February is Heart Month!

Sky MattixBlog, Health

  What is Heart Month? Heart month happens every February! Heart Month is meant to spread awareness of heart disease and stroke to promote prevention, and at the same time raise money for research on the best treatments when people do get it.  Who is behind 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 in the battle against these two preventable killers. Since its inception, tens of thousands of individuals and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations take part including, various charities, health organizations …

Safety on the Ice: Fishing & Skating

Sky MattixBlog, Sports Safety

Safety on the Ice: Fishing & Skating Canadians look forward to the winter for the great outdoor activities such as ice fishing and skating or playing hockey on frozen ponds. These activities are great amounts of fun however can be extremely dangerous. There are many precautions to take before stepping onto a frozen pond and here are some of the things you should know: Create a Plan It is important to create a plan of where and when you are going to participate in ice activities. It is also just as important that you share your plans with another person …

Do you own a Vehicle Distress Kit?

Sky MattixBlog, Safety

Do you own a Vehicle Distress Kit? While the weather outside is frightening and January’s heating bill most likely has an extra digit before the decimal, that after-work, spiked hot chocolate is all the more comforting. This is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create a last minute winter safety kit for your vehicle, leaving you with a list to check off while you add some extra marshmallows. Because the weather’s predictability doesn’t have a formulated equation, having a safety kit prepared within the vehicle for possible emergencies is always a trending idea. First Aid Canada is pleased to …

First Aid Kit Recommendations for Winter Sports

Sky MattixBlog, Sports Safety

First Aid Kit Reccomendations for Winter Sports With the winter in full force across Canada it is important to know how to stay safe when you’re having fun this season! Mountain Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling When heading up the mountain whether it be for a day trip or a leisurely stay it is important to bring a long safety supplies to prepare yourself for an emergency. First Aid Canada recommends smaller kits, which can be carried on person such as our Adventure Kit or Belt Pack Kit. These kits are designed to treat minor injuries occurring in an outdoor setting. …

How to Recognize and Manage Allergic Reactions

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

How to Recognize and Manage Allergic Reactions  Recognizing an Allergic Reaction Allergic reactions happen when a person’s immune system overreacts to something usually harmless, such as food, pollen, bug stings/bites, or medications. Although very common, allergic reactions can be fatal so it is important to recognize the spectrum of symptoms occurring during an allergic reaction, what to do before help arrives and how to prevent incidences in the future. Mild Allergic Reactions: Hives Itchy skin Red, itchy eyes Nasal congestion, runny nose Rashes Moderate to Severe Allergic Reactions: Swelling of the hands, feet, lips, face, or throat Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, …

What did the First Aid Canada Team get up to in 2015?

Sky MattixBlog, News

What did the First Aid Canada Team get up to in 2015?  Happy New Year! 2015 has been an amazing year for the First Aid Canada Team and we thought now would be an excellent time to share some of our favourite moments: Our first trade show of the year was the Restaurants Canada Show at the Direct Energy Center in Toronto, Ontario. This was the team’s second year attending the show and it was a great success! There was excellent crowd in attendance and even better eats to be enjoyed. We had “Choking Charlie,” at our side helping us …

How to Treat Burns

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

How to Treat Burns  Burns can occur more frequently over the holidays due to hazards such as Christmas lights, candles and holiday cooking. To prevent hospital visits it’s important to be prepared in the home to treat yourself if any burn-related accidents occur. First Aid Canada offers a few different options in regards to burn treatment: Water-Jel Cool Jel Water-Jel Cool Jel is a gel formulation that works quickly in emergency situations by cooling and soothing the inflicted area. The non-toxic and non-irritating gel formula also provides a protective barrier against bacteria to ensure protection against contamination. 2nd Skin Burn …

Signs, Symptoms & Treatment: Frostbite & Hypothermia

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Frostbite Exposure to below-freezing temperatures causes frostbite. Frostbite can affect any area of the skin, however is most common in hands, feet, face and ears. It is important to understand the symptoms of frostbite to prevent this serious condition from progressing. Signs & Symptoms Aching pain Numbness Skin feels hard and waxy Skin is white and/or gray-yellowish in colour Treatment If you are without immediate medical attention and believed you are dealing with frostbite call a doctor right away. Begin by finding shelter, ideally indoors Do not attempt to thaw the frostbite as this can cause permanent damage Remove all …

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 …