Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

MAY 20 – 26 IS EMS WEEK – THANKS TO THESE HEROES!

National EMS Week 2012 is May 20 – May 26, with Wednesday, May 23 – Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Day. This year’s theme is “EMS:  More Than A Job. A Calling,” and is sponsored by the American College of Emergency Physicians.

There are many great ideas and opportunities during National EMS Week, so start today to plan a great week to not only thank our EMTs & Medics but to promote safety to the community!   EMS Week was developed to bring together local communities and medical personnel in an effort to publicize safety and honor the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services of medicine’s “front line” and is strongly supported by American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) .  This is the week to educate the public.  The public should realize “who” EMS personnel are and what they, as citizens, can do to help support us. It is time for “us” (EMS field providers and organizations) to claim our week to make the public safer!

 “EMS Week is very important for us,” says Chris Stevens, PIO for Emergency Medical Services Authority’s (EMSA) Eastern Division in Tulsa, Okla. “It gives us an opportunity to bring what we do into the public’s eye. I’m always surprised by how many people think all we do is put people in the back of ambulances and drive fast to the hospital. We need to let them know paramedics and EMTs bring care and lifesaving service to patients as soon as we make contact with them.”

Emergency Medical Services, known more commonly as EMS, is a public safety service, as essential as police and fire services.  EMS is easily recognized when one sees emergency vehicles or helicopters responding to incidents in the community, but it is, in fact, much more. It is an intricate system of agencies and organizations; communications and transportation networks; trauma systems, as well as hospitals, trauma centers, and specialty care centers; rehabilitation facilities; and highly trained professionals—including volunteer and career pre-hospital personnel, physicians, nurses, therapists, administrators, government officials, and an informed public that knows what to do in a medical emergency. Each component in the EMS system has an essential job to perform as part of a coordinated system of care.

Responding to medical emergencies is the responsibility of local emergency medical services (EMS) systems. They represent a coordinated effort among many different organizations to deliver the best possible medical care to all patients.   Local communities use the EMS system model to design their own EMS system, using local resources to fill local needs. For instance, pre-hospital care, (one component of an EMS system), may be provided by a volunteer rescue squad, a hospital-based ambulance service, a fire department, a commercial ambulance service, or others.  We should appreciate all the Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, and Emergency Physicians and Nurses for their dedication to saving lives.  Thanks to these skilled persons who are on call 24/7, ready to serve.

 

Sources: American College of Emergency Physicians; BruNotes, Davesems

 

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW PHYSICALLY FIT ARE YOUR EMPLOYEES?

It’s never too late for us to focus on developing and maintaining a fit and healthy workforce.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, regular physical activity can help control body weight, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, improve brain function and moods, and strengthen bones and muscles.  Unless you work at a gym, are an athlete, or serve in the military, chances are some of your workforce is not as physically fit as others. 

So, what are you doing about it?  Depending on the size of the company, there are many things that can help employees become and remain stronger and healthier.  Luckily, in my experience working at a hospital, there were many services offered to the employees; things such as annual health fairs for employees and the public for various screenings, including cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose checks, and other health risk assessments.  There was also a cardiac center, where employees could use the equipment during times that patients were not present.  Our registered dietician conducted healthy food classes for employees, as well as patients that had experienced heart problems. 

If you are considering establishing a fitness program for your employees, first of all, you should conduct a survey to see how many are interested in participating.  Next, select a wellness committee to assume various duties, such as furnishing healthy snacks, and contacting outside health care personnel to present workshops.  You may already have an employee that is certified to teach First Aid Classes and C.P.R.  Search within your company to see which personnel can assume leadership roles by making it fun for all participants. 

Yoga, even 10-minute breaks at the workplace, can help a person escape from the stress of work.  Stress management “coaches” can teach techniques to relax and decompress from the strains both at work and home.  

Other ways to help your employees become more active, especially those whose jobs are sitting at a desk all day, are encouraging them to walk to discuss something with a coworker, rather than using email; take the stairs rather than elevator, and stand while talking on the phone.  Workers can get more exercise also by parking farther away from the building, getting off the bus earlier than the regular stop, and participating on a company sports team.  Get a group of workers together to take a lunch walk. 

