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.

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.

50- Assorted Band-Aids, 1- Adhesive Tape 1″x5yds, 2- Abdominal Pad 8″x10″, 4- Gauze Pads 4″x4″, 6- Cotton Tip Applicator 3″, 2- Pressure dressing – Sterile 4″x6″, 4- Triangle Bandage, 2- Tension Bandage 3″

30- Wet-nap Hand Cleaner, 12- Antiseptic Towels, 1- Bandage Scissors 5 1/2″, 1- Splinter Forceps 4 1/2″, 1- Cold Pack, 12- Gloves, Pocket Mask With Soft Nylon case

1-Splinter forceps 4 1/2″, 2- 24-Antiseptic Towelettes, 30-Hand Cleaner, 100-Assorted Band-Aids, 6-Gauze pads 4″x 4″ 2/pkg, 4-Pressure dressing 4″x 6″ elastic tails, 2-Tensor bandage 3″, 1-Adhesive tape l” x 5yrd.

4-Surgi pads 8″x 10″, 6-Triangular bandage, 1-Bandage scissors 51/2″, tip applicators 6″ 6/pkg, 1-Pocket Mask C/W one way valve, 6pr Nitrile gloves, 1-Accident record book, 1-Cold kompress instant, 1-Pencil, Pocket Mask 

BC-Level 2 First Aid Kit (Bag & Contents)

24-Antiseptic towelettes, 150-Assorted bandaids, 6-Gauze pads 4″x 4″ 2/pkg, 4-Pressure dressing 4″x 6″ elastic tails, 12-Triangular bandage, 6-Surgi pads 8″x 10″, 2-Adhesive tape l”x Syrd, 2-Adhesive tape 2″x 5yrd.

6-Tensor bandage 3″, 1-Saline solution 500ml., 1-Green soap 60ml, 1-Scissors universal all purpose, 1-Kelly Forceps 5.5″, 1-Pen lights disposable, 1-Esmarch Bandage, 6pr. gloves, 1-Pocket Mask C/W one way valve

1-Airways oral size 0-6 in each kit, 6-Patient assessment chart, 1-Accident record book, 1-Pencil, 1-Cold kompress instant, With Soft Nylon Case, Level 2 Complete – As Above Plus Bag Valve Mask 3 Blankets

Oxygen Therapy Kit

Level 2 Bag & Contents PLUS, Bag/Mask Resuscitator, Rescue-Vac Suction Unit, Oxygen therapy unit, 3 Blankets in zippered bag, Individual blanket

Please note that the Level 3 Kit is designated as Dangerous Goods and cannot be shipped by bus and certain other forms of transportation. Please inquire with us as to the best shipping method

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

Medical gloves are medical safety accessories that ensure sanitary hospital conditions by limiting patients’ exposure to infectious matter. They also serve to protect health professionals from disease through contact with bodily fluids.

Medical gloves are traditionally made of latex and powdered with cornstarch to lubricate the gloves, making them easier to don.^[1] Cornstarch replaced Lycopodium powder and/or talc but since cornstarch can also impede healing if it gets into tissues (as during surgery), non-powdered gloves are being used more often during surgery and other sensitive procedures. Special manufacturing processes are used to compensate for the lack of powder.

There are two main types of gloves: exam, and surgical. Surgical gloves have more precise sizing (numbered sizing, generally from size 5.5 to size 9), and are made to higher specifications.

Due to the increasing rate of latex allergy among health professionals as well as in the general population, there has been an increasing move to gloves made of non-latex materials such as vinyl or nitrile rubber; Chemical processes may also be employed to reduce the amount of antigenic protein in Hevea latex, resulting in alternative Hevea-based materials such Vytex Natural Rubber Latex. However, these gloves have not yet replaced latex gloves in surgical procedures, as gloves made of alternate materials generally do not fully match the fine control or greater sensitivity to touch available with latex surgical gloves. High-grade non-latex gloves such as nitrile gloves also cost twice as much, or more than the price of their latex counterparts, a fact that has often prevented switching to these alternate materials in cost-sensitive environments, such as many hospitals.^[3]

Powder-free medical gloves are also used in medical cleanroom environments, where the need for cleanliness is often similar to that in a sensitive medical environment.^{[citation needed]} Similar but specially tested gloves are used in electronics cleanrooms.

Kelowna First Aid Training – courses – class ( Vernon,Penticton,Kamloops,Kelowna, Oyama,Oliver BC )

Still a few spots available, Make your family safer , by taking the number one course for family and emergency situations.

University students needing standard first aid; we can arrange a letter of enrollment don’t delay!!

Register now; 2508786690

http://www.okanaganfirstaid.com