Baby Choking

For First Aid purposes a Baby is considered from birth to one year of age.

If a baby is coughing we do not want to interfere with the cough. The cough is best way to clear the obstruction. If the baby cannot make any sounds then we need to step in and assist.

If need to perform these techniques (even successfully) it is recommended that you have the baby checked out by a Physician to ensure that the object is still in the baby (even if we got something out).

The technique involves 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts which are repeated until the baby starts coughing or crying.

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.

The Canadian Red Cross is introducing new guidelines for performing CPR.

For CPR purposes a Baby is considered from birth to one year of age.

Unless a baby has congenital heart problem most of the time it is an injury that necessitates CPR on a baby. Most people are afraid to compress the chest the full depth (1/3 to 1/2) the depth of the chest but this is essential. 

Whenever someone falls unconscious it is considered a life threatening so we need to call 911.
We now recommended that if the is a defibrillator available to use it on the baby.

CPR for babies is 30 chest compressions (performed with two fingers in the middle of the chest followed by 2 breaths (just enough to allow the chest to start to rise).

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.

Am I doing CPR Wrong?

Approximately every five years or so the recommended guidelines for First Aid and CPR are changed. The changes are usually based based on studies regarding the effectiveness but sometimes the changes are to make the skills easier to learn and remember.

November 1 was the launch date for the Canadian Red Cross' new program based on the latest recommendations.

Usually at this people express concern about performing “the old skills”. In fact there is nothing wrong  with performing the previous skills since it is more important that everyone know what to do in an emergency. None of the previous skills will harm people.

What is really means is if you have been putting off taking a course now is the perfect time to learn these simple lifesaving skills.

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.

Halloween Safety

With Halloween coming it is important for parents to help their Trick or Treaters stay safe.

Costumes should be as visible as possible. Reflective tape should be added to dark costumes. Costumes should not drag on the ground since they are a tripping hazard. Mask should be avoided. If they are used they should be kept off the face when walking from house to house, walking up walkways and steps and used only at the door.

Parents should check all candy before they are eaten. Children should be discouraged from eating while they are out. If the children have food allergies extra care should be taken when sorting through the candy.

Do not criss cross streets. Walk down one side and return on the other. If children are old enough to be out by themselves they should stay together and should return at an agreed upon time with their parents/guardians. Expect drivers will not be watching out for you so watch out for them.

Drivers please slow down, even on bigger roads. Expect that the children will not be watching out for you so watch out for them.

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 Ottawa Blog: Child Car Seats

In Ottawa, it is estimated that more than 80 per cent of child car seats are not used correctly. Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of injuries and death for children under the age of 14. A car seat used correctly, will reduce deaths by 90 per cent and serious injuries by 70 per cent. The safer location for a car seat is in the centre rear of the vehicle, provided that the car seat, the seat belt assembly and the seating position are all compatible. The use of seat belts and properly installed car seats are the key to reducing serious injuries or deaths in the case of a collision.

To find out where to go to have your car seat inspected please visit S.E.A.T.S for Kids.

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.

Back to School Safety

Back to School means back to school buses on the road. It is important for everyone (school children, parents and drivers to pay extra close attention.

Parents: Please review school bus safety with your children. They need to be reminded about the blind spots around the buses and to pay attention to the school bus driver's directions.

Drivers: Please remember that the flashing lights on a school bus means that traffic in both directions must stop and no one may pass the bus. If in addition to the safety of the children you need more incentive remember that if you are caught it is 10 demerit points and a fine of up to $2000.

Let's make this back to school memorable for all the right reasons.

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? Dealing with the Heat

To avoid heat-related illnesses, you should:

ñ Drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and avoid caffeine and alcohol

ñ Avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors

ñ Avoid direct exposure to the sun and seek shade and shelter at the first signs of heat exposure

ñ Wear lightweight and loose clothing

ñ Spend at least two hours a day in an air-conditioned location, including shopping malls, local libraries or neighbourhood community centres

ñ Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a car, even with the windows partly rolled down

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.