first aid kelowna « Kelowna First Aid Courses CPR Course 2508786690 Penticton Vernon BC Red Cross

June 18, 2010

Kelowna First Aid 250.878.6690 First Aid Kelowna ( St John ambulance equivalent ) Red Cross Courses 250.878.6690 www.okanaganfirstaid.com to Register

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Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxic shock

St john Amvulance Kelowna

with other allergies, anaphylaxis can trigger symptoms in any of these four body systems:

skin
gastrointestinal system
respiratory system
cardiovascular system

An allergic reaction may be a medical emergency if it happens in two or more of these systems — hives on the skin, for example, together with stomach pain.

The most common signs that a child who has been exposed to an allergen might have anaphylaxis are:

difficulty breathing
tightness in the throat or feeling like the throat or airways are closing
hoarseness or trouble speaking
wheezing
nasal stuffiness or coughing
nausea, abdominal pain, or vomiting
fast heartbeat or pulse
skin itching, tingling, redness, or swelling

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June 17, 2010

Kelowna First Aid 250.878.6690 St John Ambulance Kelowna

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What are the different kinds of casts?

A cast, which keeps a bone from moving so it can heal, is essentially a big bandage that has two layers — a soft cotton layer that rests against the skin and a hard outer layer that prevents the broken bone from moving.

These days, casts are made of either:

plaster of paris: a heavy white powder that forms a thick paste that hardens quickly when mixed with water. Plaster of paris casts are heavier than fiberglass casts and don’t hold up as well in water.
synthetic (fiberglass) material: made out of fiberglass, a kind of moldable plastic, these casts come in many bright colors and are lighter and cooler. The covering (fiberglass) on synthetic casts is water-resistant, but the padding underneath is not. You can, however, get a waterproof liner. The doctor putting on your child’s cast will decide whether a fiberglass cast with a waterproof lining is appropriate.

How is a cast put on?

First, several layers of soft cotton are wrapped around the injured area. Next, the plaster or fiberglass outer layer is soaked in water. The doctor wraps the plaster or fiberglass around the soft first layer. The outer layer is wet but will dry to a hard, protective covering. Doctors sometimes make tiny cuts in the sides of a cast to allow room for swelling.

Can plaster of paris casts get wet?

Absolutely not! A wet cast may not hold the bone in place because the cast could start to dissolve in the water and could irritate the skin underneath it, possibly leading to infection. So your child shouldn’t swim and should use a plastic bag or special sleeve (available online or sometimes at pharmacies) to protect the cast from water. And instead of a shower, your child may need to take a sponge bath.

Can synthetic (fiberglass) casts get wet?

Although the fiberglass itself is waterproof, the padding inside a fiberglass cast is not. So it’s still important to try to keep a fiberglass cast from getting wet. If this is a problem, talk to the doctor about getting a waterproof liner. Fiberglass casts with waterproof liners let kids continue bathing or even go swimming during the healing process. Although the liner allows for evaporation of water and sweat, it’s still fragile. Also, only certain types of breaks can be treated with this type of cast. Your doctor will determine if the fracture may be safely treated with a waterproof cast.

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Kelowna first Aid 250.878.6690 Red Cross Standard Child Care CPR Westbank West kelowna BC www.okanaganfirstaid.com

Filed under: kamloops first aid course, kelowna aed, kelowna child care first aid, kelowna cpr — Tags: first aid kelowna, front line first aid courses, front line first aid courses kelowna, front line first aid services, front line first aid services kelowna, frontline first aid, frontline first aid kelowna, kelowna first aid, kelowna first aid contract services, kelowna first aid contractor, kelowna red cross, kelowna red cross courses, kelowna red cross first aid classes, red cross kelowna — admin @ 11:56 am

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The common fall is more dangerous than it may seem. While the majority leave behind no more than a few bumps, bruises, or scratches others can be the injury behind a concussion, broken bone, seizure and other unpleasant situations.

When a person falls, the first thing to do is make sure there are no serious and obvious injuries- no broken bones, heavy bleeding, seizures, and that the person is conscious. If the fall was ‘bad’ do not allow them to move until you are sure no injuries have been done to their head, neck, back, or hips.

