Did You Know?: Strokes

A stroke happens when the blood flow to the brain gets interrupted. This can be caused by: a clot in an artery in the brain or an artery that bursts in the brain.

A stroke can be recognized by facial numbness or weakness (especially on one side), arm numbness or weakness (especially on one side), slurred speech or difficulty speaking or understanding. Other signs and symptoms are a sudden severe headache, dizziness or confusion.

To treat this person call 911 (or your emergency number), check their Airway, Breathing and Circulation. You should also place the person in the recovery position with the affected (weak) side up.

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?: Concussions

A Concussion happens when a blow to the head shakes the brain inside the skull. This can result in bleeding in and around the brain.

A Concussion should be suspect if someone loses consciousness even if it is for only a short period of time. The person may say they “blacked out” or saw “stars”

A concussion is a head injury and should be treated as such. EMS/911 should be called and the person sent to the Hospital. If the injured person is an athlete they may be required to “sit out” for a number of days. Although many people will dismiss this as “just a concussion” it can lead to permanent brain 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.

Did You Know?: Frostnip and Frostbite

Frost nip is the superficial injury caused by the freezing of the skin. This commonly seen in children when they develop white spots on exposed skin during cold days. With frostbite the tissue underneath the skin freezes also. You extremities (ears, fingers and nose) are very susceptible to frostbite.

The best protection is to dress for the environment.

You can recognize frostnip by pain or stinging in the area followed by numbness and skin that looks paler than the area around it. Frostbite is characterized by waxy skin that is colder than the area around it, skin that is hard and solid to the touch.

To treat, remove the person from the cold environment warm the area gradually. Do not break any blisters but do protect then with loose dry dressings

If you suspect Frostbite seek medical attention. Only warm the area if you are sure it will not refreeze.

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 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.

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.