Does your company encourage smoking cessation?  If not, this is a good time to start.  How about having contests between departments to bring healthy snacks every once in a while, rather than cookies, cakes, and all the good stuff?  Things such as fruit, nuts, cereals, yogurt, healthy muffins, and vegetables are much better for us all.  See which group comes up with the best ideas.

Workplace safety is a very important aspect of success in every workplace.  Does your workforce know what to do in case of an emergency?  Are there eyewash stations, and first aid supplies within the range of areas where they may be needed?  If not, now’s the time to get started on encouraging cooperation among workers to get healthy and stay that way, and be prepared in case of an emergency.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

NO MORE DOG BITES, PLEASE!

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In the United States last year, 4.7 million people were bitten by dogs, with children being by far the most common victims, and the most likely to be severely injured.    Over 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites annually – with 400,000 victims being children.  The U.S. Postal Service reports that around 2,500 mail carriers are included in those statistics.  The next-most common victims of dog bites are senior citizens.  The American Veterinary Medical Association is teaming up with the U.S. Postal Service and American Academy of Pediatrics to sponsor the 18th annual National Dog Bite Prevention Week, (May 14-20),  in hopes of educating the public on how best to prevent dog bites. 

A dog’s mouth can deliver from 150 to 450 pounds of pressure.  Imagine if the mouth with its strong sharp teeth is latched on your arm or your leg. A dog’s bite can cause deep punctures and big lacerations. It can also cause broken bones and may damage the muscles and the tendons.  Naturally, these kinds of wounds would bleed profusely.  That is why it is so important to understand the importance of preventing dog bites. 

Here are some interesting facts from experts that will help us understand the nature of dogs, and what may cause them to bite, particularly, a child.

  • Children are dog height, and may be loud and unpredictable.  When a child screams and runs, it may seem like prey to a dog.
  • If dogs are not socialized around children, they are often less tolerant and can be caught off guard by their behaviors.  Carefully select your pet, and make sure it is socialized as a young puppy so it is at ease with other people and animals.
  • Dogs have some degree of tolerance, but may reach their threshold of patience quickly.  Do not tease them.
  • Human behaviors that children may do around dogs, i.e., hug, kiss, and make eye contact are offensive to dogs, especially if they do not know the child.
  • Signs of discomfort by a dog are: turning away, yawning, licking their lips, ears back, hair bristled up, then a growl or snap. 

Here are some basic safety tips to teach and review with your children often.  It’s good advice for adults, as well:

  • Do not scream or run from a dog – remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not approach a dog that is alone in a fence, car, or on a chain. If you own a dog, be sure the fenced yard and gates are secure.
  • Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
  • Do not bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or taking care of puppies.
  • Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., “be still like a log”).
  • Try to throw a jacket, purse, or anything to distract him from you in the event of being attacked. 
  • Treat your pet with respect.
  • Never leave a small child alone with a dog.
  • Dogs must be vaccinated regularly.  Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the nervous system when bitten by a rabid animal.  Vaccination is a simple way to protect your pets and family.

When someone is bitten by a dog, here’s what to do:

  1. If the dog’s owner is present, request proof of rabies vaccination, and get the owner’s name and contact information.
  2. Clean the bite wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
  3. Consult your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if it’s after office hours.
  4. Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check vaccination records.

It is important to distribute this information to the public; however, please don’t get the idea that all dogs bite!  There are around 67 million great dogs out there!  It’s up to owners to teach them how to socialize, to see that they are spayed or neutered, and keep their shots current.  They make wonderful companions, and love their owners unconditionally.  I can’t imagine life without a dog.   Appreciate your pets and train your dogs to behave!  Most important of all, monitor your dog when children are around.  No one wants to see anyone suffer from a dog bite! 

