Chemical Splash in the Eye First Aid – Kelowna First Aid Courses ( Okanagn, Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops, Penticton )

If a chemical splashes into your eye, take these steps immediately:

Flush your eye with water. Use clean, lukewarm tap water for at least 20 minutes, and use whichever of these approaches is quickest:

• Get into the shower and aim a gentle stream of lukewarm water on your forehead over your affected eye. Or direct the stream on the bridge of your nose if both eyes are affected. Hold your affected eye or eyes open.
• Put your head down and turn it to the side. Then hold your affected eye open under a gently running faucet.
• Young children may do best if they lie down in the bathtub or lean back over a sink while you pour a gentle stream of water on the forehead over the affected eye or on the bridge of the nose for both eyes.

Wash your hands with soap and water. Thoroughly rinse your hands to be sure no chemical or soap is left on them. Your first goal is to get the chemical off the surface of your eye, but then you must remove the chemical from your hands.

Remove contact lenses. If they don’t come out during the flush, then take them out.

Caution:

• Don’t rub the eye — this may cause further damage.
• Don’t put anything except water or contact lens saline rinse in the eye, and don’t use eyedrops unless emergency personnel tell you to do so.

Seek emergency medical assistance
After following the above steps, seek emergency care or, if necessary, call 911 or your local emergency number. Take the chemical container or the name of the chemical with you to the emergency department. If readily available, wear sunglasses because your eyes will be sensitive to light.

Concussions;

The term concussion conjures up the image of a child knocked unconscious while playing sports. But concussions — temporary loss of brain function — can happen with any head injury, often without any loss of consciousness. And many head injuries occur off the playing field, in car and bicycle accidents, in fights, and even routine calamities and falls.

Kids who sustain concussions usually can recover within a week, without lasting health problems, by following certain precautions and taking a breather from sports.

But a child with an undiagnosed concussion can be at risk for brain damage and even disability.

If your child does sustain a head injury, even without a loss of consciousness, it’s important to watch for symptoms of a concussion, including:

• a change in mental state
• a bad headache
• confusion
• repeated vomiting

A child with these symptoms should be taken to the emergency room.

About Concussions

The brain is made of soft tissue and is cushioned by spinal fluid. It is encased in the hard, protective skull. The brain can move around inside the skull and even bang against it. If the brain does bang against the skull — for example, if a child hits his or her head on the sidewalk — the brain can get bruised, blood vessels can be torn, and the nerves inside the brain can be injured. These injuries can lead to a concussion, which is the temporary loss of brain function.

There are three different types, or grades, of concussions. The severity of a concussion determines the length of time needed before a player can safely return to sports activities:

• Grade 1 concussions involve no loss of consciousness and cause a temporary change in mental state, like confusion, disorientation, and trouble focusing, which resolves within about 15 minutes.
• Grade 2 concussions are similar but the change in mental state lasts longer than 15 minutes.
• Grade 3 concussions include a loss of consciousness, regardless of how long they last.

Head injuries that result in concussions can be caused by car, bike, and motorcycle accidents; falls; assaults; and contact sports (football, ice hockey, volleyball, lacrosse, basketball, wrestling, field hockey, rugby, soccer, softball, baseball, etc.).

Kelowna First Aid Course - Treatment of Burns

Kelowna First Aid Course Jan 10.2010 www.okanaganfirstaid.com 250-8786690

First Aid For Burns

A burn involves the destruction of skin cells, and sometimes the underlying structures of muscle, fascia and bone. It occurs when these structures absorb more heat than they can dissipate. What you do for a burn in the first few minutes after it occurs CAN make a difference in the severity of the injury!Safety Tips:

