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Must be Fall

Sep 20, 2013 | 12:30 PM

Warm afternoons and cooler evening, it must be fall. Actually Sept 22 marks the start of fall and it’s been a great one so far. If we can keep fall around before the “snow” arrives we’ll be grateful. 7 months of winter last time around was more than enough for anyone of us.

Fall signals a busy time as groups and organizations get back to work. Kids are busy with swimming lessons, hockey practice, and music or dance lessons. It is generally a time to get back into some routine so to speak.

In recent days I’ve been speaking to many local groups about the programs and services of Parkland Ambulance.

If you don’t know besides being an ambulance service, we have a tremendous community presence and injury prevention profile. A couple of the programs I am talking about are the new on-line first aid program and our AED programs.

As a training partner for the Red Cross we are excited about offering on-line first aid training. You can now can take standard first aid on line.

By purchasing an access code, at work or home you now complete the classroom portion of the program. You can now tailor the program to your schedule. Maybe you’re a mom with busy kids so when their napping you have some time to work on your first aid class or a student who between assignments fits in a little first aid. In the workplace getting away might be difficult for a smaller employer, but spending some time on the computer gets the training done. Once you’ve done the classroom time on the computer, you book into a skills session. The great part is not only are you spending less time in the classroom but your costs are reduced. After successful completion you still get full certification recognized across Canada. Give us a call at Parkland Ambulance so we can give you some more information.

There are over 200 locations where an AED (automated external defibrillator) can be found.

In fact Westview School and Vickers School together with an additional device in Prince Albert Police Detention all came on-line in recent days.

These simple compact computerized devices make the difference. They are so simple to use, so easy to obtain and with a little training easy to use. Without early access to an AED you chances of surviving a cardiac arrest are less than 30% but with an AED and a little CPR your chances increase to over 60%.

Being able to do a few simple steps will also help.
One recognizes that there is an emergency. Someone is not breathing and we cannot wake them up signals a call for action to get paramedics and an AED. Make sure you call first!

Next simple hands only CPR can be done by anyone. Simply expose the injured person chest by removing all clothing. Next put one of your hands on top of each other and place on the center of the injured person’s chest. Push hard and fast, keep pushing till someone can come and help, you are too tired or paramedics arrive.

Get the AED. Ask someone who works in the building. Look for a sign pointing you to the AED. Don’t just stand there please do something!

If you want to learn more about AEDs, first aid and CPR training or other community programs call Parkland Ambulance at 306-953-8358 or email lyle@parklandambulance.com. Business and community groups can all benefit from training in first aid and having an AED.