exponentially. infection and scarring after the mersports. wound has been closed. Yet, despite this finding, The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) If you must visit the statistics show that emer- says the following warning signs should prompt you to ER due to a laceration gency room visits steadily seek immediate ER care for serious cuts and lacerations: this summer, there is an increase during the warm alternative to receiving weather months, with open A woundthatstill bleeds after applying five minutes of painful stitches. Used in steady, firm pressure wounds being the leading leading emergency rooms A woundthat appears deep or “gaping” open cause for ER visits. across the country, DERSo, with this in mind, A deep puncture wound, such as one caused by stepping MABOND” Topical Skin it’s better to err on the Glue forms a strong,flexon a piece of sharp glass ora nail side of caution. To reduce Any cut from animal bites and human bites ible bond over the skin in your chances of being Any wound that has glass, metal or dirt embeddedin it just under three minutes. injured or suffering a Difficulty with movementor sensation after a cut or laceration This potentially “stitchsevere laceration this less” alternative, is painsummer, here are a few less, water resistant and safety tips to keep in mind: Wear Protective Gear. When keeps germs out that may cause Plan Ahead. Know your surparticipating in outdooractivities, infection—getting you back in the roundings. Make sure you have always wear protective gear, such gamefaster. the address and directions to the as a bike helmet, knee pads and DERMABOND may not be appronearest hospital at all times. wrist guards. Protect your skin by priate for all wounds or skin surThink First-Aid. Always keep using a sunscreen. faces such as eyes and mouth, or a freshly stocked first-aid kit in Think Fast, Act Fast. Once for people with certain skin sensian accessible area of your homeor you've identified that you or a tivities. Ask the Emergency Room car. family member suffered a serious doctor if DERMABOND is right for Be Prepared. Keep emergency cut or laceration seek medical you.
