Helmet Basics

Bicycle helmet use should not be optional for anyone in your family, no matter where you are or how short the ride. In many states it’s the law.

Here’s why: Most bike accidents involve a head injury, so a crash could mean permanent brain damage or death for someone who doesn’t wear one while riding. In fact, each year in the United States, about half a million kids are seriously injured in bicycle-related accidents, and most of those injuries could have been avoided if a helmet was worn.

Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a helmet:

• Pick bright colors that are visible to drivers and other cyclists.
• Look for a helmet that’s well ventilated.
• Make sure that the helmet has a CPSC or Snell sticker inside. These indicate that the helmet meets standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or the Snell Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit group that tests helmet safety.
• Make sure your child’s helmet fits correctly and can be adjusted.

You should be able to get help finding a well-fitting helmet and adjusting it properly at any bicycle store.

When kids wear a helmet, make sure that the straps are fastened. Also make sure they don’t wear any other hat underneath it.

Be sure to replace any helmet made before 1999. If your child hits any surface hard while wearing a helmet, replace it — helmets lose their capacity to absorb shock after taking serious hits.

A few bike helmets can be used as protection for other activities, but in general, they’re best suited to biking. Most helmets are made for one specific type of activity — for example, special helmets also are made for inline skating, baseball, and snowmobiling.

Kids should not wear any helmet when they’re on a playground or climbing a tree — there is a risk of strangulation from the chin strap during these types of activities.

Minor Burns and Scalds

Minor burns and scalds are usually the result of domestic accidents.  Prompt first aid will generally enable them to heal naturally and well, but the advice of a medical practitioner should be sought if there is doubt as to the severity of the injury.

Treatment of Minor Burns and Scalds

DO NOT use adhesive dressings.

DO NOT break blisters, or interfere with the injured area.

DO NOT apply lotions, ointments, creams, or fats to the injured area.

• Cool the injured part with copious amounts of cold water for about 10 minutes to stop the burning and relieve the pain.  If water is unavailable, any cold, harmless liquid such as milk or canned drinks will suffice.
• Gently remove any jewellery, watches, or constricting clothing from the injured area before it starts to swell.
• Cover the injury with a sterile dressing, or any clean, non-fluffy material to protect from infection.  A clean plastic bag or kitchen film may be used.

Near-drowning is when a person is in danger of drowning. Each year, almost 8,000 people die from drowning. Seventy percent of all near-drowning victims recover; 25% die, and 5% have brain damage.

A toddler can drown in as little as 2 inches of water in a bathtub, sink, etc. Toilet bowls are unsafe, too, if a small child falls into one head-first.

Signs & Symptoms

Causes

Treatment

Immediate medical care is needed for near-drowning.

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First Aid News: Dogs Bite Kids in Warmer Weather

Two studies published in March looked at the incidence of dog bites in kids. One determined that kids under 5 are more likely than older kids to get bites and the bites are more severe.

Kids under 5 are more likely to get bitten
Photo by China Photos/Getty Images

The other study looked at seasonal dog bites and showed that dog bites increase during the summer months. There are a few possibilities for this, not the least of which is that kids and dogs are more likely to be near each other when school’s out of session.

Kids should learn how to handle being around dogs, especially those they don’t know. Teach your kids to avoid dog bites and to avoid strays.

• Teach Kids to Avoid Dog Bites
• Dog Bite Injuries

First Aid Attendants and Mobile Treatment Units

Attendants and Emergency Transport and Mobile Treatment Center Requirements – According to Worksafe BC

First aid attendant and emergency transport vehicle are required under BC Workers Compensation regulations. The following are some situations: mining,forestry,oil and gas exploration,road construction,fire fighting, construction sites,etc.

Schedule 3A of the Occupational Health and Saftey Act indicates the levels of first aid required at the workplace for vaious levels of risk, and numbers of employes present.

Link for Requirements WorkSafe BC – First Aid Job Requirements as of 2009

Occupational Health and Safety Programs – Regulations Link

http://www2.worksafebc.com/Publications/OHSRegulation/Part3.asp#Schedule3A

Example of Table 3: This table applies to a workplace that an employer determines under section 3.16 (2) (b) of the Regulation creates a moderate risk of injury and that is more than 20 minutes surface travel time away from a hospital.

Next Kamloops First Aid Course January 09.2010 ( Standard / Emergency / Child Care / CPR )

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Red Cross - Kelowna First Aid Course

Below are the differences between WCB OFA level 1 Level 2 and Level 3 Courses.

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Occupational First Aid Level 1

A basic one day/8 hour course covering the essential ABC’s – airway, breathing and circulation. How to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress and control bleeding. One person CPR, minor wound care and records / reports are also part of the course.

Occupational First Aid Level 2

A 36 hour first aid course primarily designed for the urban first aid attendant but is applicable whenever the WorkSafe BC Regulations require certification to the OFA 2 Level.

Covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation which includes how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, Shock and one person CPR. In addition, patient assessment, hard collar application, upper limb splinting and minor wound care are covered.

