by Troy BowmanSpring Hill First Aid Training Classes | Brooksville AED Training Classes | 13 class locations to choose from in area
by Susan Patterson
There is nothing more peaceful than a trip to the great outdoors. Being amongst nature is a relaxing departure from the daily grind. Camping may seem, to some, a rather passive activity requiring little forethought. However, this could not be further from the truth. Without proper packing, camping can indeed be extremely dangerous. Smart packing means safe camping, don’t be caught without these essential items.
by Kaline Reine
Swimming seems like such a simple thing. It’s something that most Floridians don’t really give a second thought to. But how do you know when you are at the beach with your family that you are really safe? There are many dangers when going to the beach.
For children, it’s probably a good idea to make sure they know how to swim properly before going into the water. Perhaps try looking up some swimming classes online if you need to. A qualified instructor can ensure that everyone knows how to swim.
Make sure not to leave your children unattended, not even for a short amount of time. Another good idea is to designate a specific area where it is known to be safe for your child to swim. This area should be free from things like dangerous rocks, boating activity, and very deep water. Make sure your child always stays in the designated swimming area. Avoid large waves.
It’s always best not to rely on a flotation device to save your life, even if it is designed for that purpose. Most pool toys are not made to save lives, only for fun for those who already know how to swim.
It’s a good idea to check the news and local weather for the tides and weather forecast Also, watch out for rip currents, also known as undercurrents or undertow. If it’s going to storm, it’s best to reschedule the outing for another day.
It’s a good idea to have a talk with all family members, and make sure everyone understands what to do in an emergency. You should also familiarize yourself and your family with how to signal for help, and how to recognize another’s signal for help. It’s important to make sure everyone knows CPR, as well. It could save lives. Many mishaps and accidents could be prevented with proper planning.
Also, it is important that people understand the different aquatic wildlife in the area. Many species are poisonous or dangerous to humans.
With so many dangers out there, it’s important to be fully prepared for any emergency or situation that might come up. Hopefully in the future we can all learn to be more cautious when going to the beach.
by Jennifer C
It’s no secret that hiking is a fun activity in which the entire family can participate in. After all, who wouldn’t enjoy observing the natural elements that surround us?
Even though hiking is an adventurous sport with many advantages, such as beautiful scenery and health benefits, it can also have disadvantages, such as falling rocks and poison oak.
Listed below are 12 safety tips that every hiker needs to know prior to their excursion.
by Regina HurleyBeach Warning Flags
You see them flying on all of Florida’s public beaches, they are there to let swimmers know if it is safe to swim or not but, do you really know what they mean? The beach is a wonderful place to spend a hot summer day but, the ocean can change very quickly and knowing what the Beach Warning Flags mean can mean the difference between life and death for you, your loved ones, or others near by.
Why Do Public Beaches Need Warning Flags?
Public beaches as well as many private beaches in Florida have many visitors each year. Often these visitors don’t realize that there are many natural occurrences in the ocean that can and do affect the safety of swimmers such as; tide, rip currents, marine life that may be in the area. The Beach Warning Flags warn us of such dangers.
What Do They Mean
There are five different Beach Warning Flags, each meaning a different thing and each, a different color. As in most cases RED indicates danger and is the most significant of the Beach Warning Flags and should be adhered to always.
Double Red –Water is closed to swimmers, sometimes this flag has a picture of a swimmer with a white line through it, which again means No Swimming!
Single Red – One red flag means that you can still swim but, you should use extreme caution and get out of the water if at any time the current becomes stronger or the waves larger. Stay within sight of a Lifeguard at all times.
Yellow – Moderate waters can be really fun to play in but, extreme caution is necessary when the yellow flag is flying. A yellow flag represents strong dangerous currents, surf, undertow, rocks, sudden drop offs, or any number of potential dangers, If you’re unsure ask the life guard.
Green – The Green Beach Warning Flags says that all is good and it’s okay to swim. Just remember that the ocean can change very quickly so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the Beach Warning Flag and the Lifeguard.
