Did You Know?: Hypothermia

With the arrival of winter many people head outside to enjoy the numerous winter activities that are available. Before you head out though make sure you are properly so you can have fun and not become a statistic. Hypothermia is a life threatening condition that develops when the body temperature drops too low. In Canada you are at risk for Hypothermia year round but especially during winter. The key to preventing Hypothermia is to dress for the weather whenever you go outside (even if you are traveling by vehicle since you could get stranded).

Should Hypothermia occur your first indication will be shivering along with numbness. In this case you should seek shelter as soon as possible. If you start to lose your coordination and get confused you are now in moderate Hypothermia and should seek shelter immediately. Sever Hypothermia is characterised by a lack of shivering and no complaining about the cold and possibly a loss of consciousness. Sever Hypothermia is a medical emergency and should be treated as such (calling 911).

Did You Know?: Could you save your Child's Life

Patrick Quinn, a Red Cross first aid instructor in Toronto, teaches people how to save lives every day. But, last December, he put his knowledge and skills to the test when he had to perform abdominal thrusts on his choking daughter. Patrick and his family were at a fast food restaurant enjoying a meal. His daughter Sydney, who was then 4 years-old, was munching on French fries while horsing around with her older brother Noah. Patrick told them to stop, but they didn’t listen. 

One of the fries got lodged in Sydney’s throat and she began to choke. Patrick, knowing what to do, encouraged her to cough it up. But, when the fry got further lodged and blocked her airway, he then had to perform abdominal thrusts on Sydney. Stats show that if you have to perform first aid, it will most likely be on a loved one. I am not a parent, and could only imagine how scary this must have been. He told me all he could think about in the moment was: “Please cough it up, or your mom will kill me.” 

Fortunately, after what were the longest minutes of his life, Patrick was able to dislodge the French fry and save Sydney. And strangely enough, 14 year-old Noah had accompanied Patrick to one of his first aid courses in the morning. A few hours later, Noah got to see the skills live in action.

Did You Know?: November is CPR Month

November is CPR month 2010, be the somebody who saves a life

Seventy per cent of cardiac arrests happen at home, yet only one in seven people know how to perform CPR. Could you perform CPR right now if needed? Knowing these simple techniques could mean the difference between life and death for someone you love.

Permanent brain damage can occur four to six minutes after breathing stops, but the average ambulance response time is nine minutes in large urban centres. Performing CPR immediately following cardiac arrest can double a victim’s chance of survival.

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?: Compression Only CPR

The Canadian Red Cross supports the use of compression-only CPR as an acceptable alternative to full CPR with rescue breaths. Compression-only CPR is sometimes the preferred method for members of the public who witness an adult suddenly collapse and are unable to perform full CPR.

Compression-only CPR uses chest compressions to pump the heart, circulating oxygen already in the person’s body. This makes compression-only CPR suitable when An adult suddenly collapses, A responder is unwilling, unable, untrained or unsure how to perform full CPR (cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths), A bystander does not have a breathing barrier and does not want to perform unprotected rescue breaths.

Compression-only CPR should not be used when the oxygen in the victim’s body has likely been used up, such as with a drowning victim or when a respiratory emergency may have caused the cardiac arrest.

Performing CPR on an infant or child requires rescue breaths. When an infant or child’s heart stops, it’s usually because of a respiratory emergency, such as choking or asthma, which uses up their body’s oxygen. The most important thing for Canadians to know right now is that the CPR they’ve been trained to perform is still right. All Canadian Red Cross CPR courses will continue to teach full CPR. Performing full CPR in conjunction with an automated external defibrillator (AED) immediately following cardiac arrest can double a person’s chance of survival. Canadians are most likely to perform CPR on someone they know. Seventy per cent of cardiac arrests happen at home, yet only one in seven people know how to perform CPR.

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?: Which CPR Course Should I Take?