Source: AVMA

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Uncategorized

TEN RULES TO AVOID DOMESTIC ACCIDENTS – GUEST POST

10 Rules to Avoid Domestic Accidents

Domestic accidents are an integral part of our lives and one cannot ignore them completely. Especially when you have small children in your house and a lot of clutter as well, you must expect some form of contingencies in your house. The best way to prevent such accidents is to exercise caution where you can. Many times, adults too fall victim to domestic accidents. Besides implementing appropriate steps to avoid such accidents, also maintain a complete first aid box to provide immediate medical attention to the person.

In this article we will tell you 10 rules to avoid domestic accidents so your loved ones are safe:

1. Avoid Too Much Clutter at Home

The more your house is cluttered, the greater are the chances that anyone could face contingencies. This happens because things are not organized and are thus placed at the wrong places. For example, scissors on your bed or over your sofa can be equally dangerous for both children and adults.

2. Keep Dangerous Items Out Of Reach of Children

Dangerous items include sharp items, glass items, cleaners, chemicals, blades, sharp tools, match boxes etc. Children are not aware of the consequences of the wrong use of these items and your absence can be very dangerous.

3. Keep the Garage Closed At All Times

Garages should be kept closed at all times of the day when no one’s around since it has equipment, tools, flammable liquid and maybe chemicals that can be dangerous for any one including adults who do not know the correct usage of such things.

4. Ensure the Pool Area Is Fenced

This is really important when you have small children in your house. Install fences so that even if your child strolls around, there is no danger of him/her drowning in the pool.

5. Keep Away Sharp Objects in the Kitchen Out Of Reach

Children make their way inside kitchens very easily and you cannot shun them always, instead keep away sharp objects away and do not leave them on counter-tops and tables.

6. Never Let Your Children Come Near the Gas Oven or Hold Knobs

Gas ovens alone account for a high number of domestic accidents. Keep your child away from gas ovens and gas knobs. Tell them it’s very dangerous right away so they do not come into contact with them even if you are away.

7. Keep Glass Bottles, Frames and Mirrors at Safe Places

Take off even slightly scratched glass from your coffee table, dining table, picture frames etc. These can be equally dangerous for both adults and children.

8. Arrange Your Glass Furniture and Decoration Pieces Wisely

Arrange glass furniture and decoration pieces wisely as anyone might knock over them. Avoid placing heavy glass at low levels in smaller settings.

9. Do Not Leave Your Children Alone In Bathrooms

Children love playing with water and everyone else does too, but doing so in a bathtub in the bathroom can be fatal as well!

10. Keep Your Store Room Locked Away

Store rooms are hardly ever very clean and organized. Mostly, people keep them full of old furniture, and things that can be potentially harmful in storerooms. A storeroom full of such items is surely a great threat for anyone.

 

Andrew works in the healthcare industry distributing daily living aids and bathroom aids. As part of his job, Andrew has gained experience on the risk of domestic accidents and how to avoid then.  (We at Blog4Safety appreciate Andrew’s advice on avoiding accidents in our homes. 

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

SAFETY ADVICE FOR PARENTS OF YOUNG ATHLETES

All safety observances are important – one deserves as much attention as the other.  The month of April recognizes many, and today we want to focus on two of them.  April is National Youth Sports Safety Month, as well as Sports Eye Safety Month.  It seems fitting that we can talk about both of them today. 

Last September, the National Youth Sports Health and Safety Institute was launched.  The executive director of this institute is Michael Bergeron, Ph.D., FACSM.  Dr. Bergeron states, “there has been a disturbing trend in the youth sports industry – we are seeing an increase in injuries that have never been seen before in children and teens: over-use/stress-induced, and concussions.  Over the last two months, 14 kids have already died – half from heat-related causes, the other half from cardiac issues; it used to be that 2-3 kids died each year.  Something needs to change.”  The goals of this program include collecting research, developing new education strategies and educating parents, coaches, trainers, and physicians.  

Four “pillars” that will come under the Institute:

  • Unique Clinical Conditions in Youth Athletic Populations (e.g., Type 1 diabetes, eating disorders, sudden cardiac trauma)
  • Concussion/mild traumatic brain injury
  • Heat illness and injury
  • Overuse/overload and injury risk. 