Blue or Purple – Dangerous marine life such as sharks and jellyfish can really mess up a day at the beach but, they are a part of the ocean and to be expected from time to time. If you see a blue or purple flag it doesn’t mean that can’t swim, only that you should be cautious while swimming and keep an eye out. These flags are often used in conjunction with other flags.
by Susan PattersonAlthough we often hear of the children injured on public playgrounds, over 50,000 youngsters suffer from accidents annually on home playground equipment. Time and planning are essential when considering installation of such equipment. Although it is beneficial to provide your children with a physical outlet, securing their safety should always be the first matter of business.
Since the majority of injuries are the result of falls, exceptional care must be taken when selecting protective surfacing. Never place playground equipment over asphalt or concrete. If a child falls on these surfaces, serious head injuries can occur. Choose softer surfaces with some give. Some people consider grass such a surface, however, turf has a tendency to lose its shock absorption capabilities over time as it becomes compacted. Although grass is better than concrete, consider the following surface coverings instead:
§ Finely crushed gravel
§ Sand
§ Fine woodchips
§ Playground approved rubber matting or rubber mulch
It is not necessary to cover the entire playground surface in shock absorbing material, as this can be quite expensive. Identify the places where a fall may be likely and cover these areas 6 feet in all directions. If the highest fall point is up to 6 feet, you will need at least 6 inches of surface material. Use 12 inches of material for any height over 6 feet.
If you have swings on your play set, these must also have safe landing spots. Make a 6-foot outline from the outer edge of the swing set on both sides. Make an outline in the front and back of the swing that is twice the measurement from the ground to the swing hangers.
An alternative to spot protection, although more expensive, is to use a rubber matt, rubber tiles or rubber mulch over the entire play area. Rubber playground mats are available in various thicknesses. Be sure to select a thickness that is adequate for the height of your equipment.
Check the depth and condition of your surface material often in order to avoid unnecessary injuries.
by Jennifer CIn my opinion, there’s nothing more fun to do in the summer than take a beach vacation. Growing up, my family and I would visit the beach multiple times a year and we all loved it! Splashing in the waves, walking on the wet sand, collecting shells – it can’t get much better than that!
Even though beach vacations are a lot of fun, they can also be very dangerous unless certain precautions are taken.
Before visiting the beach, please refer to the 15 safety tips I’ve listed below. Not only will following the tips make your beach trip more enjoyable, they may also save your life.
by Maria McCutchenBabysitting is an important job. It requires first and foremost, the love of children, but beyond that, there are many qualifications you must possess in order to be a good and responsible babysitter. Children of all ages have needs that require tending to. You will need to be aware of the different age groups, and what you can expect to be dealing with for that age before sitting for them.
Babysitting is a big responsibility. The biggest aspect of babysitting is to keep the children safe and away from harm. You want them to be happy and healthy when you hand them back over to their parents. To be a good, responsible babysitter, you will want to make sure you know and understand:
How to administer first-aid
How to perform CPR
What to do if a child is choking
How to reach the parents – have all contact numbers
Home safety tips
Although the word may imply one thing, babysitting is more than just sitting at someone’s house with their kids. You must be interactive with the children. You must keep them entertained, provide care, possibly feed them a meal, and keep up with their general upkeep. If you are at an age where you are able to drive, you may even be requested to drive the children to an appointment, or pick them up from school. Babysitting can mean a variety of tasks with one basic task remaining the same – watching and caring for children.
If you plan on babysitting often, maybe building a clientele of regular families you baby-sit for, it is a good idea. You may want to find families that use you regularly so that you get to know the family and the children well, and they get to know you. When children get to know you and are used to seeing you, it can make your time with them easier, as well as less frightening for them.
Here is a list of tips for babysitting:
Learn what children of the age group you’ll be babysitting for, like to do – what games they like to play? What activities you can do with them?
Learn their bedtime routines
Keep a list of what foods they like and don’t like; and what they can eat and cannot eat
Do they need to be given medication while in your care? Get the details of what, and how to administer the medicine
Keep a list of numbers handy – the parents’ phone numbers, emergency contact, poison control, neighbors or friends
Have some activities in mind that you can do with them. Keep them occupied so they don’t have time to get upset
The more prepared you are to take care of other people’s children, the better the job you will be able to do
by Kaline ReineIf you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you may have only a few minutes to act. A heart attack can strike suddenly, and sometimes without warning. It’s important to know what to do in an emergency. There are many different causes of heart attacks… And there is a lot you should know.
