Should you drive an ill or injured person to the hospital?

This question gets asked by students taking our first aid courses all the time, and we do see the conundrum that many face in an Emergency as Liability, distance, Time or even a persons life may be at stake. For these very reasons we have come up with the simplest way to look at it.

Try not to……, but if you do decide to take a person to the hospital we have included some steps to keep you and the patient safe. Lets call this “Stay & Play VS Load & Go”

Stay & Play = “Wait for an Ambulance“

• – Never drive an ill or injured person to the hospital if their condition is “Life Threatening” or spine related. The movement of being in a vehicle may adversely affect their injuries. You may not have to move the patient, your 911 Dispatcher will advise you on options you may have to secure the best medical aid given.

Load & Go = “Take them to a hospital“

• – For “Non-Life Threatening” injuries or illness.

Step #1 – “911 on Speaker Phone” – Have 911 on speaker phone so everyone knows what the dispatcher needs you to do. This will also let the hospital know you are coming.

Step #2 – “Take a Partner“ – Have a calm person drive while you continue care. Having a partner to help in an emergency setting can make all the difference. Emergencies can change.

Step #3 – “You Can NOT Speed“ – as your vehicle is not a designated emergency vehicle its lack of visibility and sirens will put you and others into danger if you attempt to break the rules of the road. Just remember, if you get there safely, the victim will too, Better safe than sorry.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

Coronavirus “Covid-19”

What is Coronavirus “Covid-19?

The information in this article is not complete and will change as the research on the virus has not been completed, this article will update as new research is released.

• – Coronaviruses were identified in the mid-1960s and are known to infect humans and a variety of animals (including birds and mammals). Since 2002, two coronaviruses infecting animals have evolved and caused outbreaks in humans: SARS-CoV (2002, Betacoronavirus, subgenus Sarbecovirus), and MERS-CoV (2012, Betacoronavirus, subgenus Merbecovirus)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. Genetic analysis revealed that it is closely related to SARS-CoV and genetically clusters within the genus Betacoronavirus, forming a distinct clade in lineage B of the subgenus Sarbecovirus together with two bat-derived SARS-like strains.

“What does this mean?” It means the origin of the virus is not clear yet.

Information on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the infection caused by 2019-nCoV is accumulating. The Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the incubation period to be between three and seven days, with a range of up to 14 days. These estimates are still uncertain and are expected to be updated as more information becomes available.

How is it spread?

There are 5 Disease transmission routs known

1. Air-born – “infections spread when bacteria or viruses travel on dust particles or small respiratory droplets that become aerosolized when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Healthy people can inhale the infectious droplets, or the droplets can land on their eyes, nose and mouth”
2. Direct Contact – When you touch the blood, saliva, vomit, seminal fluid or open wounds of someone who is infected
3. Indirect Contact – When you pick up something that an infected person has touched and left germs behind. Door knobs, toilet seats, keyboards, cell phones. Some diseases can survive for prolonged period of time ie: “Hepatitis can last up to 3 weeks on a surface without the host”
4. Vector Born “Parasites” – Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding anthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria
5. Zoonotic “Animal Transfer“ – a disease that can be transmitted from animals to people or, more specifically, a disease that normally exists in animals but that can infect humans. There are multitudes of zoonotic diseases. Some examples include: anthrax. Ascariasis.

The Covid-19 virus was initially isolated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples [2]. RNA of the virus has also been detected in blood samples. So far, it is still unknown whether the virus is excreted in faeces or urine. In a report of a family cluster including six cases, RT-PCR was negative in urine and stool samples.

What does this mean?

It means that the virus Covid-19 is at the moment is Air-born , Direct Contact and Indirect Contact transferred. Current research is not available on how long it can last on a surface, or if it is disinfectant resistant.

– NOTE –

“Health care professionals are concerned with Covid-19 not for the fact that it can cause fatalities, however they are more concerned that even due to current anti viral procedures Covid-19 continues to spread to a point where health care professional staff are overloaded and are unable to help those affected.”

Symptoms

As more symptoms come available this will be updated

• General Malays “feeling ill / Cold Like Symptoms”
• Sweating “diaphoresis”
• Coughs “wet”
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Breathing Difficulties “Wet sounds in the lungs”
• Pneumonia
• Organ failure

Treatments

– NOTE – Antiviral drugs are currently ineffective, recovery depends on the strength of the immune system. Many of those who have died were already in poor health or had a compromised immune system due to an underlying medical conditions. “However” there is no direct correlation of symptoms with previous underlying medical conditions.