Other Sports Injury Facts from the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and Safe Kids USA: 

  • More than half of all sports injuries happen at practice.  Despite this fact, one-third of parents often do not take the same safety precautions during their child’s practices as they would for a game.
  • More than 3.5 million children ages 14 and under receive medical treatment for sports injuries annually.
  • Injuries associated with sports and recreational activities account for 21 percent of all traumatic brain injuries among children in the United States.
  • Overuse injury is responsible for almost half of all sports injuries to middle and high school students.  Immature bones, insufficient rest after an injury and poor training or conditioning contribute to overuse injuries among children.
  • Children ages 5 to 14 account for almost 40 percent of all sports-related injuries treated in hospital emergency departments.  The rate and severity of sports-related injury increases with a child’s age. 

Sports Eye Safety Information: 

In the United States,  more than 100,000 physician visits per year are because of eye injuries from sports.  Basketball and baseball cause the most eye injuries, followed by water sports and racket sports.  The American Academy of Pediatrics and American Academy of Opthalmology strongly recommend protective eyewear for all participants in sports where there is risk of eye injury.  Appropriate protective eyewear for sports should be chosen after consultation from an ophthalmologist, optometrist, optician, physician or athletic trainer.  Only two types of eyewear are satisfactory for sports protective eyewear:

  1. Safety sports eyewear that conforms to the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard F803 for selected sports.
  2. Sports eyewear that is attached to a helmet or for sports in which ASTM standard F803 is inadequate; those include specifications for youth baseball batters and base runners, paintball, skiing, and ice hockey.  Other protectors with specific standards are available for football and men’s lacrosse. 

Parents and athletes should know about the risks associated with playing sports and the availability of a variety of certified sports eye protectors.  

Important Advice for Coaches and Parents: 

Most coaches in youth sports are volunteers.  It is important that at least one coach has training in CPR.  There should also be a first aid kit handy, just in case of an accident.  It is important for parents and coaches to remember that first of all, sports should be fun for the kids.  Many times, too much pressure is put on kids to excel in their choice of sport.  Ninety-five percent of youths who play sports in high school are through with sports when they graduate.  Only five percent of student athletes go on to play college sports.  

Nothing pleases a child more than having their parents and grandparents watch them participate in sports, music, or whatever their chosen activity is.  Support them and be sure that if they are playing sports, all safety measures are taken;  most of all, have fun!

Sources: Fox News; National Eye Institute (Unite for Sight); National Center for Sports Safety

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety

SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR CRANE OPERATORS AND LIFTING CREWS

About the authors:
Pat Brownlee writes for Blog4Safety.com, a part of Texas America Safety Company, (tasco-safety.com), who wishes to share safety advice. Texas America Safety Company has been in the safety supply business for over twenty years, serving the world with quality safety products. Our phone number is 800-646-5346 or 325-646-5346.
Nathan Gladwin is the business development manager of Harold Potter Ltd.  They provide lifting equipment, heavy duty cranes and overhead cranes for construction, manufacturing and industry in the United Kingdom.  Their website is haroldpotter.co.uk.  Our phone number is  01159-838-111.  In this piece, two companies come together as experts within their respective fields to discuss the safety requirements and protective equipment that crane operators and heavy lifting crews should be deploying to reduce and minimise the dangers and inherent risks of working within heavy industry.

Accidents keep happening every day, often due to someone’s irresponsibility. It isn’t surprising to learn that cranes at construction sites, drilling rigs, and mines are popular places for serious injuries, and sometimes death. If Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, had been used, possibly these accidents could have been prevented, or at best, less serious injuries may have occurred.

Nathan: “One of the tasks I perform every Friday morning is to see what news and developments are happening in our industry, this often finds me encountering health and safety incidents and accidents at work involving cranes. It’s important to know the mistakes others are making so that we can adequately address the needs of our customers.  Due to the sheer number of silly accidents and fatalities I decided to seek out opportunities to speak about personal protective (PPE) and safety equipment that in our opinion should be issued to crane operators and lifting crews working within heavy industry.”