If you, or someone you know, experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek professional help immediately:
-Upper abdomen pain that lasts a long time.
-Discomfort or pain that spreads past the chest to the shoulders, teeth, jaw, or neck.
-shortness of breath, or inability to catch breath even after several minutes have passed
-extreme dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
-sweating and/or nausea.
-uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of the chest (or where the heart is located).
-Sometimes the pain might go away and then come back. If it doesn’t go away, or it keeps coming back repeatedly, seek help.
But the really terrible thing is, sometimes there are no symptoms at all.
Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. The length of time a heart attack can last varies immensely. Sometimes it can be shorter or longer, but generally it lasts more than fifteen minutes. Some people that experience a heart attack may have symptoms and warning signs hours, days, or weeks in advance. The earliest of these warning signs is generally continuous episodes of chest pain when the person is active. The pain usually disappears with rest.
Heart attacks are commonly caused by an artery becoming blocked. It’s the artery’s job to provide blood and oxygen to the heart. When one is blocked, it can easily injure or destroy part of the muscle that makes up the heart.
When fat, plaque, and cholesterol build up in the artery walls, this is called atherosclerosis. It tends to develop gradually over time. The arteries narrow and harden, they become less elastic and unable to stretch to support the flow of blood. If blood can’t reach the body, that part of the body eventually ceases to function from lack of oxygen. Sometimes the atherosclerosis can rupture, causing blood to clot, killing off tissue. This is a common cause of heart attacks.
There are certain things that can be done, if professional help is not available. This is why it’s important to make sure that you are educated on what to do in case of a heart attack.
If you, or someone you know, may be having a heart attack —CALL 911 
While waiting for paramedics to arrive, have the victim sit at rest. If they are not allergic to aspirin and it is not contraindicated for them, give them an aspirin. But don’t forget – they MUST chew it.
If the victim goes unconscious and stops breathing, you will need to start CPR. Performing effective CPR in a timely manner can save the lives of those around you.
by Tom Sirmons
Leo Staudacher hadn’t planned on watching the Michigan-Notre game on television, let alone in a hospital ICU unit. But he was very grateful to have seen the end of the game at all. The 69 year old Bay City man was watching the game at Michigan Stadium when he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of natural deaths in the United States.
Mr. Staudacher’s three sons were with him at the game, but none of them knew what do. That’s not unusual or shameful – most people aren’t trained in CPR. Thankfully for Leo Staudacher and his family, a nearby spectator knew CPR and began performing it on the unconscious man while others went for help. Stadium security personnel used an Automated Electric Defibrillator (AED) to shock Mr. Staudacher’s heart back into normal rhythm. But it was the bystander who started CPR quickly who made full recovery possible.
Sudden cardiac arrest almost always results in death, unless life-saving measures are begun within six minutes of the event. Even in cities with outstanding emergency medical services, that’s often not possible, meaning the difference between life and death hinges on someone close by knowing CPR. Studies have found the survival rate among heart attack victims increases 300% when CPR is begun within minutes.
Statistically, Leo Staudacher was an anomaly, lying in his Ann Arbor hospital bed, watching the Wolverines score a come-from-behind victory over his beloved Notre Dame. “My family watched while they shocked me with the paddles,” he said later, “but it was the fans and their prompt CPR that saved my life.”
Most of us wonder at times about the meaning of our lives. Anyone who has learned the simple process of CPR and has had the privilege of using it to save another human being can answer that age-old philosophical question. The idea that a few hours of training could lead to years added to someone’s life – years during which incalculable good might be done – is both humbling and compelling. The fact is, there’s nothing that stands between you and me and an act of heroism except learning CPR. How many of the 325,000 Americans who die of sudden cardiac arrest every year would survive if more people knew CPR? Hard to say, but one thing is undeniable: your training could save one person whose life has infinite value.
by Regina HurleyIn 2011 Atlanta, GA suffered from more severe weather than it has in many years. It seems as though the weather here in Atlanta gets worse every year; with everything from snow storms that last for weeks to a battery of tornados, and thunder storms that rage across the state like an angry bull.
