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.