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.

First Aid for Tick Bites

A recent study published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal states that with the current climate changes ticks, and the Lyme disease they can transmit, are spreading across Canada including the North.

Ticks are small insects (the size of watermelon seeds) that dig into the flesh of humans and animals. Because they use a pain killer when they bore into the flesh most hosts do not notice they have been bitten.

When going into wooded or grassy areas: wear long sleeved shirts and pants, wear light colours and don’t wear perfume. When you leave those areas check yourself thoroughly for small black dots especially in areas such as the underarms. If the tick has not bored in yet you can brush it off otherwise use tweezers and pull straight out (avoid twisting). Lyme disease can appear as a rash that starts small and spreads up 18cm across, may cause flu-like symptoms. Later symptoms include arthritis, numbness, problems seeing or hearing, memory loss and high fever. Lyme disease can cause serious medical problems and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

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.

Drowning prevention

We have already entered a new season in the Ottawa area, the summer drowning season. Every year lives are lost due to drowning, all of which are preventable through simple safety measures.

If you own a pool then you need to ensure that your yard is fenced in, if you have children even the pool itself should be fenced. A baby can drown in as little of an inch of water and there have been cases of drowning in washing machines (as most parents can attest children move very fast).

By law there needs to a life jacket person plus 1 extra in every boat, even this is not enough since a life jacket is of no use if you are not wearing it. Most people will put life jackets on their children but not themselves. If the boat should tip how will you take of the children if you are trying to find and put on your lifejacket (provided you can even put it on)?

Alcohol should be left onshore and you should not boat while intoxicated.

This summer: Prepare! Stay Safe! Survive!

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.

Diabetic Emergencies: Did You Know?

A diabetic emergency happens when the body cannot control the level of sugar in the blood. The blood sugar level may be too high (hyperglycaemia) or too low (hypoglycaemia). Hyperglycaemia develops slowly, so it is less likely to be a first aid emergency.

 

Preventing diabetic emergencies involves taking your medications as prescribed, checking your blood sugar often, if required, and keeping some quick sugar foods with you at all times.

 

Diabetic emergencies can sometimes be mistaken for drunkenness so keep this in mind. Other signs and symptoms are: changes in level of consciousness, changes in behaviour, rapid breathing, cool, sweating skin and skin that is paler than usual. Some diabetics wear a MedicAlert® medical identification product. You do not need to know the difference between the two types of diabetic emergencies because the first aid is the same for both.

If the person is unconscious call EMS/911. If the person is conscious offer them a sugary drink, if the condition does not improve or worsens call EMS/911. If the person’s condition improves, recommend having a complete meal.

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.