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.

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.

Winter Driving Safety

With winter travel season upon us a review of winter road safety would seem appropriate. If you are planning any travel, either inner or intercity, ensuring your vehicle is properly maintained is always the first step. During the winter your vehicle should be equipped with emergency supplies such as a shovel, salt (or another form of traction), blankets, food rations, flares and/or signal flags and candles (and waterproof matches). If you need to use the candles in the vehicle (they are very effective in keeping a vehicle warm) ensure that your windows are open a crack to ensure enough air flow. If you have a cell phone, ensure it is completely charged before you leave. Also be aware of the emergency numbers in areas that you are travelling. 911 is not available everywhere nor is there cell phone coverage everywhere.

If you are trapped off the road during a snow storm do not leave the vehicle. You can lose your way very easily. Wherever your travels take you drive 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.-2727.