Hospital warns of sunshine injuries (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hospital warns of sunshine injuries

SUNSEEKERS are urged to be on their guard this summer to avoid a lengthy wait in A&E.

Staff at Great Western Hospital are expecting hundreds of so-called "sunshine injuries".

The busy A&E department even use their own shorthand for some of the more common injuries.

"Flymo finger" for example denotes a seriously injured finger caused by lawnmower blades.

Flash burns caused by barbecues are also common the result of amateur chefs using petrol to heat up the coals.

A&E consultant Ian Kendall said: "Although most people are delighted when the sun comes out, the team here know it usually means we are going to get very busy, especially at weekends and bank holidays. The fact is that many of the injuries could have been avoided. Time after time we have to treat people with burns who have used petrol to light their barbecues.

"And time after time we have to treat serious injuries to feet and toes because people mow their lawns barefoot or in flip flops.

"People also come to us with severe sunburn and sunstroke because they either stayed out in the sun too long or did not put any protective cream on.

"The sun has to be treated with respect.

"Not only is sunburn painful often for a few days but sunstroke can cause vomiting and headaches.

"We have had cases where children have been brought in who were so badly burnt we have had to give them powerful pain relief before they have been able to go home," he said.

Stay safe in the sun

In a drive to reduce injuries the A&E team have issued the following five tips:

Do not use petrol or any other volatile fuel to light barbeques

Keep young children well away from barbeques once they are lit

Do not mow your lawn barefoot or in flimsy footwear

Always switch off the mower if you go anywhere near the blades

The sun is often stronger than you think especially if there is a cooling breeze. Do not stay out in the sun for lengthy periods without covering up and make sure you put on plenty of sun cream. Children are especially vulnerable and a high factor sun block should be applied regularly if they are out in the sun

Be careful how much you drink, it is easy to overdo things when it is hot have a glass of water or soft drink in between alcoholic drinks.

Kevin Shoesmith