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For many Albertans, summer is a time to enjoy the outdoors, take part in recreational activities, travel, spend time on the water and tackle projects around the home.

However, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is reminding residents that the warmer months can also bring an increase in injuries and illnesses requiring emergency care.

AHS reviewed the most common injuries seen at some emergency departments in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie and Fort McMurray. Between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2025, more than 33,000 emergency department visits were recorded at 13 AHS emergency departments for six common injury categories.

That averages more than 350 visits per day.

The most common injury categories included:

• Arm, wrist and hand injuries:

8,781 visits, often connected to sports, cycling, playground activities and falls.

• Leg, ankle and foot injuries:

8,562 visits, including sprains, fractures and other injuries related to outdoor recreation and physical activity.

• Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds:

6,130 visits, often occurring during yard work, home improvement projects, camping and recreational activities.

• Head injuries:

4,717 visits, resulting from falls, collisions and other recreational incidents.

• Major trauma injuries:

3,463 visits, associated with higher-impact incidents such as vehicle collisions and serious cycling crashes.

• Allergic reactions:

1,511 visits, particularly related to insect stings, bites and outdoor environmental exposures.

AHS says a few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of serious injury.

People are encouraged to wear a helmet when cycling or riding an e-scooter and to use appropriate protective equipment when participating in sports and other recreational activities.

Tools should be kept in good condition when completing home improvement projects, while children should be supervised closely when playing outdoors. Young children should remain within arm's reach when near water.

Protecting against excessive sun exposure is also important. AHS recommends staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen and seeking shade whenever possible.

Residents should also remain aware of their surroundings when hiking, swimming or participating in other summer activities. Extra precautions should be taken when alcohol is part of recreational activities.

Summer safety also includes knowing when emergency medical attention is necessary.

People should seek immediate medical care for serious injuries, major bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a stroke, loss of consciousness or any other life-threatening condition.

Those with known allergies should carry prescribed medications, including epinephrine auto-injectors when recommended by their healthcare provider. Immediate medical attention should be sought if someone experiences difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.

With summer activities in full swing across Alberta, AHS is encouraging residents to take reasonable precautions so they can enjoy the season safely.

A little preparation can go a long way toward preventing injuries and helping ensure that summer memories are made outdoors—not in an emergency department.

(Source: Alberta Health Services)