Sierra Lifeflight Offers Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

For Immediate Release
July 1, 2024

SIERRA LIFEFLIGHT OFFERS TIPS FOR A SAFE FOURTH OF JULY

Fourth of July Celebrations Pose Risk of Injuries and Fires 

(BISHOP, Calif.) – For many, the Fourth of July presents an opportunity to gather with loved ones to celebrate our nation’s independence with food, fun and fireworks. Sierra Lifeflight, a REACH Air Medical Services (REACH) brand, wants to remind residents of Bishop of the importance of holiday safety while celebrating.

“Fourth of July brings a lot of fun and enjoyment, from outdoor grilling and water activities to fireworks displays and celebratory parades,” said Michael Patterson, regional director of operations for REACH. “No matter your family’s plans, it is essential to make sure everyone stays safe during this year’s festivities.”

Fireworks Safety

• Fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are illegal throughout the state of California.
• A firework display set to music will be launched from the east side of Bishop City Park after 9:00 p.m. See additional details here: https://bishopvisitor.com/event/4th-of-july-celebration/

Grilling Safety 

• Make sure to store perishable foods at the proper temperature until you are ready to  begin cooking.
• If using a cooler, make sure you pack plenty of ice or freezer packs.
• Never leave a barbecue unattended while lit.
• Select a location away from children, pets or flammable objects.
• Keep the grill clean by removing excess grease and residue.
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by.
• Use long-handled tongs and spatulas with heat-resistant handles.

Heat Safety

• Exposure to excessive heat can quickly lead to dehydration. Remember to drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and avoid beverages with caffeine, sugar or alcohol.
• During the hottest hours of the day, stay indoors. If your home is not air-conditioned, look for nearby cooling shelters, or spend the day in a cool public space like a library, community center or local shopping mall.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing and don a hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin and be sure to reapply it every two hours.
• Try to limit physical activities to the coolest parts of the day, like morning and evening hours. Make sure to take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
• Do not leave children, elderly persons or pets in cars. In under three minutes, the interior temperature of your vehicle can soar from 78 to 100 degrees, putting children, the elderly and pets in danger of hyperthermia or heat stroke. If you see a child, an older adult or an animal left in a hot car, call 911 immediately.

Water Safety 

• Never swim alone.
• Only use approved flotation devices; do not rely on toys or inner tubes.
• Don’t take chances by overestimating your swimming skills.
• Swim only in designated swimming areas.
• Watch small children near water.
• Never dive into rivers or lakes; each year, nearly 3,000 people are paralyzed as a result of diving into shallow water or hitting an unseen underwater obstruction.

Sierra Lifeflight is committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Our caregivers promote safety and preparedness to save lives and prevent both injury and disability.

For more holiday safety tips, visit RedCross.org.

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About REACH Air Medical Services 

REACH Air Medical Services, headquartered in Sacramento, CA, provides critical care air and ground emergency medical services to communities throughout California, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, Texas, Colorado and Hawaii. REACH employs hundreds of highly trained nurses, paramedics, pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians to provide service to patients using their fleet of medically equipped helicopters, airplanes and ground ambulances. REACH is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), which is the gold standard for patient care and safety in the medical transport industry. For more information, visit www.REACHAir.com.

REACH is part of Global Medical Response. With nearly 36,000 team members, Global Medical Response delivers compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency medical and patient relocation services in the United States and around the world. GMR was formed by combining the industry leaders in air, ground, mobile healthcare services, and community, industrial/specialty and wildland fire services. For additional information, visit us on LinkedIn or at www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com.

News Staff