There is much responsibility for crane companies to train their operators and ground crews to go about their business as safely as possible. In the United States, OSHA requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce employee exposure to hazards. The lifting, maneuvering and moving of heavy loads means the chances of impact or collisions are quite likely at some point.

Pat: “Flame resistant clothing, gloves, head protection, eyewear and protective footwear are all examples of PPE. The particular job hazards will dictate the type of PPE that is needed for a certain crane project. All protective clothing and equipment should be appropriate and specific for the job and the potential hazards. Workers must always ensure that their PPE is clean and functional. In the case it is damaged, they should return it to their supervisor for replacement.”

Nathan: “It’s often not a question of if, but when it will happen. A hard hat will protect you from knocks or impacts that would cause concussion or may potentially result in a death. It’s not just swinging loads; people have been seriously hurt and injured from tripping into hardened or blunt stationary objects.”

Pat: “Yes, operators should wear a hardhat; most hardhats have the capability for face shields or other safety products to be attached as necessary.”

Can you give us an example as to how and why hard hats should always be worn? Do you find people are complacent about their own health and safety?

Nathan: “A particularly memorable example that comes to mind is that of a bizarre death involving a crane operator carrying out lifting at a cargo port. The straps that were used to secure a load of heavy steel were either not suitable for the job or were possibly fatigued and in a state of disrepair. In any case, the straps buckled under pressure and a metal bolt was projected at high velocity striking the operator in the head. This sadly concluded with the operators’ death. A hard hat may have saved his life.”

Pat: “…yes, it was too hot, or too uncomfortable, on and on. Now, manufacturers and designers have designed protective clothing, safety glasses, and gloves that fit small persons, large persons, and women, who usually require smaller clothing. So, there’s really no good excuse for not wearing your PPE.”

Nathan: “As a crane operator, there will be something to meet the specific environment you work in. PPE and hi-vis clothing comes available in everything from light waist coats, pants, coveralls to extreme all weather suits and jackets.”
Is some PPE more important than others?

Pat: “We believe all PPE is vital, so it’s hard to classify which one is the most important. First aid kits should be available – both in the crane and on the ground. Gloves that are good for gripping gears should be used, and if necessary, there are flame resistant coveralls, jackets, etc. Fire equipment should also be on board.”

Nathan: “…It can be heart sinking to discover missing kits or whereby they have not been replenished over time when they’re needed. It’s not really possible to answer what’s most important, as the risk will be different dependent upon the situation or project.”

Pat: “For eye protection, there are impact resistant safety glasses, goggles, and over-the-glasses safety glasses. Most workers want to wear good safety shoes, ones that have steel-toes, (unless they work around electricity), and that will equally keep them safe from slips, trips and falls.

What would you recommend for specific roles within lifting crews?

Pat: “For the signalers, who know all safety regulations pertaining to cranes and the work that is being performed, hardhats would be a must. Regulations allow only one person to be the signaler, being sure the operator acknowledges every signal, and maintains constant sight with the operator. Signalers are to stop the operation at once if communication with the crane operator is lost.”

The laws of gravity govern that what goes up must come down; the question of how to stay safe will be on many peoples’ minds when in close proximity to or involved in such activity.

Nathan: “Safety shoes, boots or trainers of the sufficient safety grade will prevent your feet from getting crushed, and it’s never nice to hear about how someone had to have a foot or limb amputated when simple equipment can make all the difference.”

Pat: “For those who are part of boom assembly or disassembly, and working on tower cranes, OSHA requires the use of fall arrest systems when working at an unsafe height.”

Cranes and lifting equipment are used in all sorts of challenging locations such as shipping ports, dry-docks, drilling rigs, building and construction sites or manufacturing workshops. I imagine being able to clearly hear a persons’ voice over the background noise can be challenging even when conditions are ideal. How do people stay safe in these conditions?

Nathan: “If you cannot be heard, then it’s imperative that you can be seen! Much of today’s modern and robust safety clothing and garments feature high visibility materials and fabrics, reflective surfaces and dyed in bright colours. They are of course the iconic sign that you work in industry and you’re to be taken seriously. You backup your chances of remaining safe in dangerous or hazardous conditions by ensuring if that you’re not always sharp to seeing a potential threat, that at least someone else can be looking out for you.”