If there seems to be a serious injury, like any of the ones listed above and more, call 911 for aid. Also call if you see any of these signs

Unconsciousness- even if it is very brief (concussion)

Becomes very sleepy or is difficult to wake up (concussion)

Walking in an abnormal fashion- off balance, dizzy (concussion)

Difficulty breathing

No breathing -begin CPR

Clear fluid or bleeding coming from nose, ears or mouth.

Complains of intense or increasing pain

Vomiting

Deep or large wounds

Trouble focusing eyesight, distorted vision. (concussion)

Odd behavior or symptoms

Irritable and oddly moody, nonstop crying.

If the fall does not seem to be an emergency, but the child is young, keep watch over them closely for the next 24 or so hours, to make certain that no symptoms of injury or strange behavior develop. If you fear a concussion, due to a fall involving the head, even if there are no symptoms always go see a doctor.

Prevention

Preventing falls, especially with young children is tough, but it there are ways to minimize risks. With very young children or infants, always trap them securely into strollers, car seats, high chairs, and onto changing tables. Discourage children from playing on furniture or jumping on beds. Active children should be taught to wear helmets and other safety pads when biking, skating, skiing, and climbing.

*** Before administering any first aid to anyone outside your family, be aware of your rights and responsibilities: The Good Samaritan Law. ***

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June 13, 2010

Kelowna First Aid 250.878.6690 Vernon Penticton Kamloops BC Red Cross

Kelowna, West Kelowna, Westbank, West Side, Westside, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops Red Cross Courses CPR Training ( St John Courses Equivalent )

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Nosebleeds Overview

Nosebleeds can be dramatic and frightening. Fortunately, most nosebleeds are not serious and usually can be managed at home, although sometimes medical intervention may be necessary. Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are categorized based on where they originate, and are described as either anterior (originating from the front of the nose) or posterior (originating from the back of the nose).

Anterior nosebleeds make up more than 90% of all nosebleeds. The bleeding usually originates from a blood vessel on the nasal septum. Anterior nosebleeds are usually easy to control, either by measures that can be performed at home or by a doctor.

Posterior nosebleeds are much less common than anterior nosebleeds. They tend to occur more often in elderly people. The bleeding usually originates from an artery in the back part of the nose. These nosebleeds are more complicated and usually require admission to the hospital and management by an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist).

One out of every seven people will develop a nosebleed at some time in their lives. Nosebleeds tend to occur more often during winter months and in dry, cold climates. They can occur at any age, but are most common in children aged 2-10 years and adults aged 50-80 years. For unknown reasons, nosebleeds most commonly occur in the morning hours.

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June 12, 2010

Kelowna First Aid 250.878.6690 First Aid Kelowna Standard first aid, Child Care, Emergency

Filed under: Kelowna Events — Tags: first aid bc kelowna, first aid course kelowna, first aid kelowna, kelowna bc first aid, kelowna cpr, kelowna cpr c, kelowna first aid, kelowna first aid course, kelowna first aid courses — admin @ 7:47 pm

Kelowna First Aid Course Call to Register 250.878.6690 ( Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops, Merritt, Westbank ) Red Cross

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What is the best way to care for a cut or scrape?

The first step in the care of cuts and scrapes is to stop the bleeding. Most wounds respond to gentle direct pressure with a clean cloth or bandage. Hold the pressure continuously for approximately 10-20 minutes. If this fails to stop the bleeding or if bleeding is rapid you should seek medical assistance.

The next step is to thoroughly clean the wound with soap and water. Remove any foreign material, such as dirt or bits of grass, that might be in the wound and which can lead to infection. You may use tweezers (clean them with alcohol first) to remove foreign material from the wound edges, but do not dig into the wound as this may push bacteria deeper into the wound. You may also gently scrub the wound with a washcloth to remove dirt and debris. Hydrogen peroxide and providone-iodine (Betadine) products may be used to clean the wound initially, but may inhibit wound healing if used long-term.

Cover the area with a bandage (such as gauze or a Band-Aid) to help prevent infection and dirt from getting in the wound. A first aid antibiotic ointment such as Bacitracin or Neosporin can be applied to help prevent infection and keep the wound moist.

Continued care to the wound is also important. Three times a day, wash the area gently with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Also, change the bandage immediately if it gets dirty or wet.

