Spring Is Here

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

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!

Stay safe when cleaning

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

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!

Celebrating public safety telecommunicators

Lyle Karasiuk
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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.

ATVs are not toys

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

by Lyle Karasiuk

The boom in all terrain vehicle (ATV) sales as meant many recreational users have one. In fact, many weekend users have become quite accustomed to having “fun” on their “quad” for the weekend. ATVs are not toys.

Serious injuries can result from improper use of ATVs, but with some preparation and practice, you can safely develop and expand your riding skills.

Spring and warm weather often get us all out on the weekend.

We load up the quad and head out for some fun. Unfortunately, those weekend warriors may not be too familiar with their device or maybe a bit too daring. Everything in moderation.

An ATV is also not a device to walk your dog beside. Nor is it, if not properly equipped, designed to carry more than one person.

Serious injury or even death can result from the operation of an ATV. Why? An ATV lacks a roll bar; it lacks a seat belt; its use on off road terrain makes it more likely to be used on uneven surfaces where the potential to be tipped is greater.

We have ATVs for younger people that “out of the box” might travel quite quickly in an inexperience driver.

Follow these safety reminders for a safe and enjoyable ride:
• Ride off-road only, never on public roads.
• Know your owner’s manual.
• Wear an approved helmet.
• Protect your eyes and body.
• Check the ATV before you ride – is it in good mechanical order
• Ride with others – never alone.
• Know the area and be alert for hazards like fences, sharp drops, or thin ice. Never ride on ice covered with water
• Keep noise levels low.
• Ride sober — no alcohol or drugs.
• Lend your ATV to skilled riders only.
• Preserve the environment.
• Be courteous to all you meet.
• Ride within your skill.
• Respect riding area rules.
• All ATV riders should abide by the following engine cc size and age restrictions: under 70 cc – 6 years of age and older; 70 cc to 90 cc – 12 years of age and older; over 90 cc – 16 years of age and older.
• Make sure that your child has completed an approved rider-training course.
• When riding in a group, place one adult-ridden ATV in front of the ATV ridden by your child and another adult-ridden ATV behind.
• If just one adult and child are riding, the adult-ridden ATV should be in front to better control the speed.
• Never carry a child on your ATV unless the ATV has been designed to carry two people.
• Always bring water, a snack or two, and make sure other people know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Pack along a first aid kit – just in case

Proper gear and being responsible in your ATV ride will go a long way to keeping you safe! If an emergency were to happen a first aid course can be an essential piece of caring for someone’s who’s injured.

Despite the pandemic we are training in a safe friendly environment. Call 306-953-8350 to register for an upcoming course.

Wishing those celebrating Easter this coming weekend a joyous and faith filled celebration.

Poison prevention is simple

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

Lyle Karasiuk

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. March 21 begins Poison Prevention Week, a great reminder that even the little things can be dangerous in the wrong hands.

– 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 then 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. Use our ICE (In Case of Emergency) kit available from Lake Country Co-op or our office at Parkland Ambulance. Get one they are free!

Don’t forget carbon monoxide detectors and a furnace inspection as good things to do this winter. Contact a licensed professional for the proper home heating inspection. It’s hunting season too 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. As you start spring cleaning think of disposing of potentially unwanted items safely.

Get ready for warmer weather

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

by Lyle Karasiuk

Well the warmer weather and bright sunshine signal a hopeful end to winter. I like everyone else is looking forward to spring, all be it we’ve got to get through the mud of spring. I think I’ll take a little wet weather over -50 for a break, but it’s not been that bad of a winter all things considered

Now with the spring run-off started and possible predictions of possible flooding in your local area, are you prepared? The Government of Canada has a great web site at www.getprepared.gc.ca which gives all of us the tools to be prepared for a natural disaster.

We often in the city take for granted someone will look after us or we’ll have a place to go but what would you do if you lived alone and had no family?

Whether you live in an apartment or single-family residence we all need to be prepared. Stumbling around in the dark to find the flashlight, not having plenty of extra bottled water or nowhere to go can be stressful if not a very real concern for people. Now when there is no emergency should you, your friends or family take the time to sit down and make a plan. It is easy to build an emergency kit stored under the stairs or in the front hall closet. Easy to access and something you check yearly.

That’s what www.getprepared.gc.ca encourages us to do.