Pat: “The rest of the crew should be wearing hi-visibility vests or jackets, hardhats, gloves, and safety glasses. The use of hi-visibility hardhats, vests, and gloves would be very important in these situations. There are gloves that have bright colors, and unless this interferes with the hand signals they give the crane operator, this would be helpful.”

What are your concluding thoughts?

Nathan: “We can be sure PPE isn’t an outright replacement for common sense, intelligence and foresight thinking; however it does in fact compliment this extremely well and will prevent companies from experiencing the negative repercussions.”

Pat: “Training is the main key to a successful crew. We are in agreement with the statement you made that PPE isn’t an outright replacement for acting properly.   In case of emergencies, the employer should know that the crews are well-trained in CPR, first aid, and emergency response. Operating any type of heavy equipment is a huge responsibility, with others depending on the operator’s skill and knowledge of safety.”

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

NATIONAL WINDOW SAFETY WEEK APRIL 1 – 7

There are so many health and safety observations for the month of April, it will keep us busy to describe them all.  April 1-7 is National Window Safety Week, sponsored by the National Safety Council.  The Window Safety Task Force of the NSC reminds parents that windows play a vital role in our homes, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if the appropriate safety measures are not taken.   Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children.  Children may climb up on furniture to reach the window, and fall out.  It is important that when windows are kept open for ventilation, such as these pretty spring days, there’s no furniture close by that they can access a window.  One study revealed that more than 5,000 kids fall out of windows every year, suffering injuries that can be severe. 

The Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has spearheaded industry and consumer-oriented programs dealing with screen safety issues.  SMA’s “Kids Can’t Fly” programs have gained national recognition in promoting the concept that screens are designed to furnish ventilation and keep insects out – they are not designed to keep small children in!   Children should also be taught not to play near open windows or around patio doors.  A fall through a glass door can cause a serious injury, or be fatal. 

Windows also play a vital role in home safety.  They serve as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency.  Legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring specific windows be designated as points of escape.  The size and placement of windows designated  for escape in a residence are also governed by building codes.  The ability to easily open widows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escaping through a window.  Many persons have died in their own burning homes, because of sealing their windows shut to prevent break-ins or worse, in dangerous neighborhoods.  This is a tragedy, when people’s safety is so threatened.  If you need more security for your home, call your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement, such as security bars, grilles or grates, that have a functioning release mechanism. 

Plan a strategic window in each sleeping and living area that will meet escape and rescue requirements.  Plant shrubs or grass beneath the windows, that could furnish a more cushioned landing space, just in case.  Every family should have an emergency escape plan.  Teach your children that a window can save their life in the event of a fire.  Practice this plan regularly.  They are taught things about fire safety at school, as well, but if you prepare them for action at home, they will understand the importance of exiting the house the right way. 

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy in every home.  Keep it stocked with the right supplies for every scenario, from scrapes and cuts to over-the-counter medications.  Remember, keep your windows locked when you shut them.  Don’t invite trouble.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

POISON PREVENTION WEEK – MARCH 18 – 24TH

Congratulations to the Poison Prevention Week Council, marking  their 50th anniversary this year !  An act of Congress was signed into law on September 16, 1961, by President John Kennedy, after which the Poison Prevention Week Council was organized to coordinate this annual event.  Congress designated this event as a means for local communities to raise awareness of the dangers of unintentional poisonings and to take such preventive measures as the dangers warrant. 

There are two basic themes – “Children Act Fast ….So Do Poisons!”  and “Poisoning Spans a Lifetime.”  It is up to parents to watch when household chemicals or drugs are in the home.  An adult may be distracted by the phone or doorbell; but parents know that small children act fast, so they should make sure that all medicines and household chemicals are stored away from children at all times.  In addition to knowing most emergency numbers, the Poison Control Center is 1-800-222-1222.  Keep this number near your phone, and have the following information ready:

  • Age and weight of the victim.
  • Existing health conditions and/or problems.
  • Substance involved and how it contacted the person.  Was it swallowed, inhaled, absorbed through skin contact, or splashed into the eyes? How long ago did they swallow or inhale the substance?
  • Any first aid you may have given.
  • If the person has vomited.
  • Your location, and how long it will take you to get to a hospital.

