Christmas carols played on the radio and Christmas displays in local stores signal one of the busiest times of the year. But in our haste to get the decorations put up, baking done, entertaining organized and presents bought, we might take short cuts to getting the jobs done a little quicker.

Take a few short minutes before hanging decorations to:

• Check all electrical cords for any loose or frayed ends – don’t use broken cords
• When attaching lights to any surfaces use clips vs. staples to prevent puncturing the cord and shorting out the lights.
• Do not overload electrical circuits
• Ensure that ladders are on a solid surface to prevent slippage
• Do not overextend your reach when on a ladder to prevent falls
• Wear good footwear to prevent slips and falls
• Don’t hang tinsel or ornaments on the tree close to floor so small children or pets can reach them creating a chocking hazard.

Hosting any Christmas party requires considerable planning not just in what to serve the guests and whom to invite but in preventing illness or injury after the party:

• If alcohol is being served, consider alternative safe transportation such as a taxi or designated driver. Guests may consider staying the night too!
• If a designated driver is present, ensure plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
• Ensure that hot food says hot and cold food says cold when setting out buffets for your guests. Put food away as soon as the meal has been served to prevent food borne illness.
• Never leave food out overnight then expect to “clean it up” in the morning
• If you have small children or pets at home, tidy up the house as soon as the guests leave rather than leave food on the table and half consumed drinks out for other to sample when they get up the next morning.
• COVID is still real despite vaccinations – please consider the size of your gathering and other appropriate safety measures

As the rush begins to complete the holiday shopping and to get everything organized remember that the stress of the holiday and the worry about meeting everyone’s needs can be a major cause of stress for you. Take time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the season. Did you know that while a formal first aid class can give you the certification, you don’t need certification to help someone? Here’s a new concept to this year’s holiday season with paying it forward in mind. In an emergency often, we are uncertain of our ability to help. Frightened by the situation or else it doesn’t appear to be “real.” Take for example someone slips on the sidewalk. Would you go out and help? I hope the answer is yes. It isn’t a big deal. But what stops us from helping a strange who lies motionless on the bathroom floor in the hockey arena? Getting an AED, rolling the person over nose to the sky and putting your hands on their chest to push down, hard and fast, doesn’t seem like it would be too difficult. Does it? Lifesaving, better yet, caring for another human being, doesn’t have to complicated. If an emergency exists do something, anything. Give it a try and pay it forward! Merry Christmas from our families to yours. Have a safe family filled holiday season!

In a few short weeks little, and even large, ghosts or goblins will be visiting your door. Halloween is that fun time when we can wear costumes, celebrating the season! But making Halloween a safe time for all little visitors is essential. Here’s what you can do:

• Plan a route with your children so you know where they are always. Set a time to return home.
  
• Children follow that route – don’t take short cuts through back alleys or unlit parks.
  
• Children over nine should always go out as a group or have adult supervision. Younger children should always be supervised.
  
• Children visit houses that are well lit and never go inside the house.
  
• The temptation to dart across the street “for better treats” on the other side is great but always cross at the corner and look both ways before crossing the street.
  
• Motorists please slow down in residential areas and be alert for the goblins running around.
  
• Parents it might be a good idea to sew some reflective fabric to any costume.
  
• Children should always carry a flashlight and in case of an emergency a whistle to signal for help.
  
• Be aware of strangers!
  
• Pick a costume that has bright fabrics so that the child can be seen.
  
• Avoid costumes that are long with loose sleeves, pants or skirts. Check to see that the costume is flame resistant.
  
• Avoid carrying props such as a sword, knife or gun. It is one more thing to carry and might be mistaken for the real thing.
  
• Make sure each goblin wears proper footwear and dresses according to the weather.
  
• Consider face paint or make-up instead of a mask so that the child can see clearly. If the child is wearing a wig, hat or scarf make sure it is secured tightly – they can see and ear too!
  
• If decorating your yard or house avoid pumpkins with candles instead consider a flashlight or electric light.
  
• Pets will be excited as guests come to the door. Consider placing them in a room out of harms way.
  
• If the weather is bad, make sure to keep steps and walk ways free from debris.
  
• Instead of trick or treaty consider a neighborhood party for the children complete with games, treats and scary videos.
  
