Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate temperature. Temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. The organs begin to overheat, and can eventually stop working. If left untreated, confusion, seizures, permanent disability, and even death can occur.
If someone is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

Typically, bees are not aggressive, but they may sting if they feel threatened. Although bee stings are life-threatening only in those with severe allergies, they are still painful.

• Avoid fragrances and brightly-colored clothing

• Be careful with food, especially sugary drinks and candy

• Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats if you know you will be in an area likely to have bees

• If a bee lands on you, hold still. Try blowing on the bee to avoid startling it

• Remove the stinger as quickly as possible by scraping with the edge of a credit card

• Apply ice or cool water to the area to reduce swelling

• Try calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or a paste of baking soda and water to relieve itching

• If you experience a severe reaction including vomiting, dizziness, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Also seek attention in the case of ten or more stings

For minor burns or sunburns, be sure to stop the burning process by submersing the part in cool water for at least 10 minutes (may take up to 1 hour). Avoid creams, as they will trap in the heat and continue the burning process.

Aloe Vera Gel serves several purposes including: cooling, relief of itching and peeling, moisturizing lotion, antimicrobial properties, and a mild analgesic.

The most important step in caring for emergencies is to recognize there is a problem and seek help when needed.


Do not be too quick to stop fevers in children. Although a high fever is concerning, a fever is the body's normal method of fighting infection.

When cleaning wounds with Betadine or isopropyl alcohol solutions, do not use them at full strength, as they can destroy healthy body tissue as well as bacteria.

Hydrogen peroxide does not kill bacteria; instead it increases blood flow to promote normal healing of the wound.

Use of antibiotic ointment should be limited to surface injuries, as they can prevent normal, healthy wound drainage.

When an injury to the eye requires bandaging, consider bandaging both eyes to prevent eye movement.

An injury to the bones, joints, or muscles should be treated using "R-I-C-E."
Rest the part,
Ice for 30 minutes,
Compress the part with an elastic bandage, and
Elevate the part above the level of the heart.

The first 48 to 72 hours after injuring a joint, you should use ice only and avoid all heat wraps, heating pads, and warm water soaks to reduce swelling and pain.

When treating skin irritations, such as those caused by poison ivy, avoid over-the-counter anti-itch creams, as they can cause further skin irritation.

Non-prescription anti-itch lotions and creams in strengths less than 1% offer little benefit for symptoms.

Treatment for common insect bites should begin with identification, thorough cleansing, and ice to relieve pain. Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate temperature. Temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. The organs begin to overheat, and can eventually stop working. If left untreated, confusion, seizures, permanent disability, and even death can occur.

I.C.E. (In Case of Emergency) - Put this in your cell phone Contacts/Phone Number list. Put I.C.E. in for the name and then put in an emergency contact number. If you have this and are injured or ill and are unresponsive; the EMS workers, police or fire department can look at your cell phone and check the Contacts/Phone list for I.C.E. They can push the send button and be contacted to your emergency contact for assistance.