Emergency Medical Information:

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED):

The AED is an electronic medical device that is applied to the chest of an unconscious victim who has been found to be not breathing and without a pulse.  Usually, CPR is performed while the device's chest pads are stuck to the victim's chest.  A power switch is turned on, and the machine begins to announce directions in a clear human voice to the user.  The machine will tell you to stand clear of the patient while it reads the victim's heart rhythm.  If the rhythm meets certain criteria programmed into the machine, then the voice prompt will announce that a shock is advised.

The machine will then automatically charge for the shock, and the voice prompt will direct the user to stand clear, and press a button to deliver the shock.  If the machine finds that a shock is not indicated, it will state there is no shock advised, and simply will not allow a discharge of electrical energy.

Over recent history AED's have found their way into fire trucks, police cruisers and even airplanes.  More and more you will see them on public transit, in shopping malls and even in restaurants.  In the not too distant future, where ever you would find a fire extinguisher or fire alarm pull station, it is just as likely that you will find a box that says "IN CASE OF HEART ATTACK - BREAK GLASS."

Child Proofing:

Childproofing a home is essential for parents, grandparents and childcare providers.  There are two aspects to this daunting task.  the first, identifying things that are a danger to your child.  The second, identifying things that your child is a danger to.  As an example, your child can be protected from accidental electrocution by placing those tough-to-remove outlet plugs in all outlets.  However, that 17th century porcelain goat you keep beside the hearth that was valued as priceless on the "Antiques Road Show" probably ought to go to the mantle (and then to the attic in just a few months)

The best way to find these hazards as ridiculous as it sounds, (wear kneepads), is to crawl on your hands and knees one room at a time.  Anything you can reach, grab, peel, tear, yank or eat while remaining in a crawl position that poses a hazard to your child or your property needs to be secured or removed.  electrical appliances and electronics, small trinkets, books and magazines, fireplaces and woodstoves, stairwells, doorknobs,  The list can go on and on.

To priorities go to electrical, chemical and potential choking hazards.  All appliances should be out of the child's reach or secured in place with cords out of the way.  Cleaning agents of ALL types, including soaps, shampoos and toothpaste should be kept up high or in a locking cabinet.  Toys need to be age specific.  a good rule to follow is if the toy easily slides through a toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard.  Keep plastic bags out of reach.  Window blind draw cords kill children every year by strangulation.  Keep them bundled up high.

Speaking of windows, never assume that a screened open window will keep a child from falling out.  Open only the windowpanes that are way out of reach. If you have low windows that have no screen, protect the child from breaking the glass by fitting the window with a Plexiglass overlay and fasten it securely.

Keep outside doors locked at all times.  Never leave your child unattended or alone for more than a few minutes at a time.

There are all kinds of childproofing aids and gadgets on the market. most of which are quite effective and worth the investment.

Hypothermia:

When a person is exposed to cold temperatures without protective insulation, the resulting condition is known as hypothermia, and it can be deadly.

Like most environmental emergencies, hypothermia occurs in progressive degrees.

Mild hypothermia is commonly recognized as "the chills".  It occurs when the body is cooled faster than the body can warm itself, causing that all too familiar shiver or chattering of the teeth.  Generally, this condition can be corrected by coming in out of the cold, and perhaps having something warm to drink.

Moderate hypothermia is caused by a more extensive period of exposure to cold temperatures with out adequate insulation.  Shivering becomes quite severe and is experienced over the entire body. (The body shivers in an attempt to generate heat within the body.)  Skin will be cool to the touch, fingers and toes will become numb and heart rate and breaths per minute will increase.  This condition requires aggressive warming of the body and evaluation at the hospital.  Call 911 for EMS response and get the person out of the cold.  Remove any wet clothing and wrap them in a blanket.

Severe hypothermia is an ominous condition that is often fatal.  Extreme exposure to cold beyond moderate hypothermia results in unconsciousness, very slow heart rate and breathing.  The body stops shivering altogether.  The skin will be very cold and even frozen.  A person in severe hypothermia is in dire need of emergency care and EMS should be called immediately.  Protect the person from the elements as best as possible, but they should not be moved until EMS arrives.

Prevention is the best way to avoid any of these undesirable effects of cold exposure.  Here are your tips to live by:

• When working or playing in cold winter conditions, wear layers of clothing.  It is always easier to shed a layer to cool off than it is to scrounge another layer to keep warm.
• Keep extra warm clothing in your car in case you find yourself unexpectedly stranded.
• East a balanced meal before setting out in the cold.  Your body generates head when digestion is in full swing.
• Stay away from caffeinated beverages and tobacco.  Both are proven contributors to dehydration and hypothermia.
• Don't east yellow or white snow.  Your body wastes heat in order to melt snow in your mouth.
• Drink plenty of water.  Even in the cold, your body sweats and can become dehydrated without enough water intake.
• If you know anyone who cannot heat their home to at least 65 degrees for any reason, help them get heating assistance and check on them frequently.  The elderly are especially at risk if room temperatures are not maintained at a comfortable level for them, (sometimes as high as 80 degrees.)
• If at any time clothing becomes wet, get out of the cold and change into dry clothing.
• When the temperature dips into the single digits, gather around the fireplace for a rousing game of scrabble.