Category Archives: First Aid Safety

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

MEDICAL EMERGENCIES IN THE WORKPLACE- ARE YOU READY?

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Medical emergencies vary greatly, depending on types of job, disaster, and the work site.  Oilfield workers, heavy equipment workers, etc. are exposed to different safety risks than those who work in food service, warehouses, or offices.  No matter what type of occupation is involved, all employers should have an Emergency Action Plan in place.
Employers should include their workers in the planning process: ask for their ideas about proper emergency responses.    After the plan is developed, review it with employees to be sure everyone knows what to do during and after an emergency.

Steps to follow in planning for medical emergencies:

  • Offer and encourage employees to have proper CPR and First Aid Training.  The American Red Cross, local safety councils, or local medical personnel are willing to provide this training.
  • Have personnel records of all employees’ emergency contacts readily available.  This information should be stored with other vital records in your emergency kit, and at another off-site location as well.
  • Encourage employees to disclose any medical condition that might require special attention during an emergency.
  • Keep First Aid Kits in stock and readily accessible.  Consult with a physician to instruct you on the proper supplies needed.
  • Locate the nearest medical facility near your work site.
  • Contact a local ambulance service to ensure emergency transportation is readily available.

Again, communicating with your employees in the planning of emergency action plans will result in a smoother, successful outcome for anyone in need of medical attention.  It is the responsibility of employers to put safety first in their workplace; however, if all workers play a part in helping a co-worker in a time of medical necessity, all the planning and preparation is worthwhile!

OSHA

First Aid Safety, Uncategorized

HEADACHES, WHAT A PAIN!

There’s probably no one on the planet that hasn’t experienced a headache from time to time.
Did you know there are five classifications of them?

  • Vascular – Migraine, which occur more frequently in women, and Cluster, which are experienced more often in men.
  • Myogenic – These headaches are more muscular, tightening or tensing facial and neck muscles.  Tension is the most common type of myogenic headache.
  • Cervicogenic – Can be from a disorder of the neck; anatomical structures innervated by cervical roots C-1, C-3.
  • Traction – Symptoms of other disorders. Causes range from sinus infection to stroke.
  • Inflammatory – Also caused by other disorders, with the same cause range, sinus to stroke.

Many headaches respond to simple analgesia such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen.  When sufferers have more recurring headaches, some medical professionals recommend keeping a “headache diary”.  By making entries on the type of headache and other aggravating factors, a pattern may be revealed that would help treat the cause, thereby preventing headaches from returning.  Sometimes caffeine is recommended to supplement pain killers.

Helping you to cope with and understand headaches can be Step #1 to a healthier you!

Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Protective Clothing

HUNTERS, BE READY!

As fall approaches, so does hunting season!  Sportsmen and sportswomen who enjoy hunting, camping, hiking or other activities need to be prepared for disease-causing bacteria that may be waiting for them.  According to Guy Moore, a wildlife biologist with Texas Department of State Health Services, “outdoor activities bring a greater risk of exposure to diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and other animals.”
Some of these germ carriers are:

  • Wild hogs, which can carry brucellosis, a bacterial disease.
  • Deer, which can transmit anthrax, a bacterium that can cause a severe, life-threatening disease in both animals and humans.
  • Fleas and some animals such as squirrels, cats, rats, prairie dogs, and mice can transmit plague to humans.
  • Mice can spread hantavirus infection to people.  They shed the virus in droppings, urine and saliva, and upon drying, these excretions can spread in the air on dust particles.
  • Ticks – an infected tick can cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Mosquitoes, of course, are a nuisance and can carry organisms that cause encephalitis and West Nile infection.
  • All warm-blooded animals are susceptible to rabies.  Skunks, bats, coyotes and foxes are known carriers of rabies.

If you are still determined to go out there and enjoy the outdoors, don’t let us discourage you.
Most of these illnesses are rare, with the exception of West Nile.  Just keep these reminders handy:

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after handling game.
  • Wear eye protection when dressing game.
  • Use insect repellents containing DEET.
  • Wear protective clothing, and light colored clothes so you can spot ticks.
  • Stay away from overgrown brush and tall grass if possible.
  • Do not touch antlers, bones, hides or other parts of dead animals.

Texas DSHS

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

TAKING THAT BIG STEP – COLLEGE!

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Thousands of students will soon start moving to the college of their choice, and there will be many things on their minds.  We have a few tips that will help make the move into that apartment or dorm room a little easier and safer:

  • Plan ahead.  Organize your move and take only the things you really need.
  • Get help:  most parents and friends will be happy to help you with your move, and any extra hands will get you settled in sooner.
  • Know how to lift properly, and don’t pack boxes too heavy.  Avoid back injuries.  No one wants to start new classes with a bad back, let alone miss all the campus activities!
  • Wear comfortable shoes.  It may sound funny, but when you get older, you will understand!
  • Don’t forget to take important records.  Having your medical information is important.
  • Take old phone numbers so you can still get in touch with folks back home.
  • If you are on medication, ask your physician to transfer your prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice.
  • Visit the city of your school early if possible, in order to familiarize yourself to new surroundings.
  • Be sure to pack a Survival Kit!  Non-perishable food, paper plates, bottled water, a few towels, linens, and pen and paper to list things you forgot, will come in handy until you have time to purchase groceries, and other items you need.
  • Remember to take a tool kit with the basics: hammer, nails, screwdriver, etc.  Pack flashlights, one for your room and one for your car.

