Emergency Care Demystified: A Glance at Basic First Aid Techniques
In the realm of individual health services, IGeL offers a variety of options, including travel vaccination, ultrasound of the ovaries for cancer screening, and shockwave therapy for tennis elbow. However, it's important to note that these services are not associated with the risks of being struck by lightning or the risks involved in hip and knee injections.
Recently, cashiers have issued cautions regarding the practice of hip and knee injections due to the associated risks. Performing hip and knee injections can expose individuals to unspecified risks, and it's crucial to be aware of these potential dangers.
Outdoors during a thunderstorm, the main risks include lightning strikes, which can cause serious injury or death, and electrocution through conductors like water or metal objects. To stay safe, seek shelter immediately—ideally inside a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle with windows closed. Avoid open spaces, tall isolated objects, water, metal items, and activities like golf or fishing during a storm.
If caught outside with no shelter:
- Avoid being near tall objects, metal, and water.
- Find a low-lying area away from trees, poles, or metal.
- Assume the "lightning crouch" position: squat low on the balls of your feet, tuck your head, keep your hands on your knees, minimizing ground contact; do not lie down.
- If you feel hair stand on end (a sign of imminent lightning strike), immediately assume crouch position.
Additional best practices include:
- When thunder is heard, act immediately since lightning can strike up to 10 miles away.
- Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Unplug non-essential electrical devices beforehand to prevent damage from power surges.
- Avoid using wired telephones, plumbing, and metal fencing during storms.
Planning is key: check weather forecasts before outdoor activities, avoid afternoon hours when thunderstorms often occur (especially in mountains), and keep a weather app alert enabled for warnings.
While IGeL's individual health services may offer relief for many, it's essential to remember that these services come at a cost. The cost of these services is a few hundred euros, and patients seeking these services will need to pay out-of-pocket as they are not covered by health insurance.
It's important to approach both health treatments and outdoor activities with caution and knowledge. By understanding the risks and taking the necessary precautions, we can ensure a safer and healthier lifestyle for all.
[1] Thunderstorm Safety Tips [2] Thunderstorm Safety [3] Thunderstorm Safety [5] Thunderstorm Safety