• Instead of giving away candy use stickers, trading cards, activity sheets, gift certificates or other creative items.
  
• Make sure that the children do not eat any of the treats until they are examined by an adult. Throw out any unwrapped items, has torn or loose packaging or that appears to have small holes in the wrappers. Don’t let children eat homemade treats unless you know the source who provided them.

Halloween is supposed to a fun time. Don’t let an incident like a fall ruin the day. For those adults choosing to celebrate Halloween either at one of the local bars or during a house party at home, make sure you plan a safe ride home. Have a designated driver or take a taxi. Have a safe Halloween night!

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, a curious child is bound to explore the most unlikely places. While you might think that what’s in the cupboard is safe from little hands it’s probably not. Every year hundreds of people are poisoned from common household chemicals. Prevention is the key to safety around your home, and not just for our children either.

• Read the label – the manufacturer of any household product prints safe handling instructions right on the container. Be sure to wear gloves and/or eye protection if required.

• Store the product safely – with small children or pets, keep cupboard locked or chemicals stored out of reach. Don’t pour a portion of a poisonous substance from a large container into an improper smaller container. For example, keep bleach in the original container. Just because it’s too heavy to carry to the laundry room pouring into something a soda bottle is only asking for trouble. Never store chemicals with food products.

• Clean up spills properly and quickly – follow the instructions on the container for safe handling. Chemicals such as antifreeze spilled on the ground can be deadly if ingested by pets.

• Know what to do in an emergency – if it’s a dry chemical, wearing gloves, brush it off and flush the area with lots of water. If it’s a wet chemical than flush with lots of water. Remove contact lens, jewelry and any clothing contaminated with the substance. If the chemical is something in the air like carbon monoxide, then remove everyone to fresh air immediately and seek further medical assistance.

• Keep medications in a secure location – medications can be harmful if not taken correctly always follow your pharmacist’s instructions and tell them if you are taking any herbs or vitamins as these sometime. Common over the counter medications such as cold medicines can cause side effects such as feeling tired. Always read the label and follow the printer instructions.

• Medication is not candy – teach your children that medications are to help them feel better. Don’t treat it like candy. Keep medications in their original containers so that they can be easily recognized. Dispose of outdated medications by taking them to your local pharmacy for proper safe handling.

• Who to call in an emergency – if the victim is awake, talking, with no shortness of breath, chest pain, allergic reaction symptoms or other life threatening conditions then it’s safe to call the provincial poison control center at 1-866-454-1212 for assistance. If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing or not acting their usual self dial 9-1-1 and get the paramedics.

In an emergency many of us may not have time to gather all the important information we need. It’s important that now while you have the time, make a list of such things as medications, emergency contacts, medical problems or allergies. Document this in such things as a Vial of Life or even a piece of paper carried in your wallet.

Don’t forget carbon monoxide detectors and a furnace inspection as good things to do to get ready for winter. Contact a licensed professional for the proper home heating inspection. It’s hunting season soon so be sure to store firearms safely; handle firearms with care and respect; be seen when hunting with others and have a first aid kit or emergency survival kit in case of an emergency.

Farming is a vital and important industry to Saskatchewan. Many farmers will be working longer hours to get the crop off the field. Today farmers tend to large areas of crop using bigger more efficient equipment to get the job done. Getting home safely at the end of the day is important to all farm families.

Safety around the farm can include these good practices:

• Watch for people and pets when moving large pieces of equipment around the yard. It is very difficult to see a small child who might be playing nearby.

• Watch for overhead power lines when moving equipment such as augers or other tall pieces of equipment.

• Make sure all equipment is well maintained and in proper working order. Ensure that all protective guards are securely in place. Don’t remove them for the sake of convenience.

• Turn off the engine – ensure the equipment is not in operation – the power has been disconnected, before beginning any repairs or unclogging an area that is plugged.

• Be seen while moving equipment between fields especially on primary and secondary roadways. Ensure that slow moving vehicle signs are appropriately affixed – warning lights and other maker lights are working – never move equipment when visibility is poor like a night. Consider having someone ahead and behind large pieces of equipment to alert others of the approaching danger.

