GREENSBURG, IN – July 2, 2026 – As families prepare for a season of outdoor activities and celebrations, Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) encourages the community to take simple precautions that can help prevent common summer injuries and illnesses.
“Many summertime emergencies are preventable,” said Matt Myers, EMS Manager at DCMH. “Whether you’re spending time around water, grilling with family, or celebrating with fireworks, a few simple precautions can help prevent serious injuries.”
Water Safety
Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment. Ensure young or inexperienced swimmers wear properly fitted life jackets, and remember: if someone is in trouble, reach or throw, don’t go. Attempting a rescue yourself can put multiple lives at risk.
Heat, Sun & Insects
Stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and seek shade or air conditioning during periods of extreme heat. Protect your skin with SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses, and use insect repellent while checking yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Grilling & Food Safety
Wash your hands before preparing food, keep raw meats separate from ready-to-eat items, and never leave perishable foods sitting in the sun. Always grill outdoors, away from homes and overhanging branches.
Fireworks
Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers, which burn at nearly 2,000 degrees. Adults should light one firework at a time, wear hearing and eye protection, and keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
“Our Emergency Department treats everything from burns and heat-related illness to water and firework injuries each summer,” said Kristol Hadler, Executive Director of Nursing and Operations. “While our team is always here for you, we want families to make wholesome summer memories rather than unexpected trips to the emergency room. Taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference.”
Not every summer illness or injury requires emergency care.
“Immediate Care is a great option for many common summer concerns, including insect bites, poison ivy, minor burns, rashes, ear infections, sprains, and small cuts,” said Caylen Cable, DCMH Immediate Care Nurse Practitioner. “We’re here to provide prompt treatment so families can safely get back to enjoying their summer.”
For more information about Emergency Services, Family Medicine, or Immediate Care, visit dcmh.net, or for an appointment, call 812-222-DOCS (3627)