Be Ready For Severe Weather When It Arrives
Severe weather can be frightening but, more than that it can be deadly. Being prepared for severe weather such as tornados, snow storms, floods could mean the difference between life and death for yourself or your loved ones.
Severe Weather Emergency Kits
Before severe weather actually arrives put together several Emergency Kits. Think of places where you might need to keep them in order to be able to get to them in an emergency such as: your home, garage, office, car, barn, or outside storage building, somewhere that you might be able to get to them in a time of need.
In the event of a disaster you will likely need several of these kits. It is advisable that you make one large kit to keep in or around the home, (underground if at all possible) and several smaller kits in other places: office, car, outdoor tool building.
Kit One the Largest and Most Important Kit
Things You Will Need:
* Large Duffle Bag Style Bag
The Bag itself should be a duffle bag style that is weather proof, water proof, and tough. It should be large enough to hold everything in the kit and it needs to have reflective material on the outside or glow in the dark spray paint will work just fine. There is always the chance that you will be trying to find this bag in the dark without a flashlight.
* Water
One of the most important things that we can have in our emergency kits is clean water. Each kit should have at least 3 gallons of water per person in food grade plastic containers. Additional water should be kept for sanitation purposes.
* Food
A three day supply of food for each person should be enough in most situations but, rationing your food during a situation where you aren’t sure when you’ll get more would not be a bad idea. Food that won’t spoil, doesn’t need to be refrigerated, cooked, and doesn’t require a lot of preparation or water to be eatable is best for the emergency kits.
Types of Foods That Will Keep Well For Several Days:
Cereal Bars Canned Meats Canned Juices Canned Fruits Canned Vegetables Energy Bars
Crackers Candy Bars Canned Soups
Peanut Butter Beef Jerky
* Important Documents of course you won’t keep original documents here but, a sealed dry packet containing copies of all family members important documents could prove to be very helpful in many situations.
Social Security Cards Copy of Wills
Bank account numbers Insurance Policies
Birth certificates Contracts
Marriage certificates Titles
Death certificates Phone numbers
Household inventory Passports
More Necessary Items
* Whistle possibly the most important items in your kit. Each person should have a metal police type whistle on a string around their neck during bad weather. If someone were buried or lifted and thrown the sound of that whistle can be heard much farther than a voice.
* Battery Operated radio or even better they kind that can be charged by turning a handle.
* Flashlights and glow sticks (You can buy flashlights that operate buy turning a handle as well)
* Extra batteries
* Dry, comfortable clothing and shoes
* Blankets or water proof sleeping bags if possible
* Plastic rain ponchos (they’re cheap easy to store and very light weight)
* Can opener (manual type)
* Plastic ware
* Sharp Kitchen Knives Be certain that these are wrapped several times in towels or stored in some type of plastic container to prevent someone from getting cut while moving the bag from place to place.
First Aid Kit
In an emergency situation it’s not always possible to get to a doctor right away and a first aid kit could be all that you have so make it as good as you can. You will need at least 2 of these, place one with the large kit and one with the car kit.
The best container for this is a high quality fishing tackle box that is water proof and spray painted with glow in dark paint.
Different types and sizes of Bandages
2” Gauze pads 10pk 4” Gauze pads 10pk
2” Roll Bandages 3-4 rolls 3” Roll Bandages 3-4 rolls
Vaseline Tweezers
Assorted Band-Aids Scissors
Thermometer Needles (one pkg)
Soap Latex glove
Clean White Towels in Plastic bags
Safety pins (assorted sizes) Use to hold bandages in place.
Medications
Any prescription medication that family members must have should be kept here as well such as insulin, prescription glasses, and medication for high blood pressure.
Over The Counter Medications
Activated Charcoal (for poison control)
Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting incase of poisoning)
Triple- antibiotic Peroxide
Alcohol Pain Reliever (non-aspirin)
Antacid Imodium (for relief of diarrhea)
Laxative
Depending on where you’ll be keeping your kits and how much space you actually have the more you are able to put up for an emergency the more comfortable and ready you and your family will be.