• Self Isolation “3 weeks too 1 month”
• Rest
• Plenty of fluids “electrolytes”
• Maintain Core temperature during fever
• NSAID’s may help with symptoms

Prevention

During previous outbreaks due to other coronavirus (Middle-East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), human-to-human transmission occurred through droplets, contact and fomites, suggesting that the transmission mode of the COVID-19 can be similar. The basic principles to reduce the general risk of transmission of acute respiratory infections include the following:

• • Avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections. “1 meter in distance”
• • Frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment. “follow proper hand washing techniques”
• • Avoiding unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.
• • People with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing, and wash hands).
• • Within health care facilities, enhance standard infection prevention and control practices in hospitals, especially in emergency departments.
• Clean surfaces with a “Bleach / Water” combination Mix 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach in 1 gallon of water. Wash surfaces with the bleach mixture. If surfaces are rough, scrub them with a stiff brush. Rinse surfaces with clean water.
• Use disinfectant hand wash, antibacterial hand Sanitizer in public and wash hands through out the day due to contact with others.

WHO “World Health Organization” does not recommend any specific health measures for travelers. In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider.

Survival Rates as they stand:

Report from the WHO:

Reported case fatality rates range from 4% in the Statement of the WHO Emergency Committee, to 14% when only recovered cases and deaths are included in the denominator, and 15% in the publication of a small case series of hospitalized patients. A more recent study of 99 cases hospitalized between 1 January and 20 January, reported that as of 25 January 31% had been discharged, 11% had died, and 58% were still admitted with final outcomes unknown at this time.

Q&A

Should I go to the Doctor if I have symptoms?

• “Answer” – At this time “No” Currently in Canada the CMA is asking that if you feel you may be at risk, to call “811 Health Link” first, self isolate yourself within your own home to prevent contact and spread, and your local medical services will provide aid as per needed depending on your symptoms.

Can Covid-19 be fatal?

• “Answer” – “Yes“, At this time there has been reported deaths and physical complications associated with infection and its spread.

Is there a Vaccine?

• “Answer” – “No” at this time there is no vaccine, survival depends on the strength of the immune system in the person affected.

Why are people scared of Covid-19 when the flue has killed more people?

• “Answer” – At this time governments, officials and medical professionals are “unable to contain the virus, and there is no vaccine currently” this impedes medical treatment. Combined with the speed at which the virus can be communicated between person to person “WHO refers- Extremely Contagious“, the lack of Vaccine or medical information on the virus, and the growing concern of international trade reduction due to Pandemic outcome, many Health officials have chose to warn the public about the spread and are asking for patience and understanding while they work on a treatment plan.

Should I stockpile food and other things?

• –Answer – At this time the Canadian Medical Association encourages you to maintain an adequate supply of food / water / toilet paper / sundries if you are in a high risk area that has the potential to be quarantined. “However” the CMA does have procedures in place to help those affected in self isolation to maintain their health and lifestyle. If you believe you must stockpile, a ration of up to 3 weeks would help you maintain your household during self isolation.

If your symptoms get worse at any time or you notice new symptoms from the list above, call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about Covid-19 or any of the information in this handout.”

This information was taken From Center of Disease Control “CDC”, European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control, WHO “World Health Organization”, Alberta Health Services, Canadian Medical Association, Center of Disease Control China.

“This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.”

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace

#FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #Corona Virus #Covid19

SIDS “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome”

What is SIDS “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

– SIDS “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” is defined as a sudden unexplained death before 1 year of age. The death usually occurs in a previously healthy infant, and the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation , including a complete autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of the clinical history.

What causes SIDS?

Unfortunately “Doctors do not know what causes SIDS”. It seems to happen more often in premature and low-birth-weight babies however. It also is seen more often in babies who’s mothers didn’t get medical care during the pregnancy and in babies who’s mothers smoke. SIDS may also be more likely in babies who were part of a multiple pregnancy “twins for example” or who’s mothers are younger than 20.

SIDS has also been associated with a sleep period but is unpredictable. It is often referred to as a “diagnosis of exclusion” because it is determined only after ruling out other causes of death, including suffocation, infection, or other illnesses.

SIDS is also “not” the cause of every sudden infant death. Each year in North America thousands of infants tragically die suddenly of no immediate or obvious cause. These deaths are classified as SUID.

SUID “Sudden Unexplained Infant Death” includes all unexpected deaths. These deaths without a clear cause, such as SIDS, and those from a known cause, such as accidental suffocation. Many unexpected infant deaths are accidents, but a disease or another external factor, such as poisoning or neglect, can also cause an infant to die unexpectedly. One-half of SUID cases are SIDS.