Many Clients ask what the CPR levels are and which course they should take. The first level, Level A, covers only adult CPR, the second level B, covers adult, child and baby CPR while the third, Level C, covers adult, child baby and 2-rescuer CPR. In the workplace only Level A is needed. Most employees prefer to have Level B or C since they see the opportunity to help their children.

A new level, called Level HCP, was created four years ago for those in the Health Care field. More and more professional associations for Health Care related industries are demanding HCP training to maintain their professional status. First Aid Ottawa offers CPR training in all our courses; call First Aid Ottawa for more information.

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?: Today's Lifesavers

Cara Harder, Mary Lyon and Wendy Zilkie were at work at Cargill Limited when co-worker Robin Gabb collapsed in her cubicle and went into complete cardiac arrest.  They called 9-1-1, performed CPR and utilized the automated external defibrillator.  The ambulance soon arrived and the paramedics took over. After a couple of weeks in hospital, Robin was released and has now made a complete recovery.

Doug Hlady was enjoying a 75th anniversary party in Selkirk, Manitoba last summer when one of the honourees, a 98 year-old man, began choking on a piece of steak.  Someone cried for help and Doug immediately responded. “I just jumped up and went over, and went behind his wheelchair, braced against it and performed chest compressions from behind. It popped out on the second thrust”, Hlady said.

Would you know what to do?

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?: 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.

Did You Know?: Lifejackets

Canadian Red Cross drowning research shows that almost all boaters who drown were not wearing a lifejacket or not wearing it properly.

People offer many excuses for not wearing lifejackets such as “it’s too nice out”, “I’m close to shore,” and “I’m a good swimmer.” Strong swimming skills are not enough.  Like your car seatbelt, your lifejacket will only work if you wear it.

Every year, almost 200 Canadians drown while boating. Of these, nearly 90 per cent, are not wearing a lifejacket, or do not have it properly secured. The Canadian Red Cross encourages all boaters, at all skill levels, and in all kinds of watercrafts, to drop the excuses.  Make sure that everyone in the family is zipped and clipped into their lifejacket before you step foot in a boat. 

Lifejackets have come a long way in recent years.  Today’s lifejackets are comfortable and stylish, and are even designed for specific activities including water skiing, fishing, kayaking and rafting.

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 First Aid Kits

WSIB regulation 1101 lists the items that must be included in the first aid boxes in workplaces of different sizes and types. The quantities of any item specified may be increased to suit the needs of a particular workplace. Personal protective equipment (for example a masks and gloves) as specified by your first aid training should also be included in the first aid box. Equipment outside the scope of first aiders, equipment that may deteriorate or that is potentially dangerous (for example medication and ointments) should not be included in the first aid box. The regulations also require that the boxes and their contents be checked regularly, minimum four times per year, to ensure that everything is in good order.

A copy of regulation 1101 can be obtained electronically at:

http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/LookupFiles/DownloadableFileRegulation1101/$File/FAEng.pdf

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?: Car Seats and Booster Seats

Car seats and booster seats are essential for the safety of children and youth and are required by law in Ontario. The best information can be found at the Ontario Ministry of Transportation website. The following information is summarized from their website.

Infants from birth to 9kg (20lb) must in a rear facing seat and away from an active airbag. Toddlers from 9 to 18kg (20 – 40 lb) must be in a forward facing seat and a tether strap must be used to secure the seat. Booster seats are required for children under the age of eight, weighing 18 kg or more but less than 36 kg (40-80 lb.) and who stand less than 145 cm (4 feet-9 inches) tall. Children under 13 years of age are safest in the back seat. Never put two children in the same seatbelt or place the shoulder strap behind the child's back.

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.

To Help or Not to Help

Many people say that they do not want to provide first aid to someone in need because they believe that only those trained in first aid can help others. While it is recommended that everyone receive first aid training, if a person’s life is in danger any assistance is better than none. As long as the assistance is offered voluntarily and the first aider is not trying to wilfully hurt the other person Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act is designed to protect the first aider. Even the use of an Automated External Defibrillator is now covered under Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act. So someone with no previous training could take a unit of the wall and use it and they are protected by the law. In fact this simple act has saved many lives.

