First Aid for Tick Bites

A recent study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal states that with the current climate changes ticks, and the Lyme disease they can transmit, are spreading across Canada including the North.

Ticks are small insects (the size of watermelon seeds) that dig into the flesh of humans and animals. Because they use a pain killer when they bore into the flesh most hosts do not notice they have been bitten.

When going into wooded or grassy areas: wear long sleeved shirts and pants, wear light colours and don’t wear perfume. When you leave those areas check yourself thoroughly for small black dots especially in areas such as the underarms. If the tick has not bored in yet you can brush it off otherwise use tweezers and pull straight out (avoid twisting). Lyme disease can appear as a rash that starts small and spreads up 18cm across, may cause flu-like symptoms. Later symptoms include arthritis, numbness, problems seeing or hearing, memory loss and high fever. Lyme disease can cause serious medical problems and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

Drowning prevention

We have already entered a new season in the Ottawa area, the summer drowning season. Every year lives are lost due to drowning, all of which are preventable through simple safety measures.

If you own a pool then you need to ensure that your yard is fenced in, if you have children even the pool itself should be fenced. A baby can drown in as little of an inch of water and there have been cases of drowning in washing machines (as most parents can attest children move very fast).

By law there needs to a life jacket person plus 1 extra in every boat, even this is not enough since a life jacket is of no use if you are not wearing it. Most people will put life jackets on their children but not themselves. If the boat should tip how will you take of the children if you are trying to find and put on your lifejacket (provided you can even put it on)?

Alcohol should be left onshore and you should not boat while intoxicated.

This summer: Prepare! Stay Safe! Survive!

As an Authorized Training Provider of the Canadian Red Cross, all First Aid Ottawa Standard and Emergency First Aid courses are recognized by WSIB and its Federal counterpart the Canada Labour code.  Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.