21737-41Swindonians are being warned to keep their heads this summer to keep their fingers and toes intact.

Accident and emergency staff at Swindon's Great Western Hospital are preparing themselves for the annual round of sunshine injuries.

Only last week former Swindon Town goalkeeper Frank Talia sliced off the top of his toe with a lawnmower.

The 31-year-old Australian tripped and fell in his garden while pulling the mower backwards and the machine ran over his right foot also mashing several other toes.

Talia, who now plays for Wycombe Wanderers, said: "I'm feeling okay now but it was sore at the time.

"I was wearing tough trainers but the blade went straight through that. If I'd had nothing on my feet I would probably have lost my foot.

"I looked down at my foot and saw bits of meat and flesh hanging off. I didn't know how many toes I'd have left.

"I've lost a third of the toe but I should still be able to play. Thank God it's the off season."

Flash burns from barbecues, 'lawn mower toe' severed or lacerated toes caused by cutting the grass without wearing appropriate footwear; seriously injured fingers caused by hover mower blades; severe sunburn and sunstroke all dramatically increase when the weather turns fine, according to the GWH.

Accident and Emergency consultant Ian Kendall said: "Although most people are delighted when the sun comes out, it usually means we are going to get busy, especially at weekends and bank holidays.

"Many of the injuries can be avoided. Time after time we have to treat people with burns who have used petrol to light their barbecues, or treat serious injuries to feet and toes because people mow their lawns barefoot or in flip flops and run over their feet with their lawnmower.

"The sun has to be treated with respect. Not only is sunburn painful but sunstroke can cause vomiting and headaches.

"Summer is the traditional time for DIY projects and we do get people who have been sometimes very seriously injured falling off ladders as they are trying to tend to upstairs windows, guttering or roofs.

"It is always wise to get someone to hold a ladder steady at the bottom and not to overstretch, especially near the top of the ladder."

How to keep out of casualty

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

Keep young children well away from barbecues 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 what you drink, it is easy to overdo things when it is hot

Cyclists and motorcyclists should always wear a protective helmet and long sleeves.

Take great care when using a ladder and always have someone to steady it

What can happen

Arsenal's 1971 FA Cup hero Charlie George cut off fingers with a lawnmower.

Barnsley's Darren Barnard slipped in a puddle made by his puppy on the kitchen floor and the resulting knee ligament damage kept him off the pitch for five months.

Former Chelsea and Wimbledon goalie Dave Beasant had a foot injury caused by a falling bottle of salad cream

Norwegian International defender Svein Grondalen had to withdraw from an International, in the 1970s, after colliding with a moose while out jogging.

Former England goalkeeper David Seaman, already out of action with an injured knee, went carp fishing and put his shoulder out while reeling in a 26-pounder.

Indonesian player Mistar, 25, was killed by a stampede of wild pigs that overran his team's training field in 1995.

Alex Emery