Baby Choking

For First Aid purposes a Baby is considered from birth to one year of age.

If a baby is coughing we do not want to interfere with the cough. The cough is best way to clear the obstruction. If the baby cannot make any sounds then we need to step in and assist.

If need to perform these techniques (even successfully) it is recommended that you have the baby checked out by a Physician to ensure that the object is still in the baby (even if we got something out).

The technique involves 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts which are repeated until the baby starts coughing or crying.

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.

The Canadian Red Cross is introducing new guidelines for performing CPR.

For CPR purposes a Baby is considered from birth to one year of age.

Unless a baby has congenital heart problem most of the time it is an injury that necessitates CPR on a baby. Most people are afraid to compress the chest the full depth (1/3 to 1/2) the depth of the chest but this is essential. 

Whenever someone falls unconscious it is considered a life threatening so we need to call 911.
We now recommended that if the is a defibrillator available to use it on the baby.

CPR for babies is 30 chest compressions (performed with two fingers in the middle of the chest followed by 2 breaths (just enough to allow the chest to start to rise).

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.

Am I doing CPR Wrong?

Approximately every five years or so the recommended guidelines for First Aid and CPR are changed. The changes are usually based based on studies regarding the effectiveness but sometimes the changes are to make the skills easier to learn and remember.

November 1 was the launch date for the Canadian Red Cross' new program based on the latest recommendations.

Usually at this people express concern about performing “the old skills”. In fact there is nothing wrong  with performing the previous skills since it is more important that everyone know what to do in an emergency. None of the previous skills will harm people.

What is really means is if you have been putting off taking a course now is the perfect time to learn these simple lifesaving skills.

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.

Halloween Safety

With Halloween coming it is important for parents to help their Trick or Treaters stay safe.

Costumes should be as visible as possible. Reflective tape should be added to dark costumes. Costumes should not drag on the ground since they are a tripping hazard. Mask should be avoided. If they are used they should be kept off the face when walking from house to house, walking up walkways and steps and used only at the door.

Parents should check all candy before they are eaten. Children should be discouraged from eating while they are out. If the children have food allergies extra care should be taken when sorting through the candy.

Do not criss cross streets. Walk down one side and return on the other. If children are old enough to be out by themselves they should stay together and should return at an agreed upon time with their parents/guardians. Expect drivers will not be watching out for you so watch out for them.

Drivers please slow down, even on bigger roads. Expect that the children will not be watching out for you so watch out for them.

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.

First Aid Ottawa Blog: Child Car Seats

In Ottawa, it is estimated that more than 80 per cent of child car seats are not used correctly. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injuries and death for children under the age of 14. A car seat used correctly, will reduce deaths by 90 per cent and serious injuries by 70 per cent. The safer location for a car seat is in the centre rear of the vehicle, provided that the car seat, the seat belt assembly and the seating position are all compatible. The use of seat belts and properly installed car seats are the key to reducing serious injuries or deaths in the case of a collision.

To find out where to go to have your car seat inspected please visit S.E.A.T.S for Kids.

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.

Back to School Safety

Back to School means back to school buses on the road. It is important for everyone (school children, parents and drivers to pay extra close attention.

Parents: Please review school bus safety with your children. They need to be reminded about the blind spots around the buses and to pay attention to the school bus driver's directions.

Drivers: Please remember that the flashing lights on a school bus means that traffic in both directions must stop and no one may pass the bus. If in addition to the safety of the children you need more incentive remember that if you are caught it is 10 demerit points and a fine of up to $2000.

Let's make this back to school memorable for all the right reasons.

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.

Did You Know? Dealing with the Heat

To avoid heat-related illnesses, you should:

ñ Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol

ñ Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors

ñ Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure

ñ Wear lightweight and loose clothing

ñ Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres

ñ Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

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.

Did You Know?: Animal Bites

Most common bite in Ottawa is an insect bite. The biggest concern with these is an allergic reaction. Most people are allergic to mosquitoes hence we get all itchy when we are bitten. Mosquitoes are also a concern for spreading the West Nile virus. Some people have severe allergic reactions to bees and/or wasp stings. The most important treatment is to prevent the sting from happening.

The next most common bite is from wild animals. Here the biggest concern is severe bleeding followed by rabies. Rabies is a disease that is spread from mammal. The most common carrier is the raccoon. Never feed wild animals. If you are bitten seek medical treatment immediately and report this to your local Health Department.

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.

Did You Know?: Workplace Choking

When anything can happen at a moment's notice, it's the acts of Good Samaritans that make a difference. For Nuclear Security Officer (NSO) Nicole Wleklinski, her Good Samaritan (and life saver) was fellow NSO Kevin Sprague. Kevin recently received the Canadian Red Cross Injury Prevention Rescuer Award for the event which transpired on Friday, March 11.


That morning, Nicole was working the MSB search floor. Not feeling well, she decided to take some Advil and vitamins to relieve her headache. As she swallowed them down with some water, she began to choke. The water came back up and she found she could not swallow or breathe. The pills were firmly lodged in her throat.


