Tag Archives: medical emergencies

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

MODERN HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS – A HOMEOWNERS’ NEW BEST FRIEND? (GUEST POST)

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 Long gone are the days when homeowners simply purchase a “burglar alarm”. With current technology, home security systems are now the product of choice as they offer a full range of protection against much more than just home break-ins.

Fire and Smoke– From cooking mishaps to unattended candles, there are many potential fire sources in your home. Between 2006 and 2010 alone, The National Fire Protection Agency reported that one in every 310 homes experienced a fire. While standard smoke alarms offer some protection, you never know when a battery can die and leave you unprotected. When looking for a home security system, look for one that offers fire and smoke detection which can make your home much safer against the threat of fire and smoke damage.

Carbon Monoxide– Often referred to as the “silent killer”, carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can cause severe health problems and death when humans are exposed to it in high quantities. It is often emitted by home furnaces and other appliances. Many modern home security systems contain carbon monoxide detectors that can alert homeowners immediately if the gas is found present in the air.

Water Damage– The National Flood Insurance Program’s website tells that even just 3 inches of flood water in a 2,000 square foot home can cause close to $39,000 in damage. A comprehensive home security system may include water sensors that detect when water (from a flood or burst pipe) has entered the home. As any flood victim knows from experience, the longer flood water is in a home the greater the threat of dangerous mold to grow. Tending to the issue immediately can often save homeowners thousands of dollars in additional damage.

Medical Emergencies– Slip and fall injuries are some of the most common household injuries to be sustained, but they are certainly not the only ones. If you are a senior citizen or if you have a senior citizen living in your home, it is often a good idea to have a security alarm that includes a medical emergency response system. Typically this equates to the homeowners just having to push one button on their security system panel to alert the police and an ambulance that a response is needed at your address.

Power Outages– When you are home you are likely to know about a power outage right away. However, if you are away from home (especially for an extended period of time) you may not realize that the power to your home has been lost. Since the power in your home is needed to operate your refrigerator and freezer, as well as security lighting, it is important to never lose power even while you are not at home. Many newer home security systems can run on battery back-up in the event of a power loss and notify the homeowner immediately upon loss of power.

This article was contributed by C. Wiley of the SecurityChoice.com Blog.

Other types of home security include having flashlights handy in case of blackouts, as well as first aid kits, in case of minor accidents.  pb

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

DO YOU REALLY NEED THE EMERGENCY ROOM?

Americans make almost 120 million visits to emergency departments each year.  Most of these are for injury or poisoning.  Not every ER visit is needed.  There are lots of folks who would prefer to go to the ER than wait in a clinic during normal hours.  However, it is frustrating for physicians to get waked up in the middle of the night to attend to a patient with a sore throat or some other minor illness that could be taken care of in the clinic, rather than a costly visit to the hospital ER.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently reported that about one in eight ER visits was for a non-urgent reason.

You need to have a plan: Before an emergency strikes:

  • Know the location to the closest emergency room.
  • Lower your risk for this need by caring for chronic conditions you might have, by taking your medications regularly.
  • Have all your drug, allergy and medical information together so you can bring it in case you must go to the ER.

The American College of Emergency Physicians report that any of these warning signs suggest medical emergencies:

  • Shortness of breath, trouble breathing
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Fainting, dizziness, or weakness
  • Sudden, severe pain or unusual belly pain
  • Pressure or pain in the chest or upper belly
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea
  • Coughing or throwing up blood
  • Changes in vision or mental status
  • Trouble speaking
  • Feeling suicidal

If you think someone has had a stroke, remember this helpful information:  Think about the first three letters S-T-R.
S  Smile – Ask the individual to smile.
T  Talk – Tell the person to speak a simple sentence.
R  Raise – Ask person to raise both arms.

If there is a problem doing any one of these things, call 911 immediately.

By all means, if you have emergency needs, go to an ER.  Hospital personnel strive hard to furnish quality healthcare.  But remember, that emergency department is just what it says: Emergency!

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