1. STOP THE BURNING PROCESS. Remove the source of heat…if clothing catches fire, “STOP, DROP AND ROLL” to smother the flames.
2. REMOVE ALL BURNED CLOTHING. Clothing may keep in the heat and cause a deeper injury. If clothing sticks to the skin, cool the material or cut or tear around the area to preserve good skin tissue.
3. POUR COOL WATER OVER THE BURNED AREA. Keep pouring the cool water for at least 3-5 minutes. Never put ice or cold water on a burn as it lowers body temperature and can make the burn worse.
4. REMOVE ALL JEWELRY, BELTS, TIGHT CLOTHING, METAL, ETC. Remove from burned areas and around the victim’s neck – swelling of burned areas occurs immediately.
5. DO NOT APPLY OINTMENTS, CREAMS OR SALVES TO WOUNDS. These things may cause infection due to their oil base and can convert wounds to deeper injury; hold in heat and worsen the burn, and have to be washed off by a physician causing the patient additional discomfort.
6. COVER BURNS WITH A SOFT, CLEAN, DRY DRESSING, BANDAGE OR SHEET.
7. COVER VICTIM TO KEEP HIM/HER WARM.
8. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

• Special considerations:
  • FOR MINOR BURN INJURY: Keep clean, gently wash with a mild soap. Use an antiseptic spray or cream to help relieve pain and prevent infection before covering with a clean dry dressing. If wounds are not healing, appear weepy, or smell bad, seek medical help.
  • ELECTRICAL INJURIES: DO NO TOUCH the person who is in contact with electricity. YOU WILL BE INJURED. Disconnect the source of power or call for assistance for the power company…then begin first aid. Primary concerns are clear airways, breathing, circulation and cervical spine immobilization…then look for other injuries.
  • CHEMICAL INJURIES: Protect yourself from contact with the chemical. Read the container label information or consult with a Poison Control Center before administering first aid for specific chemical reactions. Dry chemicals: brush as much a of the dry chemical off as possible and remove it from the affected area from a minimum of 20-30 minutes or until a medical professional tells you to stop. Remove patient’s clothing, including shoes, before flushing with water. If chemical is near or is in the patient’s eye, check for contact lenses, which should be removed before irrigation of the eye. Don’t flush parts of body that are not contaminated.

Facts and Figures:

• A burn involves the destruction of skin cells, and sometimes the underlying structures of muscle, fascia and bone. It occurs when these structures absorb more heat than they can dissipate.
• Children and older adults, because they have thinner skin, get severe burns at lower temperatures and in less time than an adult.
  • Exposure for thus three seconds to water, which is 140 degrees F., can result in a full thickness or third degree burn on a child or an older adult. This type of burn would require hospitalization and skin grafts.
  • People with MINOR to MODERATE injury according to depth and percentage can be treated in a specialty Burn Center or Unit, a local community hospital with a surgeon who knows state-of-the-art burn care, or on an outpatient basis.
  • Burns are considered MINOR, MODERATE or MAJOR according to the depth and percentage of burn, but also the area of the body burned.
  • Burns covering more body surface area than an arm of the victim, or if burns are on the face, hands, neck, perineum or feet are considered MAJOR and should be cared for in a special Burn Unit or Center.

“Rule of Nines” Burn Size

Burns are judged by the size of the burn in relation to the whole body and by the depth of the burn injury. Different methods exist to calculate the extent or size of a burn injury. The most common method, which provides a quick estimate of burn size, uses the “Rule of Nines,” where the body is divided into areas equaling multiples of nine percent of the total body surface area. The palm of your hand, for example, is equal to about one percent of your body’s surface area. The head and arms are each equal to nine percent of the body surface. The chest and back are each 18 percent (two nine percent). Each leg is 18 percent (two X nine percent). This totals 11 nine, or 99 percent. The heads of infants and small children are in relatively larger proportion to the total body surface area, and the limbs are in smaller proportion than adults limbs. The total body surface area of a burn is referred to as TBSA. A patient might have the diagnosis of a 45 percent TBSA thermal burn, for example. The TBSA and burn depth analysis are recorded on a hospital chart known as a “burn diagram.” Determining the percent of body surface area burned is important for correct fluid replacement.

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.