Shocked at what was happening, Nicole made her way into the side office where NSO Sprague was and began hitting her chest. Kevin immediately noticed something was wrong. He asked her if she was ok. Could she breathe? Could he help? Nicole couldn't speak. At that point, Kevin instructed Nicole he wanted to take off her vest to perform an abdominal thrust. Nicole nodded her agreement and, in just one thrust, the pills came out. Nicole could breathe. Shaken but ok, she declined further medical attention.


Recalling her ordeal, Nicole says, "I have said many thanks to NSO Sprague... I find the way in which he handled himself and the situation was beyond professional. He was so quick and reassuring, I don't know what I would have done had he not been there. I am forever grateful."
Recently, Margaret Maxwell from the Canadian Red Cross presented Kevin with the Canadian Red Cross Injury Prevention Rescuer Award. She stressed the importance of learning first aid to be able to think, react and improvise in emergency situations. 


First Aid & CPR skills are applicable in your daily life, both at home and at work, to prepare you to act on, control and manage life's emergencies. Before a professional responder arrives to help, you can make all the difference in helping someone in need.


Written by: Stacey McNeill | Darlington Nuclear Public Affairs

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.

Did You Know?: Water Safety

A study by the Canadian Red Cross shows infants and toddlers aged 1-4 years have among the highest drowning rates in Canada.

The Red Cross study showed that in nearly half of infant and toddler drownings, the victims were alone, 38 per cent occurred while toddlers were supervised by adults and 17 per cent occurred while they were supervised by minors.

The solution is security and supervision. There is no substitute for adult supervision. But adults also need to ensure that their backyard pools meet local fencing and safety requirements and safety equipment is on hand at all times.

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.

Did You Know?: Wear the Gear!

The arrival of spring and warmer temperatures bring cyclists, skateboarders and roller bladders back onto our roadways. Most people are aware that those under 18 years of age in Ontario are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. What many people still don’t realize is that proper helmet usage is a lifesaver for all ages. With today’s crowded streets and bike paths helmets can prevent serious head injuries.

For those who roller blade or skateboard in addition to helmets wrist guards and knee pads can prevent serious bone, muscle and joint injuries.

Parents can set a good example by wearing the gear. After all who will take care of the children if the parents are injured?

Wear the Gear!

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.

Did You Know?: Red Cross Responds in Iqualuit

On March 24th, 24 families were forced from their homes as flames consumed their apartment building, leaving them with little more than what they were wearing. Despite an outpouring of support from within the community, it quickly became clear that more supplies were needed in this remote, northern community.

Luckily, a Canadian Red Cross volunteer named Bill Walters, originally from Newfoundland but working in Iqaluit as a consultant, sprung into action. He saw the needs and spoke with Mayor Madeleine Redfern about the Canadian Red Cross, and the types of support provided when disaster strikes a community.

A Canadian Red Cross emergency response team was deployed from Ottawa to Iqaluit to help. Working with local vendors, families were provided with vouchers for food and clothing.  In the Arctic, where all supplies must be flown in, the high prices of goods required by the impacted families posed a unique challenge.

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.

Did You Know?: Strokes

A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain gets interrupted. This can be caused by: a clot in an artery in the brain or an artery that bursts in the brain.

A stroke can be recognized by facial numbness or weakness (especially on one side), arm numbness or weakness (especially on one side), slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding. Other signs and symptoms are a sudden severe headache, dizziness or confusion.

To treat this person call 911 (or your emergency number), check their Airway, Breathing and Circulation. You should also place the person in the recovery position with the affected (weak) side up.

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.

Did You Know?: Concussions

A Concussion happens when a blow to the head shakes the brain inside the skull. This can result in bleeding in and around the brain.

A Concussion should be suspect if someone loses consciousness even if it is for only a short period of time. The person may say they “blacked out” or saw “stars”

A concussion is a head injury and should be treated as such. EMS/911 should be called and the person sent to the Hospital. If the injured person is an athlete they may be required to “sit out” for a number of days. Although many people will dismiss this as “just a concussion” it can lead to permanent brain injury.

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.

Did You Know?: Frostnip and Frostbite

Frost nip is the superficial injury caused by the freezing of the skin. This commonly seen in children when they develop white spots on exposed skin during cold days. With frostbite the tissue underneath the skin freezes also. You extremities (ears, fingers and nose) are very susceptible to frostbite.

The best protection is to dress for the environment.

You can recognize frostnip by pain or stinging in the area followed by numbness and skin that looks paler than the area around it. Frostbite is characterized by waxy skin that is colder than the area around it, skin that is hard and solid to the touch.

To treat, remove the person from the cold environment warm the area gradually. Do not break any blisters but do protect then with loose dry dressings

If you suspect Frostbite seek medical attention. Only warm the area if you are sure it will not refreeze.

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.

Did You Know?: Winter Preparedness

With the winter season just beginning, the Canadian Red Cross is encouraging Ontario residents to keep preparedness top of mind.

Driving conditions on local roads and highways can change rapidly. The Red Cross suggests drivers have the following items in their vehicles in case they are stranded:

·         Ice scraper and brush ·         Shovel ·         Sand ·         Blankets ·        A candle in a deep can and waterproof matches ·         Tow chain ·         Warning light or flares

·         Flashlight ·         Hat and warm clothes ·         Food bars ·         Booster cable ·         First aid kit ·         Road maps ·         Fire extinguisher

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.