Better Public Access to a Defibrillator in Ontario Can Save Lives

tempfirstaid Blog, First Aid

Maybe you’re trained in first aid in CPR and know what to do in an emergency. Perhaps you have a general understanding but have not been formally trained. Either way, having access to an easy to use a defibrillator in Ontario can save lives—no matter what your medical background entails. It’s all about location Knowing what to do and having easy to understand instructions on a defibrillator (AED) are essential for saving lives. However, what if there are not enough defibrillators in easily accessible areas? Thankfully, there are various organizations which have been advocating for more defibrillators to be placed …

Regular Maintenance is Key for a Working Portable Defibrillator

tempfirstaid Blog, Safety

Having a portable defibrillator on site is the first step to saving a life but it doesn’t end there. Did you know creating a routine maintenance program and adhering to that program is the only way to be sure that it is ready to use? Defibrillators are the only item that can reliably help resume normal cardiac function, so it is important that such a device works when you need it. For most office environments, most manufacturers recommend checking your device once a month, making a note of any replacements that are required during the course of the inspection and …

How and Why an AED Can Save Lives in Ontario

tempfirstaid Blog, Safety

What is an Automated External Defibrillator? If you haven’t heard by now, an AED is a medical device that is designed to restore a normal heartbeat to a distressed individual by sending a corrective electric pulse to their heart. It may be used to stop or correct an arrhythmia, which is a heartbeat that is irregular, too slow, or too fast. Though it may seem intimidating at first, these devices have been tailored for public use and require minimal training. Many health and safety-conscious companies are placing defibrillators in their workspaces, so read on and learn how to use an …

Cottage Season: Know Before You Go

tempfirstaid Blog, First Aid

Cottage Season: Know Before You Go Spring has arrived and cottage season is officially in full swing. If you are one of the lucky ones and have a slice of paradise detached from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is likely you are starting to plan and prepare your upcoming adventure. It is no question, visiting a cottage requires a little bit of thought because realistically a remote location isn’t exactly ideal for last minute supplies and resources. Forgot your phone charger? Chances are the nearest store isn’t a brisk walk away. Surrounded by water, conservation and greenery, …

February is Heart Month

tempfirstaid Blog, Health

What is Heart Month?  For over 60 years the Heart and Stroke Foundation has organized Heart Month. It is has become one of the largest fundraising campaigns in Canada. February is widely recognized as the month of love. Ahem, Valentine’s Day. It will come as no surprise that February is also a month dedicated to raising awareness for cardiovascular health. While it may be endearing to have your heart skip a beat for the love of your life or for your breath to be taken away, make sure the experience is one of love and not that of oxygen loss or abnormal heart rhythm. …

Inspecting Your First Aid Supplies: What to Look For

tempfirstaid Blog, First Aid

Inspecting Your First Aid Supplies: What to Look For When was the last time you inspected your first aid kits? Did you know that it is recommended to inspect your first aid supplies at least once every three months? Although overlooked by many people, inspecting your first aid supplies is vital to ensure you are fully prepared to handle an emergency. The last thing you would want to happen when faced with a workplace injury or life-threatening event is to realize that your first aid kit or defibrillator is not fully equipped with the necessary supplies. Some things to keep in mind when inspecting your first aid …

3 Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest

tempfirstaid Blog, Health

3 Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest Cardiac Arrest can happen at any age and at any time. Although these incidences can be extremely hard to predict there are three red flags or warning signs, which could save your life. 1. Dizzy Spells Having dizzy spells or passing out during exercise can be a telltale sign of a heart condition. Dizziness can be a sign that your heart’s rhythm isn’t functioning regularly which may cause you to collapse. Luckily if you collapse with enough consciousness to wake up this is most likely a sign your heart was strong enough to regain …

Halloween Safety Tips

tempfirstaid Blog, Safety

Halloween Safety Tips Trick-or-Treat! Halloween is just around the corner so the First Aid Canada Team is here to provide you with some safety tips to enjoy your night to the fullest, as well as safest: Tips for Children Trick or treat with you parents and/or groups of people If you are heading out without your parents be sure to give enough time to return home by curfew Wear reflective clothing or that which is vibrant colours Avoid wearing masks, opt for face paints instead Wait to cross the street at lights and cross walks and avoid from walking out …

Ice Hockey First Aid Recommendations

tempfirstaid Blog, Sports Safety

   Ice Hockey First Aid Reccomendations With the hockey season beginning it’s time to get prepared! It is important to gel as a team and work together whether it be with skills or in the case of an emergency. Responsibilities every team has to maintain: Accurate medical information files on all players A player injury log even for small injuries A regulation first aid kit Additional responsibilities of a team: Bring the First Aid Kit to all team activities, ex. Off-ice training and away games Implement an effective Emergency Action Plan with your team and practice it regularly to ensure …

Stroke Awareness: Signs & Symptoms

tempfirstaid Blog, Health

Stroke Awareness: Signs & Symptoms A stroke is a sudden loss of brain function. There are two main types of stroke, this includes an ischemic stroke, caused by the interruption of blood flow to the brain or a hemorrhagic stroke, caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain. Brain damage can occur from stroke because neurons of the affected area of the brain can die when they are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. When facing a stroke every second counts. By recognizing symptoms and acquiring treatment you can save yourself from brain damage. By knowing and understanding these symptoms one …

Defibrillators Save Lives in Schools

tempfirstaid Blog, Safety

Defibrillators Save Lives in Schools Having an AED onsite at school can mean the difference between life and death. Being September we felt it was important to go into detail of the value of having a defibrillator onsite within schools. Age Doesn’t Matter There is a common misconception when it comes to cardiac arrest, often people believe it can only occur in aging or unhealthy adults, when quite commonly children can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. Often when cardiac arrest occurs in children it is related to a heart condition that had not yet been recognized or diagnosed, so a …

Back-to-School Sports Safety Checklist

tempfirstaid Blog, Sports Safety

Back-to-School Sports Safety Checklist With September just around the corner, back-to-school means back to organized school sports! We thought it would be a great time to give our recommendations for being prepared in active indoor and outdoor environments. First Aid Kits Having an adequate and fully stocked First Aid Kit is a must. It is always important to be prepared for a variety of injuries. First Aid Canada is pleased to offer a variety of athletic and sports kits to best suit your needs and specific sporting environment. These kits contain the supplies needed to tend to various injuries such …