One last thing, be sure to use the “Buddy System” when walking on campus at night.  Stay safe, and have a wonderful school year!

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

When Disaster strikes, Call Animal Control?

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Accidents and disasters such as storms or fires can, and usually do, happen without much warning.  Most of us have some sort of action plan made up, at least in our heads, of what to do in such situations.  Things such as escape routes, locations of first aid kits, safety areas in storms, etc.  But how many of us who own animals or pets have really thought about what to do concerning them during these times?

Before a disaster hits, a list of qualified animal rescuers should be developed to serve as first responders.  Only trained disaster personnel experienced in animal behavior should attempt to rescue animals, in this case, dogs.  Untrained volunteers should contact the designated animal control officer for assistance.  Some helpful tips for animal (dog) rescues:

  • Pets should be evacuated with their owners, if possible.
  • Always use extreme caution when approaching animals.
  • Attempts to capture distressed animals can be dangerous.
  • Some dogs may show aggressive behavior in desperate situations.
  • If the dog is afraid or in pain, he may show warning signs: ears up, hair on back standing up, barking and showing teeth.
  • Sometimes it is appropriate to use sedation.
  • Put something between you and the dog, such as a trash can lid.
  • Dog repellent may be used.
  • Wear appropriate bite-resistant gloves.
  • Maintain a first aid kit, properly equipped.
  • Carry flashlights to search for abandoned dogs.

We thank all the dedicated animal rescuers for their efforts in disastrous times.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

Are You Prepared For Accidental Injuries?

First Aid Kit

People can get hurt at home, on the job, in the car, at the park, or anywhere.

Do you have the proper materials to stop a serious bleed?

Do you have the right thing to give a person who has been stung by a bee or wasp?

What do you do if someone gets a foreign object in their eye?

If you don’t have the answer to these questions then you probably need to get a good first aid kit. First aid kits today contain a variety of different items for all types of injuries. Many of the larger kits will contain CPR masks, eye wash, instant cold packs, as well as large gauze pads for deep cuts in addition to the basic creams and bandages.

There are even smaller bag-type first aid kits that can easily be kept on the handles of a bicycle for the average tumble.

In a car accident, one of the most common causes of death is anoxia, which is the lack of oxygen supply. If you have a proper first aid kit with an instruction booklet on how to use the CPR equipment, you can save lives.

Whether you are in an area prone to earthquakes or tornados, first aid kits are essential for every walk of life and for every location in the world.

First Aid Safety, Uncategorized

IF YOU DON’T KNOW CPR, LEARN!

According to a study done by the University of Washington and Mickey Eisenberg, M.D., approximately 166,000 lives each year are lost (or 455 people per day), due to sudden cardiac arrest.
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in adults, most by persons with underlying heart disease.  In this instance, the heart goes from a normal heartbeat to a trembling rhythm called ventricular fibrillation, which happens in about 2/3 of cardiac arrests.  VF can be fatal, without defibrillation (electric shock) being given.   CPR doesn’t stop VF, but it extends the time in which defibrillation can be effective, and provides a small amount of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart, keeping these organs alive until defibrillation can shock the heart into a normal rhythm. A person has a 40% chance of survival if CPR is started within 4 minutes of collapse and defibrillation provided within 10 minutes.
Interesting facts regarding CPR:

  • Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was developed in the late 1950’s and 1960’s.  About the same time, chest compression was found also to benefit circulation.  Later in 1960, chest compression and mouth-to-mouth were combined to form CPR almost as it is practiced today.
  • Typical victims of cardiac arrest are women in their late 60’s and men in their early 60’s, occurring almost twice as often in men than women.
  • There has never been a case of HIV transmitted by mouth-to-mouth CPR.  However, TASCO has CPR microshield kits available with one-way ventilation tubes and shields for protection if the victim has blood on their face, resulting from an accident.
  • Never underestimate the importance of knowing CPR.  With proper training, you may be able to save a life someday!  If your workplace doesn’t have CPR training, find a training program and sign up for a course.

Source:  Mickey Eisenberg, M.D.
University of Washington
“Learn CPR-You Can Do It!”
CPR Shields

CPR can save lives, if it is done properly. However, many people don’t know how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) properly and even if you do, it can be dangerous for you. If there has been a car accident or other catastrophe and someone needs CPR but they have blood on their mouth or face, in this day in age, you need to be protected against diseases yourself. Microshields are the best way to keep from accidental contamination from occurring. A CPR microshield covers the mouth of the victim and has a valve for air to pass from the giver to the receiver. The valve only opens when the rescuer breathes out and closes when the rescuer finishes giving the breath. The masks even have a breathing tube that ensures an open airway.
These shields are important for everyone to have so they even have holders with a keychain attachment so you always know where your shields are in an emergency. You can even get them with a pair of high risk latex gloves for further protection.