Charge into Action

Following Floods

Within hours after officials issued flood-related evacuation orders to residents of several Vancouver Island communities late last week, Red Cross staff and volunteers were on the ground, providing emergency hygiene and cleanup kits, as well as other relief supplies to affected residents.

About a dozen Red Cross volunteers and staff sprang to action with approximately 15 more on standby. Nathan Huculak, Communications Coordinator for the Red Cross, says the quick response from the Disaster Management team was fantastic.

“Having enough trained volunteers to deploy to the affected area made it possible for us to assist people immediately,” says Huculak. “Right now we have enough people activated to provide assistance, but the situation and weather continues to be unstable, so we may need to call on more volunteers in the near future,” he says.

The area was hit last week with significant flooding after heavy rain overwhelmed a number of Island rivers. Hundreds of residents in more than 150 homes were forced to evacuate. More than 80 homes sustained damage. Bouts of heavy precipitation continue to rain down on saturated river channels, and a good portion of the Island remains on high alert.

Right now, Huculak says volunteers are focused on providing capacity and needs assessments for flood affected residents on behalf of the Cowichan Valley Regional District. The Red Cross in BC is part of a multi-agency committee established earlier this year to coordinate recovery efforts in the Cowichan Valley. Red Cross is one of several agencies in addition to government representatives working together to provide emergency services including temporary housing, food, clothing, and other items to flood affected residents.

Huculak says the partnership is a great example of how agencies are stronger together than apart. “We are already seeing the impact of this new recovery group. We were all at the table together within hours, ready to coordinate our efforts and help people more quickly and efficiently.” he explains.

Families wishing to make an appointment for a flood assessment can call 250-746-2561. The Red Cross is conducting assessments out of the Cowichan Flood Resilience Centre at the Duncan Christian Reform Church at 930 Trunk Road.

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

Kelowna CPR Training Course Instructor - Marjorie

Next Course intake date October 04.2009 , space limited so reserve your spot now!! 250.878.6690 or goto http://www.okanaganfirstaid.com

I have worked in the industry for the last five years, and have met many people, all from very diverse backgrounds. I love my job, and love teaching new students, it is a very rewarding career.

If you have a heart warming story email us , we would love to hear from you and post it on our blog.

Calgary stampede 2009 First Aid for bull riding , horse riding. Can’t wait to be there. Its the greatest show on earth

Located in the beautiful rockies of Alberta. Hosting over 1.2 million visitors each year. One of Canadas largest events from chuck wagon races, exhibitors, george strait concert. This canadian pacific city boasts a 10 day premier rodeo events to this day with over $1,000,000.00 in prize money being handed out to winners on the final Sunday of competition.

The recovery position or more technically known as the lateral recumbent position is a first aid technique recommended for assisting people who are unconscious, or nearly so, but are still breathing. It is frequently taught as part of classes in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) or first aid.
When an unconscious person is lying face upwards, there are two main risk factors which can lead to suffocation:
Fluids, possibly blood but particularly vomit, can collect in the back of the throat, causing the person to drown. When a person is lying face up, the esophagus tilts down slightly from the stomach toward the throat. This, combined with loss of muscular control, can lead to the stomach contents flowing into the throat, called passive regurgitation. As well as obstructing the airway, fluid which collects in the back of the throat can also then flow down into the lungs; stomach acid can attack the inner lining of the lungs and cause a condition known as aspiration pneumonia.
Many fatalities occur where the original injury or illness which caused unconsciousness is not itself inherently fatal, but where the unconscious person suffocates for one of these reasons. This is a common cause of death following unconsciousness due to excessive consumption of alcohol.
To a limited extent, it is possible to protect against risks to the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the jaw. However, an unconscious person will not remain in this position unless held constantly, and crucially it does not safeguard against risks due to fluids. If the person is placed in the recovery position, the action of gravity will allow any fluids to drain. Also the chest is raised above the ground, which helps to make breathing easier.

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page