If you live in the rural area you might be starting to think about alternative road access because of possible spring flooding. While the local RM will certainly do their best to share road closures with emergency services, sometimes conditions change quite quickly.
When help is urgent especially for paramedics knowing an alternative route is very important. Parkland Ambulance always encourages people who live in the rural areas to not only know where you are at but be able to describe the way to get to the house.

You know you turn here, turn there and then you are home, but being able to describe the directions to someone might be challenging. Take the time now to find a piece of paper and write the following onto the paper:

• Name of the residence for example John Smith Farm

• Legal land location

• Phone number of the house

• Directions of how to get to the house from the nearest major road and an alternative route just in case the road is blocked due to flooding or snow. Use fixed noticeable landmarks, or signs. Do not use moveable objects or names only the local residents might know.

• Put this information beside each phone in the house

Knowing where you are so that help can get to you quickly is important. Even at a business, hotel or school, there are possibly several entrances to the building.

Having someone go to the door, wait for paramedics, and guide them to the incident can save time. You know your facility often way better than the responding paramedics will.

The person calling for help might not be someone who lives there. It could be a neighbor or friend who’s visited countless times before but cannot describe the route. Maybe it is a small child who’s calling for mom or dad who might be hurt.

Before spring flooding possibly gets you stuck at home, make a plan, know where you are at and know what to do to stay safe for at least 72 hours. Visit www.getprepared.gc.ca or www.parklandambulance.com for more information.

When to seek medical advice

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

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!

February is Heart Month

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

by Lyle Karasiuk

February is Heart Month! What better way to show someone you care than to give the gift of life by performing CPR or using an AED. Far too many people have taken a first aid and CPR class but for what ever reason do not step in too help. In fact, last year in Canada 2.5 million people were trained first aid but less than 25% used their new-found knowledge. There are many reasons people won’t help but often when asked it’s the fear of making a mistake or I might hurt them. GOSH people this person is dead, no heart beat, not breathing they are dead. They are not going to get any deader but just maybe you might save their life. Without your help, without you saying YES, I WILL TRY TO HELP, things will stay the same. Tell yourself, yes, I can do this, yes, I will do this.

Learning CPR is easy. Here’s a quick guide but we strongly encourage you to take a class.

  • One – recognize an emergency exists. Someone collapses in the lobby of a restaurant, at a sports event, while you stand in line at the bank.
  • Two – if it is safe, go and see if that collapsed person is okay. Try and wake them up.
  • Three – if you cannot wake them up, using your cell phone or tell someone else to dial 9-1-1 and get paramedics.
  • Four – if the person who collapses is not lying on their back, roll them on their back. Are they awake? Put your ear over their nose and mouth do you hear them breathing? Does their chest look like it is moving up and down? If it is no to breathing, don’t panic help is coming but you need to start help them.
  • Five – remove any bulky winter coats, but you can keep their shirt on for CPR not if you need to use the AED.
  • Six – take one of your hands and place it on the center of the person who collapsed chest. Please your other hand on top of the first hand. Now push down hard and fast. You need to push down at least 5 cm or 2 inches. Keep pushing in a nice equal rhythm fast enough that if hummed the old Bee Gee’s sound “Staying Alive” that’s your beat.

    Those of you who have been trained in CPR might be saying hold on what about the breathing part. We are providing simple instructions for compression only CPR. Yes, CPR is a combination of pushing down on the chest and giving air to the person but if you don’t have a barrier device, they have funny stuff coming out of their noise and mouth and they are a stranger would you be comfortable putting your mouth on theirs? I doubt it, maybe to someone you know and love like a spouse but I highly doubt a total stranger. So, don’t make it difficult push on their chest. Keep pushing till another person offers to help or a trained rescuer like a paramedic comes along to take over. IT IS JUST THAT EASY!

    Now let us hope the location you are at has an AED. What the heck do you do with that? Simply put first turn it on. It won’t work unless you turn it on. Then listen to the voice prompts from the AED and do what it says. Take your time, you will be nervous, this is not what you do normally. Just do what the machine says. But don’t stop CPR. Keep going you can do it. You can help someone.

    The big step is overcoming your fear that you don’t know what to do or you will hurt them. You can not make things worse. Things will only hopefully get better with your help. To learn more register for a first aid class with us. You can also invite one of our paramedics to your church, school or community group for a demonstration. Give us a call we are always willing to help. Doing CPR is very easy! Please be someone’s hero!

An ounce of prevention

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

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 due to a convulsion, 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 – contact 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
• When calling the emergency medical dispatch center take the time to follow the instructions provided. While it might seem to you that help is not on the way be assured others in our communication center are getting the paramedics going as quickly as possible.