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June 6, 2010

Summerland First Aid Course Penticton First Aid Merritt CPR 250.878.6690

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First aid is the assistance given to an injured or sick person in need of urgent medical assistance. First aid applies to a broad range of medical situations and consists both of specific knowledge and skills (for example, what to do for each type of injury or illness) and the ability to assess a situation and make appropriate decisions (such as when to call for emergency medical assistance).

Preparedness is a key element of first aid. While every home, auto, and boat should be equipped with a basic emergency kit that includes first aid supplies and a first aid manual, special circumstances may necessitate more advanced or specific degrees of preparation for an emergency. For example, residents of certain geographic areas where natural disasters (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tornados, floods, landslides, or tsunamis) may occur should prepare for emergencies by assembling disaster preparedness kits such as earthquake kits, flood kits, and evacuation kits.

Travelers should also prepare to administer first aid in the region they plan to visit. In many developed countries, this may amount to packing a standard first aid kit and manual with your belongings. Medicines to prevent motion sickness and advanced awareness about the management of traveler’s diarrhea are also helpful to travelers. In the developing world or in remote regions, a travel medicine kit should include medicines and supplies that may not be available for purchase as well as any specific products (such as insect repellant to prevent mosquito and tick bites) needed for your destination. It’s also important for travelers in foreign countries to learn how to access emergency services by telephone.

Being prepared to administer effective first aid can also involve learning specific skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or abdominal thrusts to assist chokingvictims. First aid may be required for medical emergencies such as heart attack, stroke, orseizures as well as for minor medical conditions like nosebleedand mild allergic reactions. Environmental injuries (sunburn, poison ivy, heat exhaustion, frostbite, bee orinsect stings) and traumatic injuries (strains, sprains,burns, puncture wounds, and cutsas well as more severe internal injuries) are other situations where first aid skills can be invaluable.

Regardless of your level of skill or degree of first aid training, if you find yourself in a true medical emergency, always call 911 for emergency medical assistance immediately.Likewise, if you are involved in any medical situation that is beyond your personal abilities to provide first aid, you should never hesitate to summon emergency medical assistance right away.

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June 2, 2010

Kelowna First Aid Courses Red Cross Vernon, Penticton Peachland, Summerland call to register 250.878.6690 www.okanaganfirstaid.com

Filed under: Kelowna Events — Tags: cpr kelowna, first aid kelowna, first aid vernon, kamloops first aid, kelowna cpr c, kelowna first aid, kelowna ofa 1, kelowna ofa 3, kelowna ofa1, Kelowna Standard First Aid, ofa kelowna, peachland first aid, penticton first aid, vernon cpr, vernon first aid, west kelowna first aid, Westbank First Aid — admin @ 11:46 am

Kelowna First Aid, Vernon First Aid, Penticton First Aid, Kamloops First Aid, Peachland first aid, Westbank First Aid, West Kelowna First Aid

When A Child Needs Help

When a child is choking, it means that an object — usually food or a toy — is lodged in the trachea (the airway) and is keeping air from flowing normally into or out of the lungs.

The trachea is usually protected by a small flap of cartilage called theepiglottis. The trachea and the esophagus share an opening at the back of the throat, and the epiglottis acts like a lid, snapping shut over the trachea each time a person swallows. It allows food to pass down the esophagus and prevents it from going down the trachea.

But every once in a while, the epiglottis doesn’t close fast enough and an object can slip into the trachea. This is what happens when something goes “down the wrong pipe.”

Most of the time, the food or object only partially blocks the trachea and it’s likely that it will be coughed up and that breathing will be restored easily. A child who seems to be choking and coughing but is still able to breathe and talk probably will recover unassisted. It can be uncomfortable and upsetting, but the child is generally fine after a few seconds.

Sometimes, though, an object can get into the trachea and completely block the airway. If airflow into and out of the lungs is blocked, and the brain is deprived of oxygen, choking can become a life-threatening emergency.

A child may be choking and need help right away if he or she:

is unable to breathe
is gasping or wheezing
is unable to talk, cry, or make noise
turns blue
grabs at his or her throat or waves arms
appears panicked

In those cases, immediately start abdominal thrusts the standard rescue procedure for choking, if you’ve been trained to do it properly.