If medicine has been swallowed, do not give anything by mouth until advised by your poison control center.  If chemicals or household products have been swallowed, call the poison control center or follow the first aid instructions on the label. 

Medications:  Child-Resistant Packaging 

Labeling requirements and educational programs have had some effect in reducing the number of childhood ingestions; however,  some children are still being poisoned by ingesting hazardous household products.  Although child-resistant packaging does provide an additional barrier, children may try to figure out different ways of opening the container.  If  their fingers don’t work, their teeth might.  

The Poison Prevention Packaging Act requires that packages be difficult for children under 5 years of age to open.  (I’ve found some pretty hard to open, too)!  Here are good instructions that make it easier for us adults to open the packaging, as well as other safety tips:

  1. Read the instructions to make it easier to open the packaging.  (If you need reading glasses, keep a pair handy by your medicine cabinet).
  2. If using cap and vial packages, be sure to resecure the closure tightly.  Blister cards never have to be resecured; however, don’t transfer the contents to other containers.
  3. Do not leave loose pills anywhere.
  4. Keep medicines and household products (even those with safety caps) locked up and out of sight.
  5. Use locks or child-resistant latches to secure storage areas.
  6. It’s wise for adults to ask for their medicines in child-resistant vials because poisonings have happened when youngsters have visited homes where no children live.  Little ones have been poisoned after finding medicine containers left in purses or on bedside tables. 
  7. Avoid taking medicine in front of children.  Always refer to medicine as “medicine,” and not “candy.” 

Even though most medicines are packaged in tamper-evident packaging, they are not tamper-proof.  Each consumer must be alert for the packaging to be protective.  You should always read the label and inspect the outer packaging.  If anything about the product looks suspicious, you should be suspicious.  If there are tablets or capsules that differ in any way, don’t take them.  Never take medicine in the dark.  Read the label and look at the medicine every time you take a dose.  If you suspect something wrong with a medicine or packaging, take it to the store manager. 

If you think someone has been poisoned from a medicine or household chemical, call 1-800-222-1222 for your Poison Control Center.  This national toll-free number works from anyplace in the United States (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).  Keep the number on your phone.  It will connect you to a poison control center.  There are currently 61 Poison Centers across the country that maintain information for the doctor or the public on recommended treatment for the ingestion of household products and medicines.  They are familiar with the toxicity (how poisonous it is) of most substances found in the home, or know how to find this information.   We hope this never happens to you or your family or friends, but it is vital information to have.

Source: Poison Prevention Control.org

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

PHARMACY SAFETY AND SERVICE

Most of us visit our pharmacies on a regular basis – if you don’t, you are very healthy,  and lucky!  We depend on our pharmacist to ensure that the medications we take are safe.  First, how on earth they are able to read the doctor’s prescription is amazing!  (I used to wonder if they taught doctors how to write in some unintelligible script while they were in medical school).   Pharmacists and their technicians must understand the doctor’s order, enter it accurately into the computer record, identify potential problems with the prescription that the physician may have missed, pick the correct drug and strength from their supply, and place the drug in a container that has been correctly labeled for the drug.  Most pharmacies use a system of checks and double checks designed to help optimize the safety of patients.  It is also the responsibility of the patient to double check that you are taking the right dose of the right drug at the right time, in the correct way.  It is your duty to read the instructions that your pharmacist gives you, along with your prescription.  Here are some other tips about medications and your safety: 

