Who can use an Automated External Defibrillator

In 2006, the Ontario Legislature introduced the Chase McEachern Act. This Act protects people from using an automated external defibrillator (by a first aider) in an emergency or they have made an AED available in good faith (by an employer/landlord, etc.). The use of an AED is very simple and has been shown to save lives. All Canadian Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses include certification in the use of an AED.

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. We provide public and private courses. Visit us online at www.FirstAidOttawa.com or at 613-225-2727.

First Aid for Nose Bleeds

Nosebleeds are a very common injury but some misconceptions still exist about their treatment. Most nosebleeds can be treated by having the person lean their head slightly forward while pinching the nostrils for about 10 to 15 minutes. Use a cloth or bandaging to catch the blood that does come out. Call EMS/911 if the person loses consciousness, if the bleeding continues after 15 minutes or if the bleeding was caused as a result of a medical condition or head 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.

Handwashing 101

With the start of flu season and especially with the second round of H1N1 coming to Canada people are even more aware of the spread of viruses and bacteria. Proper hand washing is probably the biggest and most important way to prevent the spread of the seasonal flu & H1N1. Even the use of waterless hand washes cannot replace soap and water to effectively guard against viruses. Remember to use warm running water, rub your hands together until you see a soapy lather and keep rubbing for at least 15 seconds. Rinse your hands under warm running water and once your hands are dry use a towel to turn off the water.

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.

Pandemic Planning 101

It seems many government agencies and associations have created checklists for pandemic preparedness.

"...You should do this... you will need these... you have to do that..."

Then what?

Do they give you an operational plan, communication memos, infection prevention and control policies, Human Resources policies, a methodology to determine Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements for your staff?

Do they give you an exercise to test your plan?

Do they provide infectious disease training programs?

Do they offer a family program?

If not, you will now have to start from scratch and create all these documents and processes yourself.

They tell you WHAT to do BUT not HOW to do it.

WE CAN HELP!

The Pandemic 101™ program includes a Gap Analysis, Pandemic Plan Template, Table Top Exercise, Online Infection Prevention, Control Awareness Level training, Certificate of Completion, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) calculator, Antiviral strategies, a Family guide and Family DVD.

First Aid Ottawa has secured a discount for our clients with the Pandemic 101™ program. To visit the site, purchase toolkits or online training, please use our promotional URL when visiting the Pandemic 101 website:

http://FirstAidOttawa.pandemic101.com

Webinar dates and times will be listed in the website. Select the one that fits your schedule, fill in the required fields and submit. You will then be sent an email with a unique URL to click on and join the webinar.

Wilderness and Remote First Aid

Do you have employees who work in remote areas not immediately accessible to or by ambulance? Do you wonder whether the training you are proving will meet their needs?

The Canadian Red Cross has developed two Wilderness and Remote First Aid courses for those who recreate, live or work in isolated or wilderness settings and need to response to emergencies when advanced care is not immediately available. The courses cover material in Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR plus special material on techniques for wilderness and remote areas as well as offers strategies to provide extended care for more than 24 hours. The courses are also recognized by WSIB and CLC.

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.

Summer Safety

Last week a Father and his young son were injured in a collision while on their bicycles. The Father, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to Hospital with head injuries. The son, who was wearing a helmet, only had a few minor scrapes. Helmets, when worn properly and are well maintained, are proven to reduce if not prevent head injuries. Although under Ontario law only people under 18 are required to wear a helmet when bicycling, in reality everyone should wear a helmet. There are more vehicles (both motorized and not) on road today making collisions more likely and with higher speeds these injuries are likely to be more serious.

Stay Safe, 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.

First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes

Cuts and scrapes are a normal part of everyday life so when should we worry? With all types of wounds the main concern should always be bleeding. If the wound is bleeding heavily apply direct pressure and do not remove the first layer of bandage. Once bleeding is controlled, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and rinse for five minutes with running tap water. If there is a great deal of dirt or contamination seek medical attention. Always watch for signs of infection. A wound may require stitches if the edges do not fall together, the wound is more than 2.5 cm long, the wound is near joints on the hands or feet or the wound is on the face.

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.