From burns and choking to carbon monoxide risks, EMTs outline essential safety measures
KUWAIT: As Kuwait’s camping season enters full swing and cooler desert weather draws families and friends outdoors, medical emergency experts are urging the public to put safety and first-aid awareness first. warning that simple oversights can quickly turn a trip into a serious emergency.
In a recent discussion on “Sabah Al-Khair Ya Kuwait,” emergency medical technicians (EMT) Maali Al-Hammad, Mahdi Al-Kazemi and Fatma Al-Bannaa warned that simple mistakes can quickly turn a trip into a serious emergency.
Picking the right location
The experts emphasized that a safe trip starts before the first tent is pitched. “The choice of location is one of the most important aspects of a safe camping experience,” said Al-Kazemi. He advised campers to choose their locations carefully, opting for flat ground away from rocky terrain and close to main roads to ensure emergency services can reach them easily. He also warned against camping near high-voltage towers or areas with visible animal burrows and toxic plants.
Al-Bannaa highlighted the importance of checking weather forecasts to avoid heavy rain or dust storms, which can lead to traffic accidents or tent collapses. “While traveling to the campsite, follow traffic rules, drive carefully, and make sure you’re well-rested to focus on the road, especially since these locations can be far away,” she said.
Individuals with chronic conditions—such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease—must carry extra medication when traveling to remote desert locations, Al-Hammad said.
In case of emergency, she advised calling for help first, then taking action to assist those affected.
“Always make the call; never delay asking for help,” said Al-Hammad. “Any medical interventions should always be based on sound knowledge. Acting without experience could worsen the situation, so if you’re unsure, wait for emergency services.”
The silent killer
The most common accidents happen on the way to the campsite, Al-Kazemi said. Emergency teams also respond to injuries caused by vehicles, ATVs and bicycles, particularly among children playing in camping areas. Other frequent cases include choking linked to heaters, as well as burns, animal bites and stings from poisonous insects.
“While traveling to the campsite, follow traffic rules, drive carefully, and make sure you’re well-rested to focus on the road, especially since these locations can be far away,” said Al-Bannaa.
One of the most significant seasonal threats is carbon monoxide poisoning. Al-Kazemi explained that charcoal should only be lit outdoors and must be fully combusted before being brought into a tent for heating or tea.
Because carbon monoxide is odorless and causes drowsiness, victims often do not realize they are being poisoned until it is too late. Experts stressed that heaters and charcoal must be removed from tents before sleeping and proper ventilation must be maintained at all times.
In the event of a burn, Al-Bannaa debunked common “home remedies” like applying toothpaste, honey, or flour. Instead, she advised placing the burn under cool running water for at least ten minutes and seeking medical help if the burn is extensive or involves a child.
Remain clam
Choking is one of the most common medical emergencies during camping and outdoor trips. But correct action can save a life. The emergency technicians said infants are the most vulnerable to choking because they explore their surroundings by putting objects in their mouths.
“The first step for the parent is to remain calm. You need to control your emotions, stay composed, and act decisively. Many times, parents panic and can’t manage the situation,” said Al-Hammad.
If an infant (under 12 months) is choking, call emergency services immediately and keep the phone on speaker. Sit the baby on your lap and support the head and neck. Give five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Turn the baby over while supporting the head. Use two fingers to give five chest compressions in the center of the chest. Repeat the sequence until the object comes out. If the baby loses consciousness, start CPR immediately. This applies whether the blockage is solid or liquid, such as milk.
She stressed that while the back slaps may seem forceful, the priority is to clear the airway so the child can breathe. She also advises that if a child is coughing, they are still getting some air, and you should encourage them to keep coughing rather than performing these maneuvers
“Intervention is needed only when the child cannot breathe, cry, cough, or make any sound,” she said.
First-aid tips
For adults, the signs of choking are more obvious—blue lips, panic, inability to speak, grasping the throat, or repeatedly hitting themselves on the chest, said Al-Kazemi.
If an adult is choking, reassure the person so they cooperate. Stand behind them and wrap your arms around their waist, underneath their armpits. Make a fist and place it on the abdomen, specifically just above the belly button. Grasp your fist with your other hand, lean the person slightly forward, and deliver sudden, strong thrusts inward and upward. Continue these repeated thrusts until the object is expelled from the airway. If the person collapses, start CPR immediately and continue until help arrives. Hitting an adult on the back is usually ineffective. While back blows work for infants, abdominal thrusts are more effective for adults due to stronger muscles and bones.
The desert environment also poses risks from scorpions, snakes, and stray animals. If someone is bitten or stung, the experts advised keeping the victim calm, washing the site with soap and water, and avoiding the dangerous myth of “sucking out the venom” or tying the limb tightly. Identifying the type of animal can also significantly assist medical teams in providing the correct treatment. “Prevention and knowledge are the first line of defense,” Al-Hammad reminded. Campers should always know their location relative to the nearest medical point and should not hesitate to call 112 immediately in any emergency.