  • Make sure that your doctor has provided enough refills until your next visit.  Prescriptions and refills are valid for one year.
  • Call ahead for refills.  It should be ready within 24 hours or less.
  • Be sure your pharmacist knows all the other medications and over-the-counter drugs you take.  He /she can identify potential drug interactions.
  • Check your medications to be sure they are imprinted with some identifying marks.
  • If you take certain drugs over a long period of time, know what each one looks like.
  • Some generic pills are all white and look alike, so be sure you look closely to ensure you aren’t taking two of the same pill.
  • Confirm your child’s medication dose with your child’s doctor and/or pharmacist.  Most drugs’ dosages are based on weight and pediatric medications are at high risk for dosage errors.
  • Be sure you understand why your physician prescribed every medication you take.
  • Know the brand name (the name given to a medication by the manufacturer), and the generic name (the chemical name of the medication.)
  • Many times your pharmacist can confirm any side effects you may experience.  (This is usually on the printout he gives you, but call him/her to be on the safe side.)

 Be especially careful when dispensing medicine to small children.  Pay attention to any recalls of pediatric medications, as it does happen.  Keep medicines out of the reach of children, and pets.  A curious kitty or pup can get into things that can be harmful to them.  Our grandpug, Truman, knocked over a bottle of dog pills one time, and all five dogs had to be taken to the vet; three had to have their stomachs pumped!  Truman isn’t too trustworthy, he’s sweet, but he gets into things that are not his business. 

Keep a list of your medications and the times of day you take each medication.  This drug list and schedule for doses is critical in keeping your medications organized.  The use of a pill holder really helps for a daily schedule.  

Lastly, every place of business should have first aid kits available, and over-the-counter medicines stocked for headaches, and other minor aches and pains, as well as bandages, etc.  Texas America Safety Company (www.tasco-safety.com) has the very supplies that can complete your first aid needs for your employees.  Mention you read this blog article, and receive 5% off your purchase! 

Source: (NPSF) The National Patient Safety Foundation has been pursuing one mission since its founding in 1997 – to improve the safety of care provided to patients and is a central voice for safety.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAKE OUR HEALTHCARE SAFER

We are midway through National Patient Safety Awareness Week, an important observance to remind us all that we, as patients, must do what we can to stay safe when we are in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital.  Mistakes do happen, and may seem small, but it all adds up to the saying, “the worst place to be if you are sick – a hospital”.  We know that many lives are saved by treatment and surgeries that were unimaginable years ago; however, there have been patients who have been harmed by medical errors.  If this happens, it is often a result of a series of small failures that are individually not big enough to cause an accident, but combined can result in an error.  Patients must become involved and informed about their treatment.  Everyone has a role in patient safety, and all will benefit from its successes when patients and caregivers communicate more effectively.

Here are some suggestions from the National Patient Safety Foundation:

  • Keep track of your history: Include medical conditions you have, allergies, hospitalizations, etc.
  • Have the names of your pharmacy, doctors, and clinics ready for quick references.
  • Become a more informed health care consumer: seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurance coordinator.
  • Work with your doctor and other health care professionals as a team: give up to date information to everyone who is treating you.  Be sure you understand the care and treatment you will be receiving.
  • Pay attention.  If something doesn’t seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or health care professional.
  • Involve a family member or friend in your care.  If you are not able to observe or participate fully in your care, ask a family member or friend to help you.  Everyone should have an advocate – a friend or family member, especially for check-in and discharge or doctor’s visits.
  • If you have to be in the hospital, bring a notebook with a list of your medications.  If questions arise, write them down.  Take a big bottle of hand sanitizer, and place it by your bed to remind you and the staff to keep hands clean.
  • Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your doctor.  Ask questions about any instructions that are confusing or unclear.  Take medications exactly as prescribed.  Report anything unusual to your doctor.

Infections can occur after many types of medical procedures.  This is particularly true if you have surgery.  My husband contracted a Strep B infection after hip surgery, which required six weeks of home health care.  Staph infections are very serious and difficult to get over, so both the patient and staff must take all precautions to not allow an infection.

Remember, you are your best advocate when it comes to your health.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you didn’t understand the first time.  Especially when in the hospital, and you have waited for the doctor to make rounds, have your questions ready so you won’t forget important things to ask.  Our hospitals are there to help restore us to good health.  They are making strides to correct errors that have been made in the past.  Many times our lives may be in the hands of nurses and physicians.  It is only right to hope for the best care possible.