• Motorists need to slow down when approaching and passing farm equipment on Saskatchewan highways. On secondary roads, slow down on sharp curves and crests of hills to avoid dangerous collisions. Give yourself extra time and plenty of room to get around the equipment.

• If moving large pieces of equipment through busy cities, farmers should consult municipalities for bylaws such as a pilot vehicle or possible specific routes. The shortest route sometimes may not be the safest.

• Remove all loose clothing like coveralls; sleeves from shirts and jewelry when working around any equipment especially power take off apparatus.

• Wear hearing protection.

• Wear your seat belt always. Ensure proper roll cage protection on tractors.

• Wear proper personal protective equipment – eye, hearing, breathing and protective clothing including foot wear as required.

Harvest is surely one of the busiest times of year. Taking time to identify the hazards and prevent injuries is your best plan of attack. Knowing that hazards exist is but one part of the safety puzzle. If an emergency were to occur do you know what to do? Do you have an emergency plan where telephone numbers, emergency contact information and proper directions are clearly posted beside each telephone? Working in the field directions to send help might be difficult. What3Words can help you tell our communications team where you are. This free and easy to app will give 3 random words which tell us where you are. You repeat the random words to our communications team and we’re able more accurately locate you with greater accuracy.

Everyone needs a first aid kit not just hanging up on the shop wall or under the kitchen sink, but with you out in field. But more importantly a simple white board saying where you are and when to expect you back can communicate your location if an emergency were to occur. Harvest is well underway. Be safe – Farm safe. Don’t let a moment of inattention or carelessness change your life forever.

by Lyle Karasiuk
Safety

Summer time is fun family time, but often whether at the cabin or travelling out of province minor or major emergencies might occur. Are you prepared?

Having a first aid kit handy is the safest way as is having some training on what to do with that first aid kit. You can buy a commercial kit in many local stores but you can easily build one too. Your first aid needs to contain the following essentials:

• Something to stop the bleeding – big rolls of gauze but if not handy even a pair of socks will work. Of course, don’t forget a sample of small band aids for minor cuts and some antibiotic ointment. A commercial tourniquet is a great resource as would be a compact commercial splint.

• A few slings or triangular bandages are also very useful. Of course, as a sling but also to tie things like if you need to splint an arm or leg.

• Some instant cold packs just in case a bag of frozen peas is not available from the freezer. Cold compress will reduce swelling for minor bruises, sprains or strains.

• Something just in case you must do rescue breathing such products are called a barrier device or pocket mask.

• Don’t forget the rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Beyond these basics, you can add what ever else your family might need. Things like tweezers for splinters; something for a headache, pen and paper to keep notes; tensor bandage for wrapping maybe a sprained ankle; medications family members regularly take. Anything else at this point is a bonus and totally depends on what your families’ needs are. Keeping it all together in one container is easier than looking here for that and somewhere else for that.

Next step, do you know how to use the products in the kit? Wearing gloves protects you. The basic principles of bleeding are never remove something significant that is stuck in place. Firm direct pressure and lots of it will be required to stop the bleeding. Have the injured person use their own hand in the beginning to control the bleeding or at least till you can get the first aid kit.

Wrap the wound with firm pressure but not so tight to cut off circulation. The injured person’s fingers need not be blue if there is a wound on their arm.

A tourniquet is a last resort and should be used for life threatening injuries such as missing arm, major wound to the leg possible from a chain saw. When saving a life is of the greatest importance the tourniquet might be the only option. Commercial tourniquets work the best. The amount of pressure needed on the average person’s leg is quite a bit but we are trying to stop all bleeding below the injury site. Taking a first aid course is the best way to learn how to use a tourniquet.

Common “summer injuries” like finger slammed in trailer hitches, fish hooks caught in the skin, stepping on broken glass, seem to happen every summer. Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date. However, if the emergency is more than you can handle, paramedics are but a phone call away.

When calling for help be sure to give clear directions and listen to the emergency medical dispatcher’s instructions on what to do. Download the What3Words App to have access to a point of reference.

Summer time is fun time. Incidents might happen, but being prepared and knowing what to do if an emergency happens will make your summer a little less stressful.

Be Safe!

by Lyle Karasiuk
Safety

Summer is here! Sleeping in, lazy days and later evening chats around the campfire, we are all hopefully enjoying a summer break. Catching up on many projects. Don’t forget to keep safety in mind.