Course fees include textbooks and Exams.

Written and practical exams are required after the course is completed. A minimum mark of 70% is required, on both the written and practical exams, to successfully complete the course.

Occupational First Aid Level 3

A 70-hour first aid course designed with the rural or attendant in heavy industry in mind. A prerequisite for employment with the BC Ambulance Service, many ski patrols and some Fire / Police Departments.

Covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation – includes how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, Shock and one and two person CPR. In addition, continuing patient assessment, hard collar application, securing a patient to a spine board, upper and lower limb splinting and minor wound care are covered. Completion of records and reports are an integral part of the course.

Course fees include textbooks and Exams.

Written and practical exams are required after the course is completed. A minimum mark of 70% is required, on both the written and practical exams, to successfully complete the course. Course medical required.

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It is traditional in western society for children to be taken care of by one or both parents. In families where children live with one or both of their parents, the childcare role may also be taken on by the extended family. In the absence of one or both parents and the extended family willing to care for the children, orphanages are a way of providing for children’s care, housing, and schooling.

The three main types of child care options for most American working families include in-home care, family care, and child care centers. Many American working families are two-job households, and this means that childcare is often delegated to childminders or crèches on a full-time or part-time basis.

In-home care typically is provided by nannies, au-pairs, or friends and family. The child is watched inside their’s or the child carers home home, reducing exposure to outside children and illnesses. Depending on the number of children in the home, the children utilizing in-home care enjoy the greatest amount of interaction with their caregiver, forming a close bond. There are no required licensing or background checks for in-home care, making parental vigilance essential in choosing an appropriate caregiver. Nanny and au-pair services provide certified caregivers and the cost of in-home care is the highest of childcare options per child, though a household with many children may find this the most convenient and affordable option.

Family care is provided from a care giver’s personal home, making the atmosphere most similar to a child’s home. State licensing requirements vary, so the parent should conduct careful interviews and home inspections, as well as complete a background check on the caregiver’s license. Any complaints against the caregiver will be documented and available for public record. Family care is generally the most affordable childcare option, and offers flexibility in hours available for care. In addition, family care generally has a small ratio of children in care, allowing for more interaction between child and provider than would be had at a commercial care center.

Commercial care centers are open for set hours, and provide a standardized and regulated system of care for children. Parents may choose from a commercial care center close to their work, and some companies offer care at their facilities. Active children may thrive in the educational activities provided by a quality commercial care center. Classes are usually largest in this type of care, ratios of children to adult caregivers will vary according to state licensing requirements.

Regardless of type of care chosen, a quality care provider should provide children with light, bright and clean areas to play as well as separate sleeping and eating areas.

Most western countries also have compulsory education during which the great majority of children are at school starting from five or six years of age. The school will act in loco parentis meaning “in lieu of parent supervision”.

source wikipedia

Take your child seriously

Bullying is not teasing (that can happen amongst friends and your child is on equal plan” with the teaser). Bullying is frightening and humiliating at any age, so listen to your child. Reassure your child that you believe him and will find a way to keep him safe.

Gather facts

Next, you need all the facts so you can help your kid create a plan to stop it. Ask questions like:

• “What happened?”
• “Who did this?”
• “Where were you?”
• “Who was there?” “Were you alone?”
• “Has it happened before?” “How often?”
• “How does it start?”
• “What did you do?”
• “Do you think he’ll do it again?”
• “Did anyone help you?”
• “Did an adult see this?”

Make an action plan

Most kids can’t handle bullying on their own: they need your help. Depending on your child’s age and the bullying situation, here are a few tips to consider:

• Bullying usually happens in unsupervised areas so tell your kid to be near others at lunch, recess, in hallways, near lockers, parks, or other areas.
• Tell your child there’s safety in numbers, so help him find one supportive companion.
• Emphasize that sometimes the best thing to do is leave the scene or walk towards an adult, crowd or older kids.
• Identify a trusting adult who can help your child when you’re not around. They must take this seriously, protect your child, and, if necessary, keep this role as protector confidential.

Teach confident body language

Research finds that kids who learn how to be assertive and appear more confident are less likely to be targeted by bullies. Teach your child to stand tall, holding his head high, to look more confident and less afraid. Tell your child to use a stone-faced glare or try a mean stare that looks straight through the bully.  If your child needs to respond, he should use a strong, firm voice and say a short, direct message: “No.” “Nope.” “Cut it out.” “Leave me alone.” “No way.” Crying, whining, insulting, or threatening only makes things worse. Bullies love knowing they can push kid’s buttons.

Boost self-confidence

Being bullied dramatically affects your child’s self-esteem, so find ways, such as a hobby, sport or talent that your child enjoys and can excel at, to boost her confidence. Then help her develop the skill so her self-esteem grows.

Step in when needed

If there’s ever the possibility your child could be injured, step in. Talk to a teacher, supervisor or parent.

Source;// http://parenting.kaboose.com/behavior/borba-bullying.html

Child Care First Aid Training Kelowna - Vernon Penticton BC

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