JMS First Aid Training

🌿 Tick Awareness: Stay Safe Whilst Enjoying the Great Outdoors 🌿

With the warmer weather here, many of us are out enjoying walks through parks, woodlands and fields. However, long grass and vegetation are also home to ticks.

🕷️ What are ticks?
Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures that attach to the skin to feed on blood. Their bites are often painless, so you may not notice one unless you check.

👀 After walking in long grass, remember to check:
✅ Behind your knees
✅ Under your arms
✅ Around your waist
✅ Groin area
✅ Neck and hairline
✅ Behind the ears
✅ On children and pets too

🩹 How to remove a tick safely:
• Use a tick removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers.
• Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
• Pull upwards slowly and steadily without twisting or crushing the tick.
• Clean the area afterwards with soap and water or an antiseptic.

❌ Don’t:
• Squeeze the tick.
• Cover it with petroleum jelly, nail varnish or alcohol.
• Burn it with a match or lighter.

⚠️ Keep an eye on the bite. If you develop a circular or expanding rash, flu-like symptoms, or feel unwell within the following weeks, seek medical advice from your GP or NHS 111, as these can be signs of Lyme disease.

A few simple precautions, sticking to paths, wearing long trousers, using insect repellent and checking yourself after your walk can help you enjoy the outdoors safely.

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!