Safe traveling with Children

With summer and the end of school upon us many people are planning trips with their children. Many people think of games or videos for their travels but what do we need to bring to keep our children safe. As parents we often struggle to care for our children in the comfort of our homes so how do we keep our children safe when we travel.

The first step is always is planning ahead. If your child has medical conditions such as allergies then you need to ensure that you have enough medications for the trip. Learn where the local Hospitals are (do not rely on the GPS to guide you there).

Keep your cell phone charged and know what the emergency numbers are where you are travelling. Be aware that 911 is not available everywhere (nor is cell phone service). Is your first aid kit stocked (some products do have expiry dates) and is your training up to date? Do you have an emergency car kit stocked (including emergency food, water and blankets?

Finally make sure your family/friends have a copy of your itinerary and check in when you return. Let them know who to contact if you do not check in.

Enjoy your summer and stay safe.

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.

Cold Water Safety

As the temperatures get warmer many people's thoughts move to Spring. This time of year we still need to exercise caution around lakes, rivers and other bodies of water. As the ice thins in the warmth the risk of falling into cold water increases.

Prevention: If you are not aware of the depth of the ice stay off. Never chase after a pet that has gone onto the ice, they have a better sense of the depth of the ice than you.

If you you are alone and fall in. Use your legs to try and kick yourself onto the ice. Once you are out spread your weight out over the ice and crawl to shore.

If you are in a group and someone falls in, lay down on the ice and talk them through the above kicking.

Once everyone is safe seek shelter from the elements and have the person remove wet clothing, dry off and put on dry cloths. If the person can still shiver wrap them in a blanket and seek medical assistance (EMS/911). If the person cannot shiver wrap someone else in the blanket with this person to as an external heat source while you seek medical assistance (EMS/911).

Cold water is deadly.

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.

Winter Helmet Safety

Winter is a great time to get outdoors and enjoying the fresh air with many activities. Some of the activities do require extra safety equipment.

We have all heard of the need to hockey helmets but what about about helmets just for skating. It's not just "weak" skaters that need to wear helmets. Children of all ages (even those of us over 20) should wear helmets.

For any sports where you move "at speed" you should wear a helmet. This includes skating, skiing/snowboarding, even sledding. A head injury can happen very quickly and can cause serious injuries.

Make sure you wear a helmet that is appropriate for the activity you are involved in and is approved by CSA or UL. It should also fit snugly and not move. Any straps should be secured appropriately.
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 Car Preparedness

The temperatures are dropping. Now is the time to make sure that your vehicle is ready for winter travelling.

Winter tires are a must if you drive when there is snow on the ground. A reminder that winter tires do not mean you have 4 wheel drive or vice versa. No matter what, safe winter driving means slowing down.

Inside your car you should have the follow:

• first aid kit, 
• ice scraper, 
• shovel, 
• salt (or kitty litter) to put under your wheels if you get stuck,
• booster cables, 
• flares, 
• food and water (if you are travelling any significant distance an emergency supply of food and water is essential if you get stuck), 
• tea candles and matches (these can keep you vehicle warm but remember to leave the windows slightly open), 
• cell phone (even if you do not have a plan for the phone as long as, there is power and cell service you can call 911)

Always remember to tell people where you are going and when you will be getting back so that if there are issues they know to get help.

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?: Childhood Illnesses

As the kids head back to school parents and guardians need to be prepared for the inevitable sharing of illnesses.

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the skin covering the top of your head, called the scalp. Lice can be spread by close contact with other people. Head lice may also be found in eyebrows and eyelashes. Tiny eggs on the hair look like flakes of dandruff. However, instead of flaking off the scalp, they stay put. Head lice can live up to 30 days on a human. Their eggs can live for more than 2 weeks. Having head lice does NOT mean the person has poor hygiene or low social status.

Symptoms of head lice include intense itching of the scalp, small, red bumps on the scalp, neck, and shoulders (bumps may become crusty and ooze), tiny white specks (eggs, or nits) on the bottom of each hair that are hard to get off. Lotions and shampoos containing 1% permethrin (Nix) often work well for treatment. They can be bought at the store without a prescription. If these do not work, a doctor can give you a prescription for stronger medicine. Such medicine should be used exactly as directed.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is swelling (inflammation) or infection of the membrane lining the eyelids. There are many causes of conjunctivitis. Symptoms include blurred vision, crusts that form on the eyelid overnight, eye pain, gritty feeling in the eyes, increased tearing, itching of the eye, redness in the eyes, sensitivity to light. Antibiotic medication, usually eye drops, is effective for bacterial conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis will disappear on its own.

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.

Road Rash

Road rash is a term for the type of wound that occurs when a person falls on pavement, gravel etc. at the dirt is pushed into the wound.

In most cases the bleeding is minor and the major concern is cleaning the wound to prevent infection since many bacteria can be found on our roadways.

With most minor wounds soap and water is a good way to clean the wound. If you cannot get the wound clean this way then medical treatment should be sought.

If the wound is not properly cleaned the body will heal over the wound and make cleaning more complicated later.

Signs of an infection include redness, pus, swelling and fever. If you suspect infection medical treatment is required.

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?: Fainting

People faint for many reasons but the question is always should I call 911 or not. The first decision point is "does the person lose consciousness?". After they they can they respond to you? If not you should call 911 immediately and check their breathing and if necessary start CPR.

If they are conscious then we need to determine what happened. There is always a reason for the fainting. One of the easiest ways to determine this is asking SAMPLE questions.