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May 8, 2010

Kelowna First Aid Course 250.878.6690 Red Cross First Aid Courses Standard Child care or Emergency Register Today

How to Treat a Sunburn – Okanagan First Aid Course – Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Peachland

Sunburn treatment starts with prevention. Correctly using sunscreen will help prevent burns. Make sure you know sunscreen myths versus facts when out in the sun.

Sunburns are caused by UV radiation rather than heat (ie, we get sunburns on cold, snowy days).

Sunburns destroy skin, which controls the amount of heat our bodies retain or release, holds in fluids, and protects us from infection.

Remember always, if you think a burn of any type is significant, do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.

Time Required: Up to several days

Here’s How:

Get out of the sun. Staying in the sun after the burn is present will make it worse.
Look for blisters. Blistering means the skin is completely damaged and complications are likely. If the area with blisters is bigger than one entire arm or the whole abdomen, seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the emergency department.
Take a cool shower or bath to soothe the pain.
Apply aloe or another cooling agent. Whatever you use - DO NOT APPLY BUTTER OR OIL TO ANY BURN!
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used for the pain of a sunburn. If stronger pain relief is needed, contact a physician or go to the emergency department.

Tips:

Burns cause swelling. Burns of the face and neck can sometimes swell enough to cause difficulty breathing. If that happens, call 911 immediately.
Burns that completely circle the hands or feet may cause such severe swelling that blood flow is restricted. If swollen or tight hands and feet become numb and tingly, blue, cold, or “fall asleep,” then call 911 immediately.
While the burn is healing, wear loose natural clothing like silks or light cottons. Harsher fabrics will irritate the skin even more.
Too much sun can also cause heat illness. Learn how to recognize and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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April 11, 2010

Kelowna First Aid Course 250.878.6690 Red Cross CPR Emergency, Child Care, Standard First Aid Courses

Kelowna First Aid Course – Next Courses April 25.2010 Call to Register 250.878.6690 link = kelowna first aid

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.).

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March 21, 2010

Kelowna First Aid Course, Kelowna CPR Courses 250.878.6690 – Next Courses April 11th 2010

Filed under: Kelowna Events — Tags: bc first aid, bc first aid courses, cpr kelowna, first aid in kelowna bc, first aid kelowna, kelowna cpr, kelowna cpr c, kelowna first aid, kelowna first aid course, kelowna first aid courses, kelowna red cross, lead poisoning — admin1 @ 8:50 pm

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About Lead Poisoning

If you have young kids, it’s important to find out whether there’s any risk that they might be exposed to lead, especially if you live in an older home.

Long-term exposure to lead, a naturally occurring metal used in everything from construction materials to batteries, can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids. Lead is toxic to everyone, but unborn babies and young children are at greatest risk for health problems from lead poisoning — their smaller, growing bodies make them more susceptible to absorbing and retaining lead.

Each year in the United States 310,000 1- to 5-year-old kids are found to have unsafe levels of lead in their blood, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms, from headaches and stomach pain to behavioral problems and anemia (not enough healthy red blood cells). Lead can also affect a child’s developing brain.

The good news is that you can protect your family from lead poisoning. If you have kids between 6 months and 3 years of age, talk to your doctor about potential lead sources in your house or anywhere they spend long periods of time.

And it’s important for kids to get tested for lead exposure at age 1 and again at age 2, as many with lead poisoning don’t show any symptoms.

Why Is Lead Harmful?

When the body is exposed to lead — by being inhaled, swallowed, or in a small number of cases, absorbed through the skin — it can act as a poison. Exposure to high levels of lead in a short period of time is called acute toxicity. Exposure to small amounts of lead over a long period of time is called chronic toxicity.

Lead is particularly dangerous because once it gets into a person’s system, it is distributed throughout the body just like helpful minerals such as iron, calcium, and zinc. And lead can cause harm wherever it lands in the body. In the bloodstream, for example, it can damage red blood cells and limit their ability to carry oxygen to the organs and tissues that need it, thus causing anemia.

Most lead ends up in the bone, where it causes even more problems. Lead can interfere with the production of blood cells and the absorption of calcium that bones need to grow healthy and strong. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth, muscle contraction, and nerve and blood vessel function.

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