Sometimes the emergency may not be serious, when in doubt start with a call to the Health Help Line. 8-1-1 is that number where someone can help you make the decision with free medical information. Many emergencies can be handled by your family doctor or one of the many walks in clinics in our city. Knowing how to prevent emergencies is the first step. Know what to do in case of an emergency is an important second step. Be prepared and not scared. Visit our web site www.parklandambulance.com for more information. From our families to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Healthy winter travels

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

Lyle Karasiuk

As Saskatchewan residents we love to travel, especially in the winter. Even though it has been a mild winter, many residents have left on or soon will travel away. Whether it is for a few weeks or the entire winter, we all need to be prepared. One beautiful drink at a resort with contaminated water can make a miserable vacation or worse.

Before you leave, visit your family doctor well in advance for any preventative vaccinations. Some vaccinations like tetanus and diphtheria are a must. Many vaccinations may not be easily accessible or require time to become effective so don’t visit your doctor the week before the trip.

Of course, don’t forget your passport, as it is the safest and recognizable form of identification. It is always a good idea to ask your travel agent, tour operator or resort for guidance on safe eating and drinking practices. Off the beaten path on a personal excursion might cause great illness if you don’t take proper precautions. Contact public health at 306-765-6500 for more information about vaccinations and specific, if any, country requirements.

Do you have the right medical coverage? What if you got sick or ill and needed to see a doctor or worse had to stay in a hospital? Most insurance agents can help you find the right coverage for your needs.

Don’t assume your existing plan covers you for extend stays outside of Canada! Some plans cover only a specific period and additional or extended stay coverage is required. In Canada, we take it for granted that a trip to a doctor is covered by our provincial health plan. Not so in the United States or other vacation spots. If you do have a special medical condition that requires medication, make sure you’ve got a enough supply in a properly labeled container for your trip. Don’t assume you can “pick some up” while at your vacation destination.

If the medication is essential don’t pack it with your checked luggage should it become lost or delayed at your destination.

Along with your bathing suit and flip flops don’t forget to pack along some sun screen, mosquito repellant, a wide brimmed hat and proper clothing for all types of weather. It’s a good idea to ensure that friends and family know how to reach you in case of an emergency.

Of course, don’t forget to safe guard your home with family and friends or even a private security service but do check with your insurance agent any obligations you have on your home insurance policy.

Travel Tips:

• Watch what you eat and drink; make hot food is served hot and cold food cold especially from buffet where the temperature can vary, or food is left out for extended periods.

• Wash your hands frequently and consider hand sanitizers when possible.

• Anti-diarrhea medication

• Antihistamine

• Anti-motion sickness medication

• A generic pain medication such as ibuprofen

• A list of important phone numbers

• Spare contact lens or prescription eye glasses

The Government of Canada has some additional resources for travelers such as countries to avoid and other helpful travel information. You can visit their web site at www.travel.gc.ca.

On behalf of the staff and management of Parkland Ambulance Care, we want to wish you all safe travels. We want to also take the time to thank you and the Prince Albert Daily Herald for giving us the opportunity to be part of your read every other week in 2019. Happy New Year Everyone! May 2020 be a great New Year for us all – best wishes to each of you!

It’s the Christmas season

Lyle Karasiuk
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0

Lyle Karasiuk

The stores are bustling, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday and the big day has hardly arrived. Planning for Christmas is like planning a wedding in my estimation. You take months of preparation, work hard to make sure everything goes to plan and when the big day does happen there is a big relief it finally happened. While planning your seasonal adventures remember why the season exists. Whether you are a person of faith or not, do take some time to think of those for whom the season is not so merry and bright.

Do your part to help out whether it is a local event like Give A Little Life Day to help our hospital or ringing the bells for Salvation Army. Maybe it’s our Wrapped Up for the Holiday Campaign to collect blankets and coats, please make your donation as you can.

 Already many people have enjoyed the warmer outdoor temperatures to get their light display up and securing attached to the house. Remember these ladder safety tips when putting up your Christmas decorations:

Make sure that the ladder is on a firm, level non slip surface

Be sure that all safety locks are engaged before stepping onto the ladder

Stretching and leaning to either side is a leading cause of falls. Move the ladder to reach your work.

