Here’s how to make sure your holiday party doesn’t end in the emergency room. Photo: Keeli Dyson.
Help! There’s been an accident
Summer is prime time for accidents and illnesses, from sunburn and heatstroke to broken limbs – and big kids can be vulnerable too.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so remember to slip, slop and slap, stay hydrated and take care out there.
It’s easy to believe we’re invincible after a few holiday beverages in the right company; unfortunately our athletic skills do not increase in line with alcohol consumption.
A few too many drinks can also be the cause of serious illness, especially among inexperienced drinkers.
It’s worth having a summer first-aid kit well stocked with Hydralyte icy poles and aloe vera gel as well as the usual staples.
At the start of any party identify if anyone has first aid training in case of emergency.
Despite the best of intentions, accidents do still happen.
If you’re not sure what to do, but it’s not an emergency, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to get advice.
If it’s a straightforward scrape, infection or other relatively minor injury or illness, head to your local Urgent Care Centre or hospital.
In a serious emergency, call triple zero.
Help! The pet is sick
The holiday season can be a high-risk one for pets, with pests, heat and tasty treats the biggest culprits.
The easiest way to prevent an expensive vet bill is to avoid the trip in the first place.
The majority of snake and tick bites occur in the summer as snakes seek shelter in shaded gardens and under backyard debris and pets are often the first to stumble upon them.
Keep lawns short and clear away wood piles or other debris to make your yard less attractive to snakes and spiders.
Make sure your pets are up to date with regular tick prevention, and regularly check your furry friends’ coats.
Heat stress and dehydration are also common summer issues. Don’t leave your dog in a parked car, or confined to any enclosed, unshaded space on hot days.
Make sure they have access to shade, cool water and a breeze. Avoid exercise in the middle of the day, and if it’s really a stinker, consider letting them come inside to enjoy the air con with you.
When they are inside, there can be lots of tasty party snacks about. Some of these are toxic to pets – such as chocolate, sultanas, onions and garlic. Keep them well away from curious snouts, and dispose of any food waste in an outside bin immediately.
If your pet does need the vet, most clinics have an after-hours or holiday service, however expect to pay a premium for the call-out. And be nice to the vet – they’ve given up their Christmas to make sure your animal is OK.
Help! We need a plumber/electrician/locksmith
You’ve just spent an appalling amount of money on Christmas presents, and now a busted pipe is flooding the loungeroom.
There’s never an ideal time for household emergencies, but the holiday season is one of the worst.
Whether the problem is water or electrical the first thing to do is keep calm and get any kids, pets, or dangerous objects out of the way.
Next, turn it off at the source. It’s worth acquainting yourself with your water and power mains before there’s an emergency, so you can act quickly and limit the damage.
Then, if it’s safe to do so, see if you can isolate the fault. A dodgy appliance or busted fuse is an annoyance that can probably be dealt with in the new year, when you don’t have to pay a public holiday surcharge.
If you can’t safely identify what has gone wrong, you’ve got one of two options.
You could leave everything turned off and take that camping trip you’ve been talking about, or go and stay with friends or family for a few days.
Alternatively, look for a 24-hour operator and pray they answer the phone. Again, be prepared for a hefty fee – and pay it with a smile. Anyone who works on a public holiday deserves at least that much.
