How to be Prepared up the Mountain

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Mountain Preparedness With the weather coming in full force towards winter Canadians are anticipating their visits to both local and destination slopes. Adventuring up the mountain can be an absolute blast from sledding, snowboarding and skiing to snowmobiling, tubing and snowshoeing – the fun is endless! Which is also one main reason why mountain goers should know how to be prepared:   BYOK – “Bring Your Own Kits” It is highly recommended to pack your own types of first aid supplies with you while hitting the slopes. You never know when and where you may find yourself in a situation …

Facts to Know This Winter: Heart Attack in Men vs. Women

Sky MattixBlog, Health

Facts to Know This Winter: Heart Attack in Men vs. Women   Every 7 minutes in Canada, someone dies from heart disease or stroke (Statistics Canada, 2011c). Unfortunately, it is too often we hear of heart issues occurring in the winter, for example from shoveling snow. It is important to thoroughly understand what occurs inside the body during these incidences to know best practices on how to treat and respond to them.   Angina & Heart Disease: Angina (chest pain) is a strong warning sign of heart disease and if left untreated will eventually lead to a heart attack, stroke …

How to Rescue an Infant from Choking

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

How to Rescue an Infant from Choking The First Aid Canada team hopes you never have to be put into the position of saving an infant’s life, however it is valuable to know the steps on how to proceed if you ever find yourself faced with this reality. Choking: Step 1: Assess the Situation Is the infant crying or coughing? Is their face turning red or blue? If the infant is unable to cry or cough this means there is most likely something blocking their airway. Their skin may be turning bright red or blue. If the infant is coughing …

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe for the Holidays

Sky MattixBlog, Safety

Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe for the Holidays With the winter season just around the corner it is important to think ahead and be prepared for what the cold weather entails…  In addition to Winter Road Safety, the First Aid Canada team feels in is important to address safety within the home. While family and friends frequent the house more during the holidays it is important to be prepared with an adequate first aid kit and possibly an automated external defibrillator. Whether it be Dad burning himself trying to help Mom out on the stove or stubbing a toe …

NEW 2015 CPR/AED Guidelines

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

NEW 2015 CPR/AED Guidelines The ILCOR 2015 CPR/AED Guidelines for Adult Basic Life Support and CPR Quality: Lay Rescuer CPR Here’s what you need to know about changes: The crucial links in the out-of-hospital adult Chain of Survival are unchanged from 2010, with continued emphasis on the simplified universal Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Algorithm. The Adult BLS Algorithm has been modified to reflect the fact that rescuers and activate emergency response (i.e. through the use of mobile telephone) without leaving the victim’s side. It is recommended that communities with people at risk for cardiac arrest implement PAD programs. Recommendations …

All About the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

Sky MattixBlog, Health

All About the Signs and Symptoms of Stroke 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 …

Tips for Staying Safe this Halloween

Sky MattixBlog, Safety

Tips for Staying Safe this Halloween 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 …

What to do if you knock out a tooth?

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

First Aid for Knocked-Out Tooth No one wants to think about the possibility of having a tooth knocked out or picture it. However, with all things in life it is important to be educated when you feel this could be a danger, for example if you are a hockey player, cyclist or work in an environment where this could be a future risk. Step 1: Collect Teeth and/or Fragments Collect fragments Only touch the crown (top part of the tooth), be sure to not touch the root Rinse tooth gently if necessary Step 2: Re-Insert or Store Teeth Rinse tooth …

Tips for Babysitting First Aid

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Tips for Babysitting First Aid Being a responsible caretaker means being prepared. Feeling confident in your problem solving and first aid skills can allow you to relax and focus on the children you are caring for. Here are a few simple tips to keep in mind while child-minding: Stay Focused It is important to keep your eyes on the children at all times while they are awake. There can be an assortment of hazards both indoors and outdoors with appliances, plants, animals, etc. If you are asked to complete an additional task by the parents while you are minding the …

Prince Edward Island Workplace First Aid Requirements

Sky MattixBlog, Provincial First Aid Requirements

Prince Edward Island First Aid Requirements The first aid requirements for businesses in Prince Edward Island are based on the number of employees working on a given shift. For the most current regulations, refer to Section 9.11 (pg. 16 of 116) of thePEI Occupational Health and Safety Act: General Regulations. 1 Employee Prince Edward Island #1 Kit  2-19 Employees Prince Edward Island #2 Kit  20+ Employees *low hazard workplace Prince Edward Island #3 Kit  20-99 Employees *workplaces other than low hazard Prince Edward Island #3 Kit  100+ Employees * workplaces other than “low hazard” First Aid Room Vehicles & Boats If …

How to Prevent the Flu

Sky MattixBlog, Health

  How to Prevent the Flu For the majority catching a flu is a complete nuisance – interrupting your life and leaving you feeling crumby for a couple of weeks, but for some a flu can mean much more. People with certain health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system can be hit a lot harder by flu season and in some serious cases this can be life-threatening. Get Vaccinated The “Flu Shot” is recommended by experts as it is the single best way to avoid the flu. The vaccine works by injecting a weakened …

What Every Hockey Team Needs

Sky MattixBlog, Sports Safety

 What Every Hockey Team Needs 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 all …