Spring break has arrived, which means now is a great time to travel to your favorite tropical destination with your closest friends.
For many college and university students, spring break serves as a week- or two-week-long party. And like any celebration, there are risks you need to know about before you attend; otherwise, you may be in trouble while you’re away from home.
It is important to know about common spring break dangers and how to avoid them at all costs. Moreover, those who recognize spring break dangers can help protect their friends against such issues.
So which spring break dangers should you watch for during your upcoming trip? Here’s a closer look at three common spring break dangers, along with tips to deal with such issues:
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Alcohol poisoning
Recent studies indicate about 60 percent of college and university students between the ages of 18 and 22 years old consume alcoholic beverages in a given month. In addition, these studies show roughly two thirds of college and university students engage in binge drinking.
Excessive alcohol consumption can be deadly, as it may lead to alcohol poisoning.
The Mayo Clinic notes alcohol poisoning may occur if an individual consumes large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Also, common alcohol poisoning symptoms include:
- Slow breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Hypothermia
- Mental confusion
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Alcohol poisoning may cause a person to become unconscious, too.
The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism points out an individual’s blood alcohol content (BAC) may continue to rise even if he or she is unconscious. Thus, it can be dangerous to “sleep off” the effects of alcohol poisoning.
“With no gag reflex, a person who drinks to the point of passing out is in danger of choking on vomit, which, in turn, could lead to death by asphyxiation,” the NIAAA notes. “Even if the drinker survives, an alcohol overdose can lead to long-lasting brain damage.”
Alcohol poisoning symptoms often are transparent, and if you or a friend is dealing with these symptoms, it is important to get medical attention immediately. By doing so, you may be able to save a life.
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Heat exhaustion
Traveling to a sunny destination sounds perfect for spring break, but those who are not careful may encounter heat exhaustion that can ruin a vacation.
Heat exhaustion takes place if you are exposed to high temperatures or excessive sunlight for an extended period of time, according to The Mayo Clinic. Furthermore, typical heat fatigue symptoms include:
- Cramps
- Heavy sweating
- Rapid pulse
Ultimately, heat exhaustion can be life-threatening, particularly for those who are performing strenuous activity in a tropical setting. Whether it’s playing beach volleyball or walking from landmark to landmark in a major city, the combination of ongoing physical activity with high temperatures represents a recipe for disaster.
To avoid heat exhaustion, you should try to stay hydrated throughout your trip, and carrying a water bottle with you usually is a good idea. Meanwhile, spending some time indoors, preferably in a cool, air-conditioned setting, may help you overcome the initial symptoms of heat exhaustion. The Mayo Clinic also suggests contacting a doctor if your heat exhaustion symptoms do not improve within one hour or if your temperature exceeds 104°F (40°C).
Remember, it always is better to err on the side of caution, particularly when it comes to heat exhaustion. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact advanced medical professionals for further assistance.
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Drowning
Ready to show off your beach body during spring break? You’re not alone, and as such, you may wind up swimming at the beach or in a pool with friends during your trip.
It is important, however, to swim responsibly, as those who fail to do so may put themselves and others at risk of drowning.
Drowning occurs when an individual’s lungs fill with water or other liquids. It can be fatal, but those who keep water safety in mind can eliminate the risk of drowning during spring break.
The Florida Department of Health offers the following water safety tips to help you minimize drowning dangers:
- Use a “buddy system” – Never swim alone; instead, swim with a friend to ensure both you and your buddy can remain safe at all times.
- Know the weather – Weather conditions can vary, but those who check the weather reports in advance can ensure they are swimming in safe waters.
- Leverage life jackets – For those who plan to go fishing or travel on a cruise ship during spring break, it is important to wear a life jacket at all times. That way, if you accidentally fall off the boat, you’ll be able to float comfortably until help arrives.
Take advantage of these water safety tips to minimize your drowning risks both now and in the future.
Why should you become First Aid and CPR-certified before spring break?
First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training empowers you to provide immediate assistance in emergencies. And whether you encounter a friend who is dealing with alcohol poisoning, heat exhaustion or any other life-threatening issues, understanding First Aid and CPR ultimately may allow you to save his or her life.
At SureFire CPR, we recognize the value of First Aid and CPR for individuals of all ages and offer comprehensive classes to show students how to perform this procedure properly. Our experienced instructors possess medical backgrounds and are happy to share their knowledge with students at all times. As a result, you’re guaranteed to receive comprehensive insights that ensure you’ll be able to perform CPR and First Aid correctly at any time.
We also understand that traditional First Aid and CPR training courses may take days or weeks to complete. On the other hand, we provide flexible classes that ensure you’ll be able to become First Aid and CPR certified before you leave for spring break. Therefore, you’ll be ready to conduct First Aid or CPR if an emergency arises and could be a valuable contributor who helps out a friend in need during your vacation.
Want to learn more about our First Aid and CPR course offerings? Please visit our website or contact us today at (888) 277-3143 to find out how we can help you become First Aid and CPR certified quickly and efficiently.
