With the Minnesota State Fair coming up starting Thursday, Regions Hospital Emergency Medical Services will be the official first aid provider for the 16th year in a row.

Medical treatment from Regions EMS is free at the Fair and each year, on average, they tend to 4,500 people.

Regions put together this list of safety tips and reminders to help visitors avoid needing medical care while at the Fair.

Some items that are good to have on hand at the State Fair include:

Sun protection: Many people end up needing medical attention at the fair for sun-related health problems. It’s important to not only wear sunscreen but also to remember to reapply it every two hours. Other ways to avoid heat problems include wearing lightweight, breathable clothing and wide brimmed hats and staying hydrated.
Water: The Minnesota State Fair allows you to bring your own water. Regions EMS recommends aiming to drink at least eight 8-ounce servings of water throughout the day.
Over-the-counter pain relievers: Bright sun tends to cause headaches.
Other prescriptions: Regions EMS says it’s common to see complications due to missing doses of medication. They recommended bringing your medications (and/or your children’s) along to the Fair.
Bandages: So you can take care of small cuts and blisters yourself quickly.
Hand-sanitizer: Use it before and after you eat or after you touch animals to avoid spreading germs and getting yourself or others sick.

Regions EMS also recommends learning to recognize signs of heat-related illnesses and how certain medications can increase the risk.

Learn more about how your prescription could increase your risk of heat illnesses at www.healthpartners.com/blog/medications-increase-risk-heat-stroke.

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