Spring Cleaning 101

Well the increased daylight hours, the rest of the country changing time and melting outside signal just maybe (with any luck) it might be spring.

Now we Saskatchewan residents know we can have frost or snow in June and many a May long weekend were spent sweeping snow off the fishing boat. However this year might be different. As we get ready for spring and possibly start our spring cleaning here are a few tips.

Cleaning out the medicine cupboard of expired medications such as cough syrup or other over the counter item? Don’t just toss them in the garbage or pour it down the drain. Please gather all expired medications including prescriptions and take them to your pharmacist for safe disposal. As harmless as a common cleaning chemical might be, you should still read and follow the instructions. These instructions may include wearing gloves, using limited amounts and never mixing two chemicals together. As silly as that may sound read the label. It is there to protect you and your family.

Having said that, if your child were to ingest cleaning substances you may need to act quickly. First ask yourself is the child awake, breathing and acting normally? If the answer is yes then while instinct might say call 9-1-1 and get immediate paramedic help, you may be able to handle the situation expertly at home.

If calling for help is what you want to do, please do so and help, paramedics will arrive as quickly as they can.

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But sometimes some certain poisonings can be dealt through help from Poison Control. Saskatchewan subscribes to a great poison control system. The number is found right inside the front cover of your phone book. 1-866-454-1212 or www.padis.ca. The experts on the phone really know their stuff when it comes to poison emergencies. Don’t be shy to call for any ingestion not just chemicals or cleaning products. Kids say the strangest things but might also drink bad things too.

Melting snow is also showing tell-tale signs of items buried beneath. Not just litter but sharp objects such as needles might appear. If you spot a needle on your property or public property don’t panic, you can safe dealt with it yourself. The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is the source for the safe handling of needles listed below.

If you see a discarded needle, you can choose to dispose of it yourself, or you can call for help (see below). You do not need to be afraid if you are cautious, as the risk of injury or infection is low.

1. Use a pair of tongs, pliers or tweezers to pick up the needle. It is best to wear gloves.

2. Pick the needle up by pointing the needle tip down and away from you.

3. Put the needle in a container that has been placed on a stable surface. A sharps container, bleach container, or plastic peanut butter jar work well. You should not use a glass jar, light plastic container, or a milk carton, as they could break or needles could poke through. IMPORTANT: Do not try to put the cap back on the needle.

4. Wash your hands with soap and warm water.

5. Place container in a safe place where it will not be opened by children.

6. Take the container to a pharmacy, needle exchange or a needle drop/ disposal box if available. If you are not comfortable picking up the needle and need more information, you can call your local public health office.

With any luck spring like weather will stick around and we can look forward to a great season of mosquitoes (just kidding). If you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you at 306-953-8358 or lyle@parklandambulance.com.