For some being at the cabin involves a bit of work. If using power tools please do so safely and never use near small curious children. It only takes a fraction of a second to have serious injury occur. If you have not already checked your chimney, before you light the fire place, ensure the chimney is clear. Birds, rodents or simply debris can be blocking proper ventilation. It is a good idea to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your cottage as well. Don’t forget the camper or motor home could also use them. If you are using anything like a generator, please ensure adequate ventilation and keep leaves and debris, things that could catch fire, clear from the generator.

The fire pit is a great gathering point and a great place to build many memories but make sure you build one to keep the fire contained. Always have a shovel and pail of water nearby. Never head for bed or a boat ride, leaving the fire unattended. Always ensure your fire is out when you call it lights out! With recent heat, many fire bans are in effect. Please respect these bans!

Wacky weather can occur at any moment, hopefully only leaving us wet from the rain. Keep an eye to the sky and have mobile apps like Sask Alert, turned on your mobile device to receive those important alerts.

If you seen potentially bad weather take shelter. In your home, head to the basement in places such as your bathroom tub covered with a blanket. When no basement exists find the center of the home, away from windows and doors such as possibly your closet. On the lake try to get to shore as quickly and as safely as possible and find any available shelter. Never seek shelter under a tree as the tree itself might be struck by lightening or fall upon you.

Summer is the time to enjoy going for a walk. Anyone of us might get separated from the rest of the group or young children might wonder off on their own adventures. If you become lost in the woods, hug a tree. This term asks you to stay where you are at and seek immediate shelter. Wondering around only creates a larger opportunity to become disorientated or travel further away from your intended destination. Stay right where you are! You should always carry a whistle and garbage bag with you when out for a hike. Of course, water, good footwear and a first aid kit are not bad ideas either. Why a garbage bag? It is small and compact for a pocket but can easily be made into a rain poncho to stay dry. A whistle is heard for a greater distance than the human voice allowing you to signal for help! We encourage you to download the free What3Words App. It’s so easy to use and can help our incredible communications team find you in an emergency.

Incidents can happen that may result in injury. Being prepared with a first aid kit, whistle, or other items can become very useful. Whether you are out for a walk, on the boat skiing or fishing, lounging in a chair watching the kids at the beach or backyard pool or at last getting those “projects” taken care of, please wear the gear. Be safe and have a great summer! For more information on any of the topics presented in this article contact Parkland Ambulance Care at 306-953-8358.

by Lyle Karasiuk
Safety

The barbeque is one of those summertime appliances we certainly can not live without. At the lake or on the backyard the smell of barbeque is a summertime favorite. In our haste to get the meal on the go we might forget some food safety which unfortunately leads to illness.

Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often to avoid the spread of bacteria.

• Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before handling food, and after handling raw meats or poultry, using the bathroom, changing diapers, or touching pets.
• When camping, or going on a picnic, find out if there will be a source of clean water. If not, bring water for preparation and cleaning, or pack disposable wipes and/or sanitizing lotions and paper towels.
• Take clean plastic bags or containers to store leftover food.
• Always wash raw fruits and vegetables in clean water. You cannot tell whether foods carry surface bacteria by the way they look, smell, or taste.

Separate: Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods to avoid cross-contamination.

• When you pack a cooler for an outing, wrap raw meats and poultry securely, and put them on the bottom to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
• Wash all plates, utensils, and cutting boards that touched or held raw meat or poultry before using them again for cooked foods.

Cook: Make sure you kill harmful bacteria by cooking food until it reaches the proper temperature.

• Don’t guess! Take a digital instant-read food thermometer along to check when meat and poultry are safe to eat. The safe temperatures for cooked foods are:
• 71° C (160° F) for ground beef
• 74° C (165° F) for leftover food
• 85° C (185° F) for whole poultry – If you must check more than once, clean the thermometer before using it again.
• Eat cooked food while it’s still hot. Remember, bacteria can grow when food can cool down slowly.

Chill: Keep cold food cold. Letting food sit at unsafe temperatures puts you at risk for food borne illnesses.