So what should you do? Ideally find a recognized first aid course and get yourself trained but even if an incident should happen before you get trained go ahead and help. You can 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.

Spring Road Safety

With the arrival of spring and the swift departure of snow, we are seeing more and more activity on our streets as the cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers are coming out of their hibernation. As our streets get busier the chances of collisions between vehicles and cyclists and others increase. In addition many streets still have stones and pebbles that can cause additional falls and injuries.

Injury prevention is important. Following the rules of the road for your sport will help keeping everyone safe. Everyone needs to share the road.

Wearing the appropriate gear will keep the cyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers safe. Although in Ontario only those under 18 are required to wearing helmets they are recommended for all. Skateboarders and rollerbladers should also wear knee, wrist and elbow pads. All it takes is an instant of distraction and an injury can result.

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 Water Safety

Every year at this time we are reminded of the dangers of thin ice on our lakes and rivers. Both vehicles and people fall through ice that only days before could support them. Should you fall through thin remember the following: Remain calm (although this can sometimes be the hardest step), if possible remove heavy clothing that may pull you under, move to the side closest to land and kick your legs while you pull yourself up. If the ice continues to break keep kicking since you are still making progress. Once you are on the ice stay low and crawl off the ice. Remember that hypothermia (the lowering of the body temperature) occurs quicker if you are wet. Seek warmth as soon as possible and do not go back on the ice to retrieve anything.

If you see someone fall through the ice, first call 911 and they try and throw something to them and pull them out of the water. Only go the ice if absolutely necessary and then stay low so your weight is distributed over the ice. Remember that the ice closest to the hole will be fragile. Once the person is out of the water on land they need to re-warmed immediately. Get them inside, into dry clothes and near a heat source quickly.

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.

Preventing Poisoning in the Workplace

About one quarter of all workers are exposed to chemical hazards in their workplace. According to WHMIS regulations, employers must: Clearly label hazardous materials; tell employees about risks and precautions; have a detailed Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) available for every hazardous substance in the workplace; and give workers who may be exposed to hazardous materials the proper training in safety measures and emergency procedures.

Employees must check all warning labels, tags and posters in the workplace and follow instructions carefully; read labels and MSDSs to find out the risks of each hazardous material, the safety measures to prevent poisoning; and the first aid for poisoning and never use a product that is in an unidentified bottle.

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.-2727.

First Aid Snow Blindness

Snow Blindness is the damage caused to your eyes from looking too long at the snow on a bright day. In Canada we try and enjoy the sunny days during the winter since them seem so few and far between, there is a risk though. We do not need to give up our outdoor activities on sunny days; instead we just need to take simple precautions. Sunglasses are not just for the summer. Everyone, children included, should wear sunglasses. If you ski or snowboard consider getting goggles that included UVA and UVB protection. They should prevent light from shining in from above or below and should block 90% of UV rays and 50% of infrared rays.

Someone who has snow blindness will have redness on the face, swelling of the tissue around the eyes and a pain or burning sensation that may become intense. You will need to place the person in a darker environment and use cool, damp cloths to reduce pain and burning. Remember that the symptoms of snow blindness may not appear for several hours following exposure to bright snowy conditions.

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.-2727.

First Aid for Frost Nip and Frost Bite

Frost Nip is a superficial injury caused by freezing of the skin. In the case of frostbite, the tissue underneath the skin freezes as well.

The best way to deal with these injuries is Prevention. Dress for the weather and cover up vulnerable areas such as fingers, toes, cheeks, ears and nose (but not too tightly).

To treat, warm the area gradually using warm water or body heat. Don’t break blisters, protect them with loose dry dressings

Don’t rub the area or put snow on it. Warm the area only if are sure it will not freeze again.

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.-2727.