An Ounce of Prevention

Mother always said eat your vegetables; drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold; get plenty of rest and don’t forget to exercise too! But despite our mother’s best advice we still get sick, injuries still happen, and hopefully we won’t, but we might need to visit the hospital emergency room. In the case of an emergency knowing what to do can make the difference and prevent things from getting worse. Knowing what not to do is just as important. It’s important to remember that taking a basic first aid class will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be safe at home, work or in the community. Visit our web site, parklandambulance.com, for upcoming courses.

When a serious medical emergency does occur, it is important to act quickly. Time is crucial. When in doubt always seek medical advice! But what is a serious medical emergency:

* Chest pain or a cardiac arrest

* Difficulty breathing or not breathing

* A sudden, severe or unexplained headache

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* Frequent vomiting or diarrhea

* A large cut or wound

* A motor vehicle collision

* An industrial incident

* Unconscious state

* Overdose or poisoning

* A fall of great height

* Broken bones

When a serious medical emergency does occur calling 9-1-1 for the paramedics is important. The mobile health care team at Parkland Ambulance will quickly respond to your request for assistance. Bring the emergency room to your door, essential treatments can be started to improve the injured person’s health; stabilize the injured body part; or control the pain till further definitive care is available in the hospital emergency room. Here are a few simple tips you can do to prevent injuries or prevent injuries from getting worse while help is coming.

* In case of a fall where you suspect a head, neck, back injury, do not move the person. Keep them warm and get help.

* If the person may have injured a large bone like the upper part of their leg or hip, don’t try to move them and get help.

* If the person collapses to the floor and their whole body shakes due to a convulsion, do not try to open their mouth and jam anything into it. Do not hold them down but protect their head with some padding.

* If the person has trouble breathing or not breathing at, get help.

It’s important that you act to prevent emergencies in your home or workplace by:

* picking up obstacles like toys or tools

* keeping chemicals in the original container and safely stored

* get proper training in first aid and CPR – see us for the next course

* Make sure you are trained before using unfamiliar equipment and always read the instructions

* Get regular physical check ups from your family physician

* When taking medication especially antibiotics follow the instructions carefully and finish all the medication even if you are feeling better.

* Post emergency numbers beside each telephone – plan safety drills – post directions to your home by each telephone if you live out in the rural areas

Knowing how to prevent emergencies is the first step. Know what to do in case of an emergency is an important second step. Be prepared and not scared. March 18-24 is Poison Prevention Week. With springs arrival, now might a good time to clean out the cabinets of unwanted medications. Take those to any pharmacist for safe disposal. Medications are not candy and should never be set out as such. But if a small child takes something accidently and they are awake, talking not confused and have no trouble breathing then the poison control center is a good resource to call. Poison Control can be reached at 1-1-866-454-1212 or padis.ca. Prevention is key – have a safe day!