• Perishable foods that are normally in the refrigerator, such as luncheon meats, cooked meat, chicken, and potato or pasta salads, must be kept in an insulated cooler with freezer packs or blocks of ice to keep it at 4° C (40° F) or below.
• Refrigerate or freeze food the day before you pack it for a trip.
• When packing a cooler, put your meat or poultry on the bottom, and then pack food in reverse order, so that the foods packed on top are the ones you expect to use first.
• Keep the cooler in the coolest part of the car, and place it in shade or shelter, away from direct sunlight. Keep the cooler closed as much as possible.
• Consider using one cooler for beverages and another for perishable foods, since the beverage cooler is likely to be opened more frequently.
• Put leftovers back in the cooler as soon as you are finished eating.
• Discard all perishable foods once the ice or freezer packs in your cooler have melted.
• The simple rule is: When in doubt, throw it out.

Have a safe summer picnic or barbeque! Here’s something you might not have thought of. Your barbecue brush with those small little metal bristles is a safety hazard. They can and do break off sticking to your grill and ultimately your food. Ouch if swallowed you might be spending your time in the emergency room. Toss those metal barbecue brushes away. There are plenty of other safe choices. Enjoy your summer!

by Lyle Karasiuk

Summer fun usually involves lots of activity, especially when kids are around. A back-yard play day can easily turn to injury if some simple safety precautions are not followed. If a trampoline is in your back yard, follow these tips:

1. Ensure that your trampoline is properly assembled in a level area with at least 10 unobstructed feet (3 meters) on all sides and a minimum of 20 unobstructed feet (6 meters) above the trampoline bouncing surface. The area directly below the bouncing surface must be kept clear always.

2. Never jump off a trampoline, always climb off.

3. Keep your bouncing low and under control. Consistently land in the center of the trampoline.

4. Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.

5. Do not leave children unsupervised on the trampoline.

6. Avoid bouncing for long periods of time and do not bounce when you are tired.

7. Do not use your backyard trampoline when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

8. Ensure that spotters are always stationed around the trampoline.

9. Do not attempt back flips (back somersaults), multiple somersaults or twisting somersaults on your backyard trampoline.

If a trip to the playground is in order, or maybe parents have installed new backyard play equipment, you need to ensure your child’s safety there too!

• Please remove any objects that could strangle your child. Take off drawstrings in clothing or any type of helmet.

• Don’t let your child climb onto playground equipment with rope or skipping ropes.

• Check the equipment to ensure that there are no broken pieces or other dangers such as broken glass or other sharp hazardous objects.

• Ensure that the surface area under the playground equipment is soft with material that is at least 15 cm (6 in) deep.

• Spaces between bars or rails should be smaller than 9 cm (3 ½ in) and larger than 22.5 cm (9 in) so your child can not get stuck.

• Make sure children are supervised.

• Children should stay off equipment higher than 1.5 meters (5 ft). If your child needs help to climb up, then it’s too tall for them.

• Always slide feet first down any slide and wait your turn till everything is clear below.

• Teach your children to hold onto railings and to sit down on swings and slides.

• Stay clear of moving swings and slides.

Summer holidays are fast approaching. What is your family plans? Travel, trip to the lake, a staycation? Whatever the plans remember to “have a word with yourself before engaging in any activity to ensure you and your family’s safety. Also, wear the appropriate gear each time. It’s hard to replace some missing toes or fingers due a lawn mower, saw or hedge trimmers.

This month SGI and law enforcement agencies are highlighting passenger restraints such as seat belts or car seats.

Common mistakes of car seat users are the seat is not in tight; the child is not secured, or the child seat is not the right fit. Don’t be in a rush to move your child to the next seat. Rear facing has some significant safety advantages. Saskatchewan law mandates that children under 7, with a height less than 145 cm (4’9”) and under 36 kg (80lb.) in weight must be in a booster seat.

Summer is fast approaching. May all your travels be safe and secure!

by Lyle Karasiuk

Paramedics Services Week began on May 23 and runs until May 29. This year the theme is Citizen Ready. Are you ready, for what you ask? This week through various means on social media we hope to make you ready to help in an emergency.