Signs and symptoms 

Allergies 

Medications

Past Medical History

Last Meal

Events leading up to the fainting

By gathering this information you should be able to determine what caused the fainting. If not then the person should be checked by a Physician. If the person has a serious medical condition then they also should be seen by a Doctor.

Remember, when in doubt call 911.

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.

Camping season is getting into full swing so a review of the differences between urban and camping first aid is essential.

One of the big differences between being in a urban and camping environment is your distance from an ambulance or other assistance. If you are going a far distance ensure you have let someone know when you are planning on leaving and getting back and where you are going and what to do if you do not check in. Have a plan for getting out if there is an emergency. Know the best routes to go for help.

Some emergencies to plan for: Food poisoning (prevention is best here with proper food storage and ensure cleanliness for food preparation and eating), sprains, strains and fractures (how would you immobilize and get out), allergic reactions (this includes bees, mosquitoes and poison ivy), cuts and abrasions (cleanliness is important to keep minor injuries from getting more serious).

Things to add to your first aid kit. Medications (including diarrhea, headaches and muscle pain), sting relief and wound cleaning materials, improvised splinting materials.

Preparation is the best way to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors.

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.

With the temperatures rising it is a good time to remind people about heat emergencies.

Certain people are more susceptible to heat  emergencies. Babies, children and the elderly and those with chronic illnesses such as heart diseases are less able to sweat and adjust to changes in temperature. 

Those who spend a lot of time in the sun and heat such as outdoor workers need to be aware of how to protect themselves and recognize heat emergencies.

Heat cramps are mild muscle contractions that can become severe. This a first sign that the body's core temperature is rising. Remove the person from the heat and gently cool them down. 

Those with heat exhaustion will have a moist skin that is redder or paler than normal. They may also have nausea, dizziness or weakness. Remove the person the heat, fan them to gradually cool them down. They should also take sips of cool water. 

In heat stroke the body has lost it's ability to cool itself down. A person will no longer sweat and may exhibit irritable, bizarre or aggressive behaviour. This is a medical emergency and EMS/911 should be called. Since the person can no longer cool themselves down they need to be sponged down with cool water or ice packs.

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.

A diabetic emergency occurs when the body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood.
If the level of sugar in the blood goes too low (hypoglycemia) or too high (hyperglycemia) a diabetic emergency can occur. Since hyperglycemia takes longer to develop it is less likely to result in a diabetic emergency.

What to look for: Changes in the level of consciousness, Changes in behaviour, Rapid Breathing, Cool, seating skin skin that is paler that normal, appearance of intoxication, feeling and looking ill

What to do: Call EMS/911. If the person is conscious and knows it is a diabetic emergency offer them a sugary drink. If their condition improves have them have a complete meal. Never give an unconscious person something to drink. To learn more take a Canadian Red Cross First Aid course.

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.

Anaphylaxis

Would you be able to recognize it if someone you knew had an anaphylxis attack? Would you know how to help them?

The signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may be similar to the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, but they are more pronounced: swelling of the lips, face, neck, ears, and/or hands. Do you know any other signs or symptoms?

They should be carrying their medication (such as an Epipen) with them. In Ontario, unless you are specifically trained, only they are allowed to administer their medication.

To learn more take a Canadian Red Cross First Aid course.

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.

With the warm weather people are getting their bicycles, scooters and roller blades. Everyone needs a reminder of the safety tips for these activities.

Wear the Gear: Everyone not just children need to wear the proper gear. Helmets on bicycles and helmets, knee pads and elbow pads for roller blades. Reflective clothing along with lights and reflectors make you more visible. Make sure your bicycle tires are properly inflated.

Know the rules of the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles according to the Highway Traffic Act and there need to obey all the rules of the road. Learn how to signal your stops and turns. For longer trips considering carrying a first aid kit for the inevitable falls.

Drivers also need to share the road and give extra space when passing.

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.

Home Emergency Preparedness

With the mild weather we have been having people tend to forget that we can have nasty weather in Ottawa and we always have to be ready in case of an emergency.

In the event of an emergency residents are expected to take care of themselves for the first 72 hours while emergency crews respond to the worst hit areas.

If you lost electricity for 72 hours in the middle of winter how would you cope?

Some things to consider:

Create an emergency communications plan with family members and establish a meeting place
Assemble an emergency preparedness kit
Educate yourself on your municipality's emergency plan and child's school or daycare's emergency plan.
Learn basic first aid
Learn when and how to shelter in place.
Did you know that in order to meet the minimum personal needs you should have a 2 litres of drinking water per person per day and two litres of water per person per day for cleaning.? That is 12 litres per person for three days. 

Your food kit should also contain canned foods and non perishable milk products.

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.

Helmet Safety

Canadians love their outdoor/cold weather activities. Some activities like hockey, skating, skiing/snowboarding do have a higher incidence of head injuries.  Lately there has been a lot of discussion about head protection for these sports. For most people this has lead to further confusion about how to protect themselves.

The best way to prevent injury is to wear the appropriate gear. For hockey, skating and skiing/snowboarding this includes helmets. Old and young need to wear helmets.

When choosing a helmet, style is not the most important part. Look for the CSA (Canadian Standards Association) sticker on your helmet to ensure that it meets the rigorous requirements to meet your needs.

Next wear your helmet. A helmet does not work if you do not wear it. When you wear it make sure you wear it properly (this includes using the chin strap).

Finally, despite the fact that you are wearing a helmet does not preclude that you should practise your sport/activity safely.

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.

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.

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.