Did You Know?: Sprains, Strains and Automobiles

Sprains, strains, dislocations and fractures are all types of bone, muscle and joint Injuries. Many times it is impossible to tell the difference without X-rays (and even sometimes with an x-ray).These injuries can be caused by falls, awkward or sudden movements, motor vehicle collisions, a direct blow to the body, repetitive forces and many sports. Prevention is the key. Nobody wants an injury such as this so wearing proper equipment for our activity, being careful wear we step, etc. is very important. Since we cannot necessarily tell the difference between these injuries we shall treat them the same.

Signs and symptoms: pain, deformity, swelling, bruising, inability to move the affected area, a snapping or popping sound when the injury occurred.

Treatment: Rest, Immobilize, Cold, Elevate

If we are calling for an ambulance we can immobilize just by holding the affected area. Otherwise we will need to put on a splint prior to moving the person. Immobilize from the joint above to the joint below.

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?: Are You prepared to Save a Life?

While attending a gathering of family and friends at a home in the community of Christopher Cross, in western Prince Edward Island, seven-year-old Keana Jeffery discovered that a two-year-old toddler had slipped unnoticed into a large inflatable pool and was struggling in water deep enough to cover her head. Keana immediately climbed a ladder, and grabbed two-year-old Bria Doucet, keeping her head above water until adults arrived moments later and got her out. The toddler was frightened but uninjured.

The Red Cross presented Keana Jeffery with its Canadian Red Cross Rescuer Award, sponsored by Walmart, on August 26 for her quick intervention to save a life.

Are you prepared to save a Life?

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?: Food Allergies and School

Food allergies have skyrocketed over the last decade. With so many more children having allergies to more and more foods school classrooms are becoming dangerous places. If you are a parent and your child brings home a letter saying that a certain food is not allowed in the classroom due to allergies it is not the end of the world.

Many recipes can be easily modified so that they do not contain common allergens like nuts, eggs, gluten. In fact the small changes you make can be turned into a learning opportunity for your child.

Whether you are a parent of a child with allergies or a parent who wants to keep their child’s classroom a safe place the Ottawa Anaphalaxis Support Group’s website www.ottawaasg.com provides a wealth of recipes and information of allergies.

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? Escaping Summer Heat

The Canadian Red Cross has the following tips to help individuals stay cool:

    * Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day.  If you must go out, try going out in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong.

    * Work and exercise in brief periods.

    * Take frequent breaks.

    * Dress in light, loose clothing. Wear a hat.

    * Drink plenty of cool fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

                             

Many groups are vulnerable to the heat, particularly, the elderly, young children, and those who work, exercise and live outdoors. A few hours in the warm temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For those who do not have air conditioning, the Red Cross recommends going to a local shopping mall or library to take a break from the heat.

With the temperatures rising, many families will head to pools and local beaches to cool off. The Red Cross is also reminding parents to supervise their children at all times, and have an action plan in case there is an emergency.

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?: Summer Water Safety

Canadian Red Cross, leader in drowning research, swimming and water safety, is deeply concerned about the number of drowning and near-drowning incidents this summer and is strongly urging Canadians to make safety a priority. Drowning deaths are preventable. The Canadian Red Cross encourages people to keep the following tips in mind to ensure being around the water is not only fun but safe as well.

How to avoid water-related injuries:

• Regardless of the location, ensure children are supervised; whether at home or on vacation. Adult supervision is the best protection for children – even for those who can swim.
• Ensure that your backyard pool is fully fenced with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
• When not using your home pool, clear all toys out of the water and away from the edge.  These can often tempt children to the water’s edge.
• Ensure you have emergency equipment including a first aid kit and a phone in the immediate pool area.
• When boating, ensure everyone in the boat has their lifejacket on and fastened.
• Don’t consume alcohol before or during swimming or boating activities.
• Be cautious about swimming in currents, and know what to do if you get into trouble.
• Get trained through swimming and water safety lessons; get your Pleasure Craft Operator Card if you operate a boat; know how to respond in an emergency by taking first aid lessons.

 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?: What to do in an Earthquake

Full building collapses due to earthquakes are less common in North America than some areas because of stringent building codes and construction standards. Risks are more likely to be non-structural, such as items falling from shelves, bookcases or wall hooks, or non-structural damage like shattering glass, dislodged bricks or sheathing or toppled signage. Any of these can result in serious injury or death but there are simple steps you can take to reduce the risks.

If you are indoors: Stay inside and move as little as possible,  Stay away from windows, doors, bookcases, shelves, furniture, lights or other fixtures that could fall,  Drop, cover, and hold. Shelter under a sturdy table, desk or bed; Hold on and move with it, If there is no sturdy furniture nearby, crouch in a corner and shield your head and neck, Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit, When leaving a building check that stairs are intact and debris is not falling outside, Use stairs, not elevators, in case there are aftershocks, power outages or other damage

If you are outdoors: Move to an open space, Stay away from buildings due to potential for falling glass and other debris. Do not stand near or under trees or any structures that could collapse or topple, Keep clear of downed electrical wires, overhead utility cables, and natural gas or propane tanks or valves, check your home for structural damage and hazards. If you suspect it is unsafe, do not enter

If you are in the car: Stop the car and stay in it, Keep away from bridges, overpasses, underpasses or any structure that could collapse on your vehicle, Obey all instructions given by public authorities.

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?: Summer Heat Safety

Most of Ontario is experiencing its first heat wave of the year and the Canadian Red Cross is encouraging residents to stay safe whether it’s in the warm sun or cooling off in the water.

Many groups are vulnerable to the heat, including the elderly, young children, and those who work, exercise and live outdoors. A few hours in the high temperatures can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For those who do not have air conditioning, the Red Cross recommends going to a local shopping mall or library to take a break from the heat.

The Canadian Red Cross also has the following tips to help individuals stay safe during extreme heat:

Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day.  If you must go out, try to do so in the early morning or later evening hours when the sun is not as strong, work and exercise in brief periods, take frequent breaks, dress in light, loose clothing, wear a hat and drink plenty of cool fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol.

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.