By Bill Heaney
Members of the public are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun as warm weather is expected this weekend.
Thousands will be attending TRNSMT, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is asking festivalgoers to ensure they are protected from the sun, stay hydrated, and look after both themselves and others.
Common health conditions during nicer weather can include sunburn, food poisoning, bites or stings.
For those heading to TRNSMT, travel-sized sunscreen and collapsible water bottles (500ml or smaller) are permitted. Medication is also allowed but must be clearly labelled in its original packaging and limited to a one-day supply. Sunglasses and a hat or cap also protect against the sun.
At the festival there are first aid points, a wellbeing area, welfare spaces, and a Welfare Team. For more information about TRNSMT and keeping yourself and others safe, visit their website at: https://trnsmtfest.com/info-item/essential-information.
For those also planning to enjoy the weather outside, doctors also emphasised the importance of keeping essential items, such as over-the-counter medicines, a first aid kit, and an ice pack to help manage minor cuts, bruises, sprains, and strains.
If you’re planning a barbecue, take care to avoid food poisoning by ensuring food is cooked thoroughly and hygienically.
Health Board Top Tips for the Weekend:
- Sunburn and sunstroke – Always cover up in the sun to protect yourself and your family from burns and heat exhaustion. This includes wearing a high-factor sunscreen, appropriate clothing, and spending time in the shade.
- Medicines – Ensure you have over-the-counter medicines available for common illnesses, including paracetamol or ibuprofen, remedies for bites and stings, and antihistamines for allergies.
- First aid – Keep a first aid kit in your home with plasters, bandages, and antiseptic wipes for cuts, as well as an ice pack for minor strains or sprains.
- Food poisoning – Barbecuing can lead to food poisoning if it is not done correctly. Ensure meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly and keep cooked and raw food separate.
For those requiring support or medical treatment for non-life-threatening conditions, there is a range of services available to help, and the Health Board continues to ask people to ‘think ABC’ before attending A&E:
- Ask yourself: Do I need to go out? For information on keeping yourself well and treating minor illnesses and injuries from home, visit the NHS Inform website or download the NHS24 app.
- Be aware: There is help for many conditions right on your doorstep. Your local GP, pharmacy, dentist or optician offer a range of services. This could include directing you to a Minor Injuries Unit or arranging an appointment for you with NHSGGC’s Virtual A&E Flow Navigation Centre.
- Call 111: If it’s urgent, or you’re not sure, call NHS 24 on 111. They’ll make sure you get the help you need.
If you believe your condition or injury is urgent or life-threatening, please call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
For more information on accessing the care you need, please go to: Right Care, Right Place – NHSGGC.
Dr Emilia Crighton, right, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s Director of Public Health, said: “This weekend is looking like a great time to get outside for warmer weather.
“No matter what you’re doing, please enjoy the good weather safely by protecting yourself when in the sun, staying hydrated, and having common medicines to hand.
“We know tens of thousands of people will be heading to TRSNMT, and we hope everyone has a fantastic time. We ask festivalgoers to look after themselves and others so everyone can enjoy the event safely.
“For those who do require medical support this weekend, we want people to be aware that there are many services available to them other than emergency departments.
“By using NHS 24’s digital resources and through 111, people who need care can be seen by the most appropriate staff in the most appropriate setting.
“We ask everyone to think ABC before A&E. This will ensure you get the right care in the right place, will help reduce waiting times, and free up capacity for those who need it most.”
WARNING:
Householders are being advised against using their washing machines this weekend. With temperatures set to soar from Friday, experts are warning people to be cautious when doing their laundry. Temperatures are expected to be as high as 29C in some parts of the country, meaning Scotland is creeping up towards Met Office heatwave criteria. In the UK, a heatwave officially takes place when a location records at least three days in a row with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The temperature in Scotland is 25C, however this varies across the UK.