SRHS holds summer safety classes

Boating, swimming, fun in the sun: these are all things residents in South Mississippi enjoy, but these activities don’t come without risks. That’s why Singing River Health System started a series of summer safety related classes to show the community what to do in case of an emergency.
Cool water, hot sun, plenty of reason to hit the water this summer, but sometimes a day of leisure activity turns deadly with about ten people a day dying in unintentional drownings. Director of Critical Care Services Kim Henderson said, “It’s very quiet. It’s silent. It does not look like it looks on TV. There’s no arm waving, screaming.”
Drowning can happen even after you get out of the water, dry drowning is a rare, but dangerous phenomenon that targets mostly children and could happen up to 24 hours after just a little bit of water is inhaled. Symptoms include noisy breathing and change in skin color. The best deterrent is to pay attention while your child is swimming. “Put your phone down, if you’re watching a child swim, attention is key. Do not take your eyes off that child for a minute. Drowning happens within 20 to 60 seconds, periods.”
Heat stroke and dehydration can also be deadly. Doctors say staying hydrated and taking frequent breaks can be life savers. “We have horrible humidity here. The temperatures go up to the high 90s and not having hydration could set yourself up for a trip to the emergency department.”
But if you do end up in a dangerous situation, it’s important to know what to do before first responders arrive. According to the American Heart Association, 90 percent of people who suffer out of hospital cardiac arrests die, but their chances of survival could increase dramatically by performing hands only CPR. The first step you call 911. The second step is to place your hands in the center of the chest, press hard and fast about 100 to 120 times per minute, think of the song ‘Stayin’ Alive.’
Operations Coordinator John Wright said, “Studies show that adults, when they go into sudden cardiac arrest, that there’s enough oxygenated blood in their system that if you do compressions, it will help save their life and hands only CPR can help improve that chance by two to three times.”
The next ‘How to Save a Life: Best Practices during Emergency Situations’ class is Wednesday, June 14th at 12:15 at Singing River Hospital in the Turner Education Center.