Tips to enjoy a safe and healthy summer in Williamson County and Middle Tennessee

Summer in Williamson County and Middle Tennessee is a season of celebration, drawing thousands of residents and visitors to local parks, splash pads and neighborhood pools. With community events, outdoor concerts and family gatherings in full swing, summer is a peak time for outdoor fun and potential health risks.

As temperatures soar into the mid-90s with heat indexes surpassing 100 degrees, it’s more important than ever to prioritize safety. At TriStar Southern Hills and across the HCA Healthcare TriStar Division, our nurses see firsthand how quickly summer fun can turn into a medical emergency. Tennessee consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for emergency room visits, and those numbers spike during the summer months.

Since 2018, HCA Healthcare has trained more than 4,600 nurses to meet the growing healthcare needs of our communities. While our teams are always ready to respond, we’d much rather help you avoid the ER altogether. Here are a few essential tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe this summer:

Cool off in the water with caution 

Whether you’re at a local public pool, a Middle Tennessee lake or a backyard gathering, water safety is critical. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more children ages one to four die from drowning than from any other cause of death. It only takes 60 seconds to drown, so even leaving a child unattended near water for one minute is too long.

Water safety isn’t just for kids. Adults need to stay alert too, especially when alcohol is involved. To make a difference, be sure to take simple precautions such as wearing a life jacket and swimming with a buddy. Always be mindful of your surroundings and prioritize safety.

Enjoy — but don’t underestimate — the sun 

Spending time outside is a great way to enjoy the summer, but don’t underestimate the sun. Sun poisoning and even a mild sunburn indicate sun damage, which can cause deadly skin cancer down the road. Be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.

If you’re attending outdoor events or spending extended time in the sun, watch for signs of heat stroke: high body temperature, rapid pulse, confusion or fainting. If these symptoms appear, call 911 immediately.

Celebrate safely

Cookouts, festivals and backyard celebrations are summer staples, but they come with risks. Grills and open flames can cause serious injuries if not handled properly. Keep children away from fire hazards. When grilling, never leave the grill unattended and always close the lid before stepping away.

We want everyone to enjoy the beauty of Williamson County in the summertime, but it’s critical to take precautions. HCA Healthcare’s TriStar Division has several convenient locations in and around Williamson County, including TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, TriStar Century Farms ER, TriStar Spring Hill ER and TriStar Centennial Medical Center.

Whether navigating a national heatwave or tending to our patients on a busy summer weekend, our TriStar Southern Hills nurses rise to the occasion. We remain committed to investing in both exceptional patient care and the well-being of our colleagues, ensuring that every summer in Williamson County and Middle Tennessee is a safe and healthy one.

Chad Cashion, chief nursing officer at TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center