When an emergency does occur in your home, business or community, your typical reaction is to dial 9-1-1. The 9-1-1 call taker will route your call to our medical communications team who begins to find out what’s wrong and coordinate all the resources you need. 9-1-1 is a great tool when you are in an area such as our city proper where we have residential streets with clear house markings. But maybe you are out on a hike at the lake, the trees don’t have markings. Maybe the trail you are on isn’t even defined, now what? Maybe you are travelling to the lake and you come upon a vehicle collision. You think you are between Christopher Lake and Anglin Lake but just not quite sure where. Pinpointing your specific location is key to get help to you as quickly as possible.

We want to introduce you to What 3 Words. Yep 3 words on your phone relayed to our communications team will pinpoint your location. Every 3 square meters of the world has been given an ID. Please download the What3Words app to your mobile device.

1. Open the what3words app and tap the ‘Locate Me’ icon.
2. Your location’s what3words address will display at the bottom of the screen.
3. Say it over the phone or copy it and paste it into a text message.

Please wait for the blue dot to stabilise to ensure the most accurate what3words address displays on your screen. You can also use compass mode to check your accuracy. GPS signal is weak inside buildings, so if you’re indoors, manually select the square you need for greater accuracy. To find your home what3words address, enter the street address into the what3words app, then zoom in and switch to satellite mode for more detail.  This unique communications tool is a huge benefit to the communications team. But once we know where you are, we can also send those same coordinates to our paramedics or other rescuers. All they do is follow the blinking dot to where you are. Stay put if you become lost or disorientated and have your phone with you. What3Words might save your life and ensure help arrives to the exact location. What3Words does not replace things like 9-1-1 but in the rural area, the back trails, or an area you.

During Paramedics services week, we salute the incredible team of over 70 paramedics and telecommunicators who every day use their expert skills to make a world of difference for you. Thank you to this heroic team of professionals who have braved COVID19 to ensure your health and safety. Our commitment to you is do our very best with compassion and empathy. Our expert life saving skills deliver incredible out of hospital health care. Our community services pave the way to help you stay comfortable at home. Our social media channels open the avenues of communication. Visit our web site parklandambulance.com.

Like us on Facebook at parklandambulance. Follow us on Twitter at parkambulance. We’d love to hear from you! Be safe!

by Lyle Karasiuk

The warmer weather has brought many people outdoors cleaning yards, walking pets, or enjoying some long overdue family exercise. What ever brings you outdoors, doing the activity will prevent injury and an unnecessary visit to the hospital emergency room.

If cycling is on your list of activities, follow this advice:

• Make sure the bike is in good working order and properly maintained. Ensure the chain is tight and any damaged parts are repaired.

• Make sure the bike and bike helmet fit. Standing with feet flat on the ground your child should have at least 1 inch (2.5cm) between the bar and their crotch area. If the helmet is cracked or greater than 5 years of age, it needs to be replaced.

• Helmets need to fit flat on everyone’s head with two fingers between the chin and strap. Never wear a ball cap under your cycle helmet. Yes, everyone including mom’s and dad’s need to be wearing an approved cycle helmet.

Whether it is just the children out with friends, or the entire family should follow these bike rules:

• Always wear a helmet.

• Ride single file on the right-hand side of the road.

• Use arm signals when turning or changing lanes.

• Look both ways before crossing the street.

• Obey traffic lights and signs. It’s okay to walk your bike through an intersection if riding through busy traffic makes you uncomfortable.

• Learn to look over your shoulders without losing your balance or swerving.

• Scan the road ahead for potholes, railway crossings, slippery surfaces, loose gravel, and other obstacles.

• Remember that drivers have blind spots. Ride either well ahead of or well behind vehicles.

• Experienced riders should ride on the road, not the sidewalk. Beginners should learn on the sidewalk and be accompanied by an adult.

• Never wear headphones when cycling. The music is distracting and drowns out the noise of other traffic.

• Always ride with caution. Although you may see an approaching vehicle, the driver may not see you.

If your youth are headed to the skateboard park to try some new tricks safety is just as important for the skateboard enthusiast and BMX rider alike.

• Wear a helmet – cool multi-sport helmets are available from many local dealers.

• Wear additional protective equipment like wrist guards, knee pads or elbow pads.

• Don’t let loose clothing or laces get caught in the chain or spokes.

