Travelling safely this Heroes holiday

The first priority must always safety when travelling during this busy be Heroes and Defence Forces holidays

Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
THE Heroes and Defence Forces holidays are almost here, and many Zimbabweans will be travelling across the country to spend time with family and friends or simply enjoy a well-deserved break.
It is one of the busiest times on our roads, but sadly it is also a time when road traffic accidents become more common.
We all hope to arrive safely, but it is worth knowing a few simple things that could save a life if you come across an accident.
The first priority is always your own safety. If you stop to help, park your vehicle well off the road, switch on your hazard lights and make sure you are not putting yourself or other people in danger from passing traffic.
Call for an ambulance or the police as soon as possible. If there are several people around, ask one person directly to make the call rather than assuming someone else has already done it.
Many people rush to pull injured victims out of vehicles, but this can sometimes do more harm than good. Unless there is an immediate danger such as fire, smoke or the vehicle is in a dangerous position, it is usually safer to leave the injured person where they are until trained rescuers arrive.
Someone with an injury to the neck or spine can suffer permanent paralysis if moved incorrectly. If the person is unconscious, check whether they are breathing normally. If they are breathing, keep them as comfortable as possible and continue watching them until help arrives. If they are not breathing and you know how to perform CPR, begin chest compressions immediately while someone else calls for emergency services.
Heavy bleeding is another emergency that needs quick action. Apply firm pressure directly over the wound using a clean cloth, towel or bandage. If blood soaks through, simply place another cloth on top without removing the first one. Keeping pressure on the wound is often the best way to control bleeding until medical help arrives.
Try to keep the injured person warm by covering them with a blanket, jacket or any available clothing. People who have been seriously injured can lose body heat quickly, even on a warm day. Avoid giving food, water or alcohol to someone who has been badly injured because they may require surgery or could choke if they are not fully conscious.
Every driver should consider carrying a basic first aid kit. It does not need to be expensive. A few bandages, sterile gauze, adhesive plasters, antiseptic solution, gloves, scissors, adhesive tape, paracetamol and oral rehydration salts can be extremely useful in an emergency.
Travelling also brings other health challenges. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma or any other chronic illness, make sure you have enough medication to last the whole trip, and carry a little extra in case your return is delayed. Keep your medicines where they are easy to reach rather than packing them deep inside your luggage.
Long journeys can leave you dehydrated, especially if the weather is hot. Drink plenty of water before and during your trip and avoid relying on sugary drinks. Drivers should never drink alcohol before or while driving, no matter how short the journey may be.
If you are travelling for several hours, remember to stop every two or three hours, get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs. Walking around for just a few minutes improves circulation and reduces stiffness. This is especially important for older people, pregnant women, those who are overweight and anyone who has previously had blood clots.
Drivers should also remember that fatigue can be just as dangerous as speeding or alcohol. If you feel sleepy, stop and rest. A few minutes of rest can prevent a tragedy. If there is another licenced driver in the vehicle, take turns driving whenever possible.
Parents should ensure that children wear seat belts even when seated at the back seat. Children should never stand between seats (like a lot of them love to) or travel in the back of an open vehicle.
As we celebrate Heroes and Defence Forces days, let us all remember that the most important part of any journey is getting there safely and returning home safely.
Drive responsibly, wear your seat belt, avoid distractions, obey speed limits and be patient with other road users. No destination is worth risking your life or the lives of others.