For an extension ladder, the highest safe standing level is the fourth rung. For a stepladder, stand no higher than the second rung from the top. Use the right length of ladder for the job

The maximum load a ladder can safely handle is called its duty rating. To determine the proper ladder size, subtract the climber’s height from the height of the job. Use the right type of ladder for the job; for example, don’t try to use a stepladder as an extension ladder. Last but not least, make sure the ladder is in good repair.

Many of us have already begun the “party” circuit. Whether it’s the office after hours get together or a bunch of friends over for an evening, when hosting a party, plan appropriately. This includes:

Either don’t drink or limit your own consumption of alcohol in order to track that of your guests.

Know your guests – it is much easier to track the changes in behavior of those you know.

Try to serve all drinks yourself and avoid self-serve bars to track and monitor your guests’ consumption. Consider hiring a bartender trained in alcohol service.

Have plenty of non-alcoholic choices.

Serve lots of food that has protein and fat – salt encourages more drinking and sugar does not mix well with alcohol.

Meet, Greet and Repeat – meet and greet all your guests as they arrive in order to determine if they have had anything alcoholic to drink before arriving. If the party is an open house or cocktail format, repeat the process as guests leave.

If a guest is intoxicated, encourage him or her to give you their car keys if relevant.

Buddy up with a friend to assist in persuading the intoxicated person to take a cab. Operation Red Nose can be a great choice too!

Keep the phone numbers of cab companies handy and tell the guest that a cab has been ordered – don’t give them the option to refuse.

If the guest is quite intoxicated, keep that person with you until they have sobered or can be left with a sober responsible person.

Only time will sober the person, not additional fluids or food. Offering a spare bed is a good recourse.

If the person refuses to give the car keys or spend the night at your house, call the police. It may seem drastic, but it could be a choice between that of an upset friend or far more tragic consequences.

The holiday season is meant to be a special time when we all can enjoy the company of good friends, good food and share a moment of quiet company.

Don’t let your Christmas be marked by tragedy. Be a responsible host and an even more responsible driver.

Please don’t drink and drive this holiday or at any time.

Staying safe this winter

Lyle Karasiuk
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Lyle Karasiuk

Well we knew it was coming but yet we all likely just said tomorrow I will get the winter tires put on or tomorrow I’ll put the winter safety gear in the vehicle, then poof snow and cold weather, somehow like magic arrived. Despite the arrival of the first snow fall, slippery road or sidewalk conditions, you still have time to get winter ready.

When operating a motor vehicle during the winter please slow down. Give yourself extra time to get where you are going. It is winter time so some general reminders of winter safety are in order:

• Slow down

• Give yourself space between you and the vehicle in front of you when stopping or travelling on city streets or highways.

• Keep your windows free of ice and snow so that you can see properly.

• Be alert for an approaching emergency vehicle so you can safely pull to the right to let them pass.

• Watch for snow plows and do not pass unless it safe to do so.

• Securely stow your winter gear such as shovel, booster cables, extra blankets, winter boots, first aid and winter survival kits.

Please do your part to keep your sidewalk and driveways free from snow and ice. Our paramedics will appreciate your efforts as will others. Please dress properly for the weather with toques, mittens, good winter coat and long underwear if needed. Some good footwear too and with the hustle of the Christmas fast approaching please walk carefully but remember to cross at the corner. It is hard enough for a vehicle to spot you when streets are warm and dry but with the additional snow, vehicles may not stop as quickly.

If you do slip and fall please don’t be a hurry to get up or help someone who has fallen to get up. It takes less than a minute to:

• Check to see if the person whose fallen is okay

• Get them to move their arms, wrists, knees and ankles

• Does it hurt anywhere?

• Do they remember what happened?

 If the person who has fallen complains of any pain that might prevent from moving or if they have pain to their head, neck, back or hips, please call the paramedics. Trying to move them when they are injured may seem like a good idea but can make things much worse than it already is. If you are injured yourself and find only upon getting home that things just are well, then call for paramedics or seek other medical assistance as required.  Falls are most likely to happen when conditions like snow or ice, wet or uneven walking surfaces are present.

So you have not yet gotten your Christmas decorations up, please stay off your roof. If you have to get up onto a ladder do so safely, with a spotter and proper footwear.

Do not overextend your reach, move the ladder over. Please use proper rated electrical cords and be sure a cord does not create a trip hazard as you start putting up home decorations in anticipation of Christmas.

There is still time to get your flu shot, please do so. During the colder winter months wash your hands frequently to stop the spread of the flu!

Winter is not going to go away soon unless you are headed south for a months this winter.

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