• Watch for others as to not collide.

• Practicing jumps or tricks are what you want to do but do so within the limits of your ability.

In case an incident occurs that results in potential injury do not move. Get help if someone complains of head, neck, or back pain. Do not try to move them. Dial 9-1-1 for the paramedics! If walking to and from school is a regular daily event for your child, review with them where to cross and how to use both marked and unmarked crosswalks. As adults we too need to be reminded to use crosswalks and not to cross in the middle of the block. Have a safe day!

by Lyle Karasiuk

Spring is definitely in the air as everyone has begun getting rid of the winter grime from buildings, sidewalks and yards. Raking the yard, trimming the trees and hauling out the trash are all spring activities. So too is some spring cleaning!

Spring cleaning might involve opening out a shed or storage building that has been sealed up for the winter. When doing so open the doors and give it some time to air out. If the critters moved in for the winter especially mice, we want to alert for mouse droppings and the potential for Hantavirus. Wearing a mask is essential protection. N95 preferred. Be alert and when sweeping out the space take appropriate precautions.

Early symptoms include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, especially in the large muscle groups—thighs, hips, back, and sometimes shoulders. These symptoms are universal. There may also be headaches, dizziness, chills, and abdominal problems, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Sounds a little bit like COVID.

You’ve probably grabbed a bucket of water and some rags to do the spring house cleaning. Wearing some good footwear vs bare or stocking feet will keep you “grounded.” But what about those hard to reach spots. Find an appropriate step stool vs a chair or even a small step ladder.

Take your time. One slip or trip can be life changing. No one wants nor needs broken bones should you fall. Keep your floors dry and watch for pets, they love to be with us but sometimes we don’t realize they are right behind us. Wear some gloves, cleaning chemicals can be harsh to the skin. Remember to read the labels too. Sounds silly but it wasn’t written because the manufacturer needed to fill space on the label.

Heading outdoors involved sometimes heavy lifting. Lift with your legs, don’t twist and turn at same time while holding a heavy object. A couple trips is easier on the back than straining to lift everything at once. A wheelbarrow can make loads easier to move around too.

When heading up on the ladder be sure you start with a solid surface. Proper footwear; don’t overextend your reach and definitely the top step of a step ladder is not for you to stand on. If you need a taller ladder, then use one.

Worst thing you can do is prop your step ladder onto something to get that extra height. If you do get up onto your roof for repairs or inspection, do so safely. Proper footwear and safety harness are necessary to prevent a serious fall. Then again having a professional do so keeps everyone safe.

Outdoors might involve some power tools. Chain saws can be dangerous if not used properly. Head, eye, hand and leg protection is essential to the safe operations. Knowing how to use the device with a sharp blade and timber, watch out for falling branches especially in the direction of people or property. This is where someone who has a whole lot more expertise might be essential to your good health.

We take for granted that simple everyday house chores won’t be hazardous to one’s health. But every year countless injuries occur but improper use of power tools. Careless storage of power equipment. Improper footwear or clothing or not turning off the power before servicing the equipment.

Don’t be a statistic! Read the label, wear the gear and before starting a project take a few extra minutes to be safe!

By Lyle Karasiuk

This week we celebrate National Public Safety Telecommunications week. We say thank you to our incredible team of medical communication specialists. We also say thank you to our telecommunication partners at Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency. These folks handle the 9-1-1 calls as well police or fire dispatch. We also thank our partners at the RCMP telecommunication center in Regina. As communication partners we are all dedicated to keeping you safe in this province.

Being a medical communications specialist is not an easy job. When you are hearing a panicked mother frantically calling for help because her child is not breathing. A wife whose life partner of many years might be having a stroke. A young child calling because mommy has fallen and needs help. These all weigh very heavy on the hearts and minds of our team. They are parents too! But their number one job is to help and that they do so very well. Keeping you calm to get precise directions. Giving you directions on how to start CPR, control bleeding or even simple reminders like turning on the outside light for the paramedics, are just some of their valuable instructions.