“Sleep-Related causes of infant death” – These deaths are not SIDS – These causes are linked to how or where a baby sleeps or slept, accidental suffocation, entrapment “trapped between two objects ie: Mattress / Wall” , strangulation or when something presses on or wraps around the baby’s neck blocking the baby’s airway.

Risk Factors:

Age: “Birth 0 – 6 Months”

SIDS has “NO” symptoms or warning signs, babies who die from SIDS seem healthy before being put to bed, they will show “NO” signs of struggle and are often found in the same position as when they were placed in bed.

While the cause of SIDS is unknown, many physicians and researchers believe that SIDS is associated with problems in the ability of the Baby to arouse from sleep, to detect low levels of Oxygen or a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. When babies sleep face down, they may re-breathe exhaled carbon dioxide. Normally, rising carbon dioxide levels activates nerve cells in the brainstem, which stimulate the brain’s respiratory and arousal centers “Provoking a movement response to clear the airway”, a Baby will “wake up” turn its head and breath faster to get more oxygen. SIDS may cause the baby to fail to wake.

• Babies who sleep on their stomach or their sides rather than their back.
• Overheating while sleeping “Febrile Seizures, Coma, Death”
• Too soft a sleeping surface, with fluffy blankets or toys.
• Smoking During Pregnancy “Smoking During pregnancy increases the likelihood of SIDS by three times” This also includes “Tobacco , Marijuana or Illicit Drugs”
• Exposure to passive smoke “Second Hand Smoke” This also doubles the chances for SIDS
• Young mothers under 20
• Babies born to mothers who had little, late or no prenatal care
• Premature or low birth weight babies
• Hereditary factors like siblings who have died of SIDS
• Co-Sleeping or Sharing the same sleeping surface “such as a bed” with an individual other than a parent or sharing the same sleeping bed with an individual who is overly tired, under the influence of alcohol / drugs or overweight.
• The infant has underlying birth defects “ie: brainstem” that make the baby unable to respond to low oxygen or high carbon dioxide blood levels.

Diagnosis

A physician will name SIDS as the cause of death “only” when no other cause is found. To find out why a baby died, medical experts will review the baby’s and parents medical histories, study the area where the baby died and combine an in depth medical exam “autopsy” to find the true cause. If no cause can be determined it will be declared as SIDS / SUDS.

Prevention

Medical professionals have linked many preventative techniques in reducing the risk of SIDS / SUDS. For more information or details on how you can reduce the risk for your baby please consult your local Paediatrician.

The most important thing you can do is to “Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back” rather than on the stomach or side.

• Don’t smoke while you are pregnant, and don’t expose your baby to second hand smoke after your baby is born.
• For the first 6 months have your baby sleep in a crop, cradle, or bassinet in the same room where you sleep. It is a safer sleeping arrangement than sharing a bed. Many families choose to “Co-Sleep or Bed-hare” or find that they end up bed-haring even if they do not plan to do so. Bed-shaing should be discussed with your paediatrician.
• Reduce your use of alcohol or recreational medications such as drugs. If you smoke or have used alcohol, drugs, or medications that can alter your sleep pattern “Sedatives” bed-sharing is especially risky and should be avoided.
• Never sleep with a baby on a couch or armchair, and it is “not safe” to place your baby on a couch to sleep. The safest place for a baby is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets safety standards and has a firm mattress.
• – Car Seats – Some babies fall asleep while travelling in a car seat. Keep an eye on a baby sleep in in a car and take your baby out of the car seat frequently during long trips and when you reach your destination. Babies should “not” be left to sleep in a car seat, stroller, baby swing, sling or bouncer seat because their airway may become restricted.
• “Toys / Accessories” Keep soft items and loose bedding out of the crib. Items such as blankets, stuffed animals, toys or pillows could suffocate or trap your baby. Dress your baby in sleepers instead of using blankets or provide a small enough blanket that can easily be kicked off.
• “Crib” Make sure the crib mattress is “Firm not soft” with a fitted sheet. Do “not” use bumper pads or other products that attach to crib slats or sides. They could suffocate your baby.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable so that your baby can sleep in lightweight clothing without a blanket if need be. To gage this, the temperature is about right if an adult can wear a long sleeved T-shirt and pants without feeling cold. Your baby is likely too hot if they sweat or toss and turn a lot.
• Breastfeed your baby if possible – Breastfed babies have a lower chance of SIDS / SUDS.
• Consider giving your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Experts do not know why, though babies who bottle feed to sleep or use a pacifier are at lower risk for SIDS.

– NOTE –

There is no sure way to prevent SIDS, and no test can predict weather a baby is likely to die of SIDS. “Do not” rely on breathing “apnea” monitors, special mattresses, or other devices marketed as a way to reduce your baby’s risk for SIDS. “NONE” of these items have been proved to lower the risk of SIDS and the Public Health Agency of Canada and other experts “do not” advise their use.

