Local 4’s Dr. Frank McGeorge has some handy first aid tips for 20 of the most common summer injuries.
With these tips, you’ll know what to do, what not to do, and when to seek additional help.
Recommended Videos
Minor cuts & scrapes
What to do
- Rinse with running water.
- Wash around the cut with mild soap.
- Pat dry.
- Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment
- Cover with a bandage.
Don’t
- Don’t use peroxide or alcohol.
When to see a professional
- Bleeding won’t stop.
- The cut is gaping.
- Infection signs: spreading redness, pus, worsening pain/fever.
Stop a small bleed
What to do
- Place clean gauze on the cut.
- Press firmly for 10 minutes (set a timer; don’t peek).
Don’t
- Don’t lift the gauze early to check.
When to see a professional
- Bleeding soaks through.
- Blood is spurting.
- Child looks pale or dizzy.
Road rash
What to do
- Rinse with running water for a while.
- Gently wipe dirt out with wet gauze.
- Apply petroleum jelly.
- Cover with nonstick dressing.
Don’t
- Don’t leave gravel/debris in the wound.
When to see a professional
- Deep or very large area.
- You can’t get the debris out.
Splinter
What to do
- Wash first.
- Use clean tweezers and pull out in the same direction it went in.
- Wash again and cover.
Don’t
- Don’t dig if you can’t see the end.
When to see a professional
- Under the nail.
- Near the eye.
- Increasing redness and pain.
Nosebleed
What to do
- Sit up and lean forward.
- Pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes.
Don’t
- Don’t tilt the head back.
When to see a professional
- Bleeding lasts longer than 20 minutes.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Happened after an injury.
Head bump (no red flags)
What to do
- Ice pack for 10–15 minutes.
- Take it easy for the rest of the day.
- Watch closely for 24 hours.
Don’t
- Don’t ignore new/worsening symptoms.
When to see a professional
- Repeated vomiting.
- Worsening headache.
- Confusion, seizure, or not acting like themselves.
Bruise
What to do
- Day 1: cold pack about 10 minutes at a time.
- Day 2+: warmth can help soreness.
Don’t
- —
When to see a professional
- Severe pain.
- Can’t use the arm/leg.
- Bruises keep appearing without a clear reason.
Mild ankle sprain
What to do
- RICE: rest, ice, compression wrap, elevate.
Don’t
- Don’t “walk it off” if they’re limping.
When to see a professional
- Can’t take four steps.
- Deformity.
- Pain is right over the bone.
Bee sting
What to do
- Remove the stinger quickly (scrape with a card).
- Wash.
- Cold pack.
- Baking soda paste can help itch.
Don’t
- Don’t squeeze the stinger.
When to see a professional (right away)
- Hives.
- Facial swelling.
- Wheezing.
- Vomiting.
- Sting in the mouth or throat.
Mosquito bites
What to do
- Cool compress.
- Thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone.
- Keep nails short to reduce scratching.
Don’t
- Don’t scratch.
When to see a professional
- Redness spreading, hot skin, pus.
- Fever.
- Swelling near the eyes.
Mild sunburn
What to do
- Cool shower or cool compress.
- Moisturize with aloe or gentle lotion.
- Push fluids.
Don’t
- Don’t pop blisters.
- Don’t go back into the sun.
When to see a professional
- Big blistering.
- Fever.
- Severe pain.
- Dehydration signs.
Heat rash
What to do
- Move to shade or AC.
- Cool rinse.
- Keep skin dry.
- Loose cotton clothes.
Don’t
- Don’t use heavy greasy ointments.
When to see a professional
- Fever.
- Pus.
- Rapidly worsening.
Sandal blisters
What to do
- Don’t pop.
- Wash, dry.
- Cover with a blister bandage.
- Moleskin “donut” can protect friction spots.
Don’t
- Don’t pop the blister.
When to see a professional
- Red, hot, draining.
- Walking gets worse.
Minor burn (small, superficial)
What to do
- Cool running water for 10–20 minutes.
- Cover loosely with a nonstick pad.
Don’t
- No butter, toothpaste.
- No ice directly.
When to see a professional
- Large burn.
- Severe blistering.
- On face, hands, or genitals.
Chafing
What to do
- Rinse.
- Pat dry.
- Protect with petroleum jelly or zinc oxide.
- Switch to breathable clothing.
Don’t
- —
When to see a professional
- Cracking/bleeding.
- Spreading.
- Looks infected.
Sand in eyes
What to do
- Blink a lot.
- Rinse with clean water or saline (inner corner outward).
Don’t
- Don’t rub.
When to see a professional
- Pain doesn’t improve.
- Very light sensitive.
- Can’t open the eye.
Swimmer’s ear prevention
What to do
- Dry ears well after swimming.
- Tip head side-to-side.
- Towel dry the outer ear.
Don’t
- Don’t use cotton swabs.
When to see a professional
- Ear pain or drainage after swimming.
Mild ear pain after swimming
What to do
- Warm compress for 10 minutes.
- Keep ear dry for 24 hours.
Don’t
- Don’t put drops in if ear tubes/known eardrum hole unless your doctor told you to.
When to see a professional
- Pain worsens.
- Drainage.
- Fever.
- Hearing changes.
Stomach bug hydration
What to do
- Use oral rehydration solution.
- Small sips every few minutes.
Don’t
- Skip soda.
- Avoid large gulps.
When to see a professional
- No pee for 8 hours.
- Very sleepy.
- Blood in vomit or stool.
- Severe belly pain.
Poison ivy (mild)
What to do
- Wash skin ASAP.
- Wash clothes and shoes.
- Cool baths.
- Calamine or 1% hydrocortisone.
Don’t
- Don’t scratch.
When to see a professional
- On face or genitals.
- Widespread.
- Fever.
- Trouble breathing.