For example, when there is a vehicle collision the first call usually originates to 9-1-1. After getting the information needed, transfers the call to our medical communications team. Through careful questioning we determine hazard, number of persons involved, other resources that might be needed such as rural first responders. All choregraphed with the upmost precision.
Accuracy counts. Sending paramedics to the wrong location can have life changing consequences. But when this one call comes in there are likely other emergencies happening too. Our center is one of three Medical Communication and Coordination centers in Saskatchewan. One in Regina, another Saskatoon and ours in Prince Albert. Each able to assist the other if that center is very busy. It’s more than just a single location, it’s a team of dedicated professionals on every incident call.

Did you know that our center:

• Our medical dispatchers must be trained through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch, and receive recertification every two years
  
• We assist in coordinating medevac flight services for northern and remote communities
  
• We have 17 trained medical communications specialists
  
• In 2020 our communication specialists assisted in the delivery of 4 baby girls and 1 baby boy
  
• A communication specialist can be on the phone providing first responder care and instructions for up to one hour for remote callers
  
• We deploy over 60 remote medical first responder groups
  
• We also coordinate interfacility transfers for persons using ground ambulance between hospitals for further care in both urgent and non urgent situations
  
  If you are interested in learning more about our center or maybe are looking for a new career, call Brian at 306-953-8354. Our medical communications center is a busy, dynamic, and caring team of people. They are the first voice you hear when things are not going well.
  Rest assured they will do their very best to help you, calm you and get further help coming to your emergency scene. During National Public Safety Telecommunications week we say thank you to our team and all other telecommunicators in the province.

by Lyle Karasiuk

Mother always said eat your vegetables; drink plenty of fluids when you have a cold; get plenty of rest and don’t forget to exercise too! But despite our mother’s best advice we still get sick, injuries still happen, and hopefully we won’t, but we might need to visit the hospital emergency room. In the case of an emergency knowing what to do can make the difference and prevent things from getting worse. Knowing what not to do is just as important. It’s important to remember that taking a basic first aid class will give you the knowledge and skills you need to be safe at home, work or in the community. Visit our web sites for upcoming courses.

When a serious medical emergency does occur, it is important to act quickly. Time is crucial. When in doubt always seek medical advice! But what is a serious medical emergency:

• Chest pain or a cardiac arrest
• Difficulty breathing or not breathing
• A sudden, severe, or unexplained headache
• Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
• A large cut or wound
• A motor vehicle collision
• An industrial incident
• Unconscious state
• Overdose or poisoning
• A fall of great height
• Broken bones

When a serious medical emergency does occur calling 9-1-1 for the paramedics is important. The mobile health care team at Parkland Ambulance will quickly respond to your request for assistance. Bring the emergency room to your door, essential treatments can be started to improve the injured person’s health; stabilize the injured body part; or control the pain till further definitive care is available in the hospital emergency room. Here are a few simple tips you can do to prevent injuries or prevent injuries from getting worse while help is coming.

• In case of a fall where you suspect a head, neck, back injury, do not move the person. Keep them warm and get help.
• If the person may have injured a large bone like the upper part of their leg or hip, don’t try to move them and get help.
• If the person collapses to the floor and their whole-body shakes, do not try to open their mouth and jam anything into it. Do not hold them down but protect their head with some padding.

It’s important that you act to prevent emergencies in your home or workplace by:

• picking up obstacles like toys or tools
• keeping chemicals in the original container and safely stored
• get proper training in first aid and CPR – see us for the next course
• Make sure you are trained before using unfamiliar equipment and always read the instructions
• Get regular physical check ups from your family physician
• When taking medication especially antibiotics follow the instructions carefully and finish all the medication even if you are feeling better.
• Post emergency numbers beside each telephone – plan safety drills – post directions to your home by each telephone if you live out in the rural areas

While waiting for paramedics there are things you can do to help the person who is ill or injured.

• Keep them comfortable
• Follow the instructions from the emergency medical dispatcher to start basic first aid.
• Put away pets and turn on the outside lights

Remember that with the pandemic many medical services such as doctors visit maybe remote or virtual. Not sure if your illness or injury requires a trip to the doctor? You can call 8-1-1 first. The 8-1-1 team will provide you with some direction. Being prepared with home remedies like Tylenol and a first aid kit, can be useful items. Add these to this week’s grocery list. Please feel free to give us a call if we can answer your questions or assist with any training needs including virtual demonstrations. Be Safe!