Remember SIDS is rare. Be as safe as you can, but don’t let fear keep you from enjoying your baby.

If you have a caregiver or baby sitter, ensure they know all the steps to protecting the child from sudden events that could harm them.

– Above all else – If your Baby tragically is lost to SIDS “You are NOT to blame”

• Do not hesitate to seek emotional support or grief counseling, join a support group or even rely on family to help support you through this tragic loss. For a list of local Emotional and Mental Health links contact “211” in Alberta for a free access to the Mental Health Link.

If your have worries or wish to speak with a medical practitioner about concerns call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about SIDS or any of the information in this handout.

This information was taken From Health Link British Columbia SIDS Information slip, American Paediatric Society, US Department of Health & Human Services, Infant Death Investigation Foundation, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital.

“This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.”

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace

#FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #ITLS #SIDS #SuddenInfantDeathSyndrome #SUDS #SuddenUnexplainedInfantDeath

LEAD Poisoning

What is Lead Poisoning?

Although many countries have initiated programs to lower the level of “Lead” in the environment, human exposure to lead remains of concerns to health care providers and public health officials worldwide. Several methods are used to detect elevated blood lead levels. The presence of changes in blood cells visible under a microscope or deletion of dense lines in the bones of children can be seen on X-Ray’s are some of the signs of Lead poisoning.

“Lead Poisoning” is a medical condition that occurs when people are exposed to lead compounds through inhalation, swallowing, and rarely, through the skin. Lead is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless metal that may be found in dirt, dust, toys, dishes, and furniture. Lead poisoning usually occurs from repeated exposure to small amounts of lead.

What causes Lead Poisoning?

Until the 1970’s, lead was commonly added to gasoline and house paint in North America. It remains in our environment within: older house paint, ammunition, fishing gear, weights, plumbing pipes and faucets. Lead can contaminate drinking water when lead solder is used to connect a homes plumbing system. Lead is also found in pewter pitchers, dinnerware, toys, storage batteries, and hobbies involving soldering such as stained glass, jewellery making, pottery glazing, paint sets and art supplies and miniature lead figures.

How does lead damage the body?

Lead mimics biologically helpful minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Most lead settles in the bone, interfering with the production of red blood cells “leading to anemia”. It also interferes with the absorption of calcium, which is required for strong bones, muscles, healthy muscle contraction, and blood vessel function.

• Children under the age of six, especially unborn babies, are most susceptible to lead poisoning because their brains and central nervous systems are still developing.

Childhood lead poisoning can cause:

• Reduced IQ
• Learning disabilities
• Attention Deficit Disorders
• Behavioral Problems
• Stunted Growth
• Hearing Problems
• Anemia
• Kidney Damage
• Stomach Pain
• Mental Disabilities or retardation
• Seizures
• Coma
• Death

Adult Lead Poisoning:

Exposure in adults has a multitude of symptoms and often starts with abdominal pain and cramping, this may be followed by vomiting, staggering gait, muscle weakness, seizures or coma.

• High Blood Pressure
• Fertility Problems
• Nerve Disorders
• Muscle and Joint Pain
• Irritability
• Memory or Concentration Problems
• Aggressive Behavior
• Decreased Appetite
• Low Energy
• Difficulty Sleeping
• Headaches
• Reduced Sensations
• Constipation

Can Lead Poisoning Be Prevented?

Yes – Lead Poising is “Entirely” Preventable

How do you know if you have Lead poisoning?

A simple blood test is the screening test for lead poising. The current “level of concert” set by the U.S Center of Disease Prevention and Control is 10 micro-grams per deciliter, though recent studies indicate that there is “no safe level” of lead in the blood. Preventing lead poisoning before it occurs is “Paramount”

Treatment

Treatment depends on how much lead is in the blood. In cases of mild lead poisoning, the source is identified, then removed or minimized. Appropriate nutrition is advised. In cases of severe lead poisoning, with blood lead levels equal to or above 45 micro-grams per deciliter, children are admitted for “chelation therapy“, which are medications that bind to and remove lead from the body.

Emergency medical care is “required” in severe cases of lead poisoning,. Contact your physician for more information on treatments and ways lead poisoning can be managed.

If your symptoms get worse at any time or you notice new symptoms from the list above, call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about C.Diff or any of the information in this handout.

This information was taken From Center of Disease Control “CDC” (Lead Poisoning Guide) Information slip, Delaware Health & Social services Public Health Division, W.H.O World Health Organization. Center of Disease Control Canada

“This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.”

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace