Surviving the Heat: Understanding the Risks to Your Heart

Deborah FarlowBlog

As the summer sun beats down relentlessly, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers posed by extreme heat, especially if you have underlying heart conditions. Heatwaves not only test our endurance but also place significant stress on our cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and strokes. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps before an adventure, such as investing in an AED and learning CPR/First Aid Training, can make all the difference in staying safe this summer. Heart Conditions and Heat: A Dangerous Combination Extreme heat affects everyone, but those with heart conditions are particularly …

Safety Tips for Outdoor Adventures

Deborah FarlowBlog, Safety

Are you gearing up for your next outdoor adventure? Whether you’re planning a serene hike through the mountains or a thrilling camping trip under the stars, ensuring your safety should be a top priority. From unexpected weather changes to encountering wildlife, outdoor excursions can present various challenges. But with the right preparation and equipment, you can minimize risks and maximize enjoyment. In this guide, we’ll explore essential safety tips, must-have supplies, and precautions for your outdoor adventures. 1. Plan and Prepare: Before embarking on any outdoor excursion, take the time to research your destination thoroughly. Familiarize yourself with the terrain, …

Celebrating National Heart Month in Canada

Deborah FarlowBlog, First Aid, Giving Back, Health, News

February in Canada is not just about winter chill; it’s also the month dedicated to matters of the heart – both metaphorically and literally. National Heart Month is an annual observance that puts the spotlight on cardiovascular health, encouraging Canadians to prioritize heart well-being through awareness, education, and proactive measures. The Significance of National Heart Month This month-long initiative serves as a timely reminder for Canadians to pay attention to their heart health. Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, making it crucial to dedicate focused efforts to prevention, early detection, and lifestyle adjustments. Key Themes …

Regular Maintenance is Key for a Working Portable Defibrillator

Sky MattixBlog, 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

Sky MattixBlog, 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

Sky MattixBlog, 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

Sky MattixBlog, 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. …

Defibrillators Save Lives in Schools

Sky MattixBlog, 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 …

5 Ways to Fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator

Sky MattixBlog, Giving Back

5 Ways to Fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator With Automated External Defibrillators being a high priced item, yet essential for saving lives in heart-related emergencies it can be contemplative determining how and when to make the purchase. Defibrillator stories are continuously in the news and we are avid readers, Like us on Facebook for daily news stories related to lives saved by defibrillators and stories of how other people are fundraising for the cause worldwide. Luckily, the First Aid Canada team has put together a few ideas to help kick-start your fundraising campaign for a defibrillator: Community Bottle Drive Community bottle drives are …

How to Respond to an Emergency

Sky MattixBlog, Safety

How to Respond to an Emergency: Step-by-Step Would you know how to handle an emergency? Here is a brief step-by-step guide to remind you how to handle yourself and others when it comes to an emergency situation: Remain Calm The most important thing when facing an emergency is to remain calm. Remaining calm will help anyone else involved in the situation present their selves in the best way to move forward to help those affected and potentially save lives. Keep People Away from the Site and Situation When an emergency occurs it can draw a lot of attention. It is …

What Should I Know Before Choosing an AED

Sky MattixBlog, Safety

What Should I Know Before Choosing an AED? Shopping for a defibrillator can seem quite intimidating due to all of the different models, manufacturers and high prices. First Aid Canada is happy to provide four different types of defibrillators; all of which are trustworthy, easy to use and set at appropriate prices. This blog is designed to help you discover the best defibrillator for your life and your needs. Philips HeartStart OnSite Defibrillator  Philips HeartStart Onsite Automated External Defibrillators are the perfect life-saving device for public spaces such as community centers and sports arenas. Just like the Philips HeartStart Home …

Family First Aid & Heart Safety in the Home

Sky MattixBlog, Safety

Family First Aid & Heart Safety in the Home Because it is officially #HeartMonth 2018 the First Aid Canada team feels it is important to kindly address safety within the home. The home is a place we spend a large amount of our time each day and night. Both family and friends will continually be guests the home so it is important to be prepared with a first aid kit and an automated external defibrillator.  Below you will find our reccomendations for transforming your home into a fully prepared and safe one! First Aid Kits & Supplies First Aid Canada is …