It’s a good idea to at least have 2 smaller kits in different places the smaller kits should contain as many of the items as possible and still be portable. Keeping in mind that clean water, food, light, and a whistle are very items to have important during a disaster.
Making sure that you and your family are safe is a full time job we hope that this article has helped to lighten that burden.
by Donna Ryan
Occupations at Risk
If you work in a number of occupations, particularly in nursing or as an emergency medical technician (EMT), you are at a pronounced risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathnogens (BBPs). Other occupations that stand the risk of infection from BBPs include police officers, firemen, clinical or laboratory workers, plumbers, hair stylists, and maintenance and custodial employees.
Defining BBPs
BBPs are microorganisms, or bacteria or viruses, that are transported by the blood and can cause illness and disease in humans. The primary llnesses produced by bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B and C and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In healthcare settings, BBPs are most often transported as the result of the health care worker mistakenly puncturing himself with a needle or syringe. Getting squirted with a patient’s blood can also result in infection as well.
Hepatitis B
While no cure exists for hepatitis C or HIV, hepatitis B can be treated. However, health care workers who do contract hepatitis B, many times, do not initially exhibit any kind of symptomology. In fact, they can go as long as six months before feeling sick. Once symptoms do appear, patients often suffer from tiredness, a low-grade fever, nausea, and a loss of appetite. The skin typically takes on a yellow cast due to jaundice as well. Cirrhosis or damage to the liver often follows. Fortunately, workers in medical facilities who are at risk of BBP exposure can obtain hepatitis B shots free of charge.
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, another common infection resulting from BBPs, like hepatitis B, does not typically present any symptomology shortly after it is contracted. When symptoms do present themselves, they may include stomach pain and swelling, dark-colored urine, nausea, fever, fatigue, jaundice, and a loss of appetite. In many instances, hepatitis C or HCV infection, like hepatitis B, will lead to scarring or cirrhosis of the liver.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus – HIV
HIV, another common BBP infection, may not produce any symptoms for as long as a decade. In addition, blood tests, after exposure, may not confirm the patient to be HIV positive until three months after the patient is infected. Symptoms, when they do occur, can include headache, fever, tiredness, diarrhea, muscle aches and stiffness, the development of rashes, a swelling of the lymph glands, and a sore throat.
Where BBPs Gain Entry
BBPs can enter routes in the skin, such as abrasions, acne, sunburned areas, open sores, and cuts. The pathogens can also gain entry through mucous membranes, such as the nose, eyes, and mouth. Again, in health care settings, an unintended needle puncture is the most common reason for infection.
Lowering the Risk of Exposure
Besides personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, masks, lab coats, and face shields, hand washing offers one of the most beneficial measures of safety. Always make sure then that you use an antibacterial soap and wash immediately after removing PPE. A hand sanitizer can also be used in lieu of soap and water, but, again, you should wash your hands as soon as you can after using the sanitizer to ensure you are maximally protected.
Decontaminating an Area
Healthcare workers should decontaminate work areas where BBP exposure is possible after their shift or immediately following a spill of possibly infectious material or blood. Using a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water is recommended in cleaning the area. An EPA-recommended disinfectant can be used instead of the water and bleach as well. Rags used to clean and decontaminate the area should be disposed of as biological waste.
Reasons for Sharps Injuries
Most injuries that resulted from using sharps were primarily connected with either the use of a blood-drawing device or syringe. Nurses, in many instances, were injured when disposing of sharps in containers, administering injections, using heel sticks or finger sticks, or performing venipuncture. Nurses indicated that sharps mishaps often occurred because of factors such as insufficient lighting, uncooperative patients, workplace distractions, and a disorganized work area. Feeling under pressure with respect to time constraints was also reported as a contributor to sharps accidents.
References:
Bloodborne Pathogens, BBPs, University of Louisiana at Monroe 3rd Quarter 2009 Safety Meeting
by Carol TheisThis weekend I was home watching TV, flipping through the channels, when a program caught my attention. This program was reviewing the case of a gentleman who had lost his wife in a diving “accident”. They were trying the evidence presented at his trial. His apparent lack of emotions, the situation that left her alone in the water for a period of time and other topics were covered. The part that stuck in my mind the most was the part where they asked the husband if he had performed CPR on his wife, and for how long.
He said he had performed CPR on her for a few minutes, but discontinued because she “was not responding”. “I wasn’t going to waste time on someone who was unresponsive” was what he said. I felt so sad. Either he was just a “jerk” or he really didn’t know the “what” and “why” of CPR. CPR is NOT performed on someone who is responsive, most rescuers will NOT see a response from their measures. Responses come (if they are going to happen) with the assistance of an AED and the medical professionals at the hospital.
It is so very important that people learn proper CPR and the importance of performing it. Knowing the “how” is important, but also the “why” and “what”. PLEASE, if you take a CPR class, don’t leave unless you understand the reasons as well as the technique. I know for a fact that you will not leave uninformed from an In-Pulse CPR course.
by Judith KolbergCruise ships have the best safety record in the travel industry, but despite international maritime rules and regulations, U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, and stringent international laws, cruise ship accidents or incidents still occur. If your cruise ship captain steers too close to the shore, hits a rock, is distracted by a 25 year old blond and lives by the motto “every man for himself”, you probably can’t anticipate that in advance. But there are measures you can take to optimize your general safety on a cruise ship. Your crew, though far better trained than you, commonly works 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week for weeks or months on end. Fatigue undermines judgment, so keep yours sharp!
If you’re nervous about the safety record of a cruise line or particular ship:
It is way more likely that you will have food poisoning, a fall, twist an ankle on an onshore excursion or get robbed than run aground or sink so take practical precautions. Don’t eat anything that smells funny, hold onto the rail, watch the booze, and stow valuable in the ship’s safe if you are not using them such as excess cash, jewelry, and your passport.
Knowing that you can communicate with loved ones can bring you and them great peace of mind if there is an emergency. Here are your options:
– If you can, wait till you reach port and use your cell phone
– Direct dial from your stateroom phone. It is convenient but will cost you $7-$20.00 per minute.
– Obtain your cell phone provider’s cruise coverage rate before your trip
– Send text messages from your cell phone. It is faster and cheaper than calls.
– Take advantage of the pre-paid internet use option for sending emails.
– Use Skype or another VOIP service.
– Purchase a cruise ship phone card to make calls ship-to-shore. The card will reduce your costs. Ship-to-shore rates without a calling card can be as much as $20.00 a minute which may or may not concern you in an emergency.
—–Judith Kolberg- Writer, Author, and Book Coach. www.squallpress.net, info@squallpress.net
by Felicia QuinonesAs a former daycare provider, I know a daycare center prides itself on how many teachers they can say are CPR and First Aid certified. When a potential parent is touring and the director can say that a large percentage of the staff is certified…well, how much better can it get?
I was certified for several years and I thank God I never needed to employ either skill. Why? I would not have had a clue where to begin. Our certification consisted of the following: CPR dummies were slapped down in front of each of the 20 ladies and the instructor told us to imitate him. Most people chatted and giggled throughout the brief rundown and then certification cards were passed out. It terrifies me to look back and realize that in an emergency situation most of us would have been extremely unprepared. What’s worse, is that a majority of these women had their own children enrolled at the center.
In May of 2011, a law was passed in Minnesota adding stricter requirements for CPR certified teachers and childcare providers after a 4 year old girl choked on grape and died because there was no one around to perform CPR. While this is a wonderful step in the right direction, it is now the responsibility of these centers to choose reputable classes and make their staff understand the importance of what they are doing. They need to realize that these classes are not just to satisfy mandates of this new law, but instead help children celebrate many more birthdays and keep horrible accidents from haunting both the parents and childcare providers.
Parents are trusting us with their most precious possession. It is both an honor and responsibility that must be taken seriously. When you say you are certified, they are trusting that you will know what to do in an emergency. We cannot just sit around with our fingers crossed, hoping nothing will go wrong. Daycare providers, nannies, teachers, as well as individuals need to realize the significance of attending a quality CPR and first aid class. Being certified is more than just wielding a card, it is about the knowledge and ability to potentially save a life.
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