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Injury Prevention Programs

McDowell County EMS is committed to being a driving force in our community when it comes to injury prevention, public education, and community. We feel it is our duty to get on the front end of injuries and chronic diseases. We have taken the approach that we can continue to function day in and day out responding to calls but we feel our responsibility is much larger. We have an obligation to be in the local schools educating on alcohol / drug awareness, seat belt use, gun safety, bike helmet safety, and speed related crashes. We are committed to being out in the community inspecting child safety seats with certified child passenger safety technicians, presenting programs on heat related emergencies, recognizing signs and symptoms of stroke and heart attacks, and presenting the National Program “Remembering When” a fall prevention program aimed at educating senior citizens on falls. Our personnel are also committed to participating in community health fairs offering free services such as blood pressure monitoring, carbon monoxide screening, pulse oximetry, and blood glucose screening as well as education handouts on various disease management programs and services offered through McDowell EMS.

Halloween Health and Safety Tips

For many people, autumn events like Halloween and Harvest Day are fun times to dress up in costumes, go trick-or-treating, attend parties, and eat yummy treats. These events are also opportunities to provide nutritious snacks, get physical activity, and focus on safety.

Below are tips to help make the festivities fun and safe for trick-or-treaters and party guests.

Going trick-or-treating?

• Swords, knives, and similar costume accessories should be short, soft, and flexible.
• Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
• Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
• Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
• Lower your risk for serious eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
• Only walk on sidewalks whenever possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic to stay safe.
• Wear well-fitting masks, costumes, and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips, and falls.
• Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Avoid eating homemade treats made by strangers.
• Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult.
• Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

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Holiday Safety Tips
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers the following safety tips:

• In homes with small children, don't use tree decorations that are sharp or breakable. If decorations have small removable parts that can be inhaled or swallowed by children, make sure the decorations are placed out of reach of youngsters. Don't use any decorations that resemble candy or food.
• After the gifts are opened, remove all wrapping paper, bags, ribbons and bows, which can pose suffocation and choking hazards to young children.
• Before buying a toy or allowing your child to play with a new toy, parents should read the instructions.
• To prevent burns and electrical shocks, children younger than 10 should not play with toys that need to be plugged into an electrical outlet.
• Pull-toys with strings longer than 12 inches could pose a strangulation hazard for babies.
• Uninflated or broken balloons can pose a choking hazard for children younger than age 8.
• Keep hot liquids and foods away from the edges of counters and tables to keep them out of reach of young children.
• Clean up immediately after holiday parties. A toddler could get up early the next day and choke on leftover food or come in contact with alcohol or tobacco.
• Homes you visit may not be childproof. Keep an eye out for potential dangers.
• Traveling, visiting, shopping, opening presents and all the other busy holiday activities can increase a child's stress levels. Try to stick to your child's usual routines, including sleep schedules and nap times. This can help reduce stress and make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your child.

In case of emergency, call 911.
Credit: American Academy of Pediatrics
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Deep Frying Turkeys

If you and your family plan on deep frying instead of roasting your turkey this year, please do so with caution.

Deep frying a turkey can be dangerous.

Turkey fryers are made of a large stock pot sitting atop an open propane flame. Any accidental spillover of oil or grease can cause severe burns to the cook. Spillovers or ignition of the grease can cause fires if placed on a flammable surface such as wooden decks. If you decide that you will deep fry your turkey this year, here are some tips to make the process a little safer:

*Carefully read all cooking and safety instructions that accompany the turkey fryer.

*Never allow children or pets around the fryer during or after the turkey is cooked. The oil will stay hot in the fryer for hours after the turkey is done. It is best to keep them away until after the oil is discarded.

*Make sure to keep oil below the maximum fill line.

*Don't overheat the oil. Many turkey deep fryers don't have a built-in thermostat, so an accurate thermometer is essential.

*Make sure that the fryer has a stable base to prevent accidental tip-over.

*Make sure that the turkey is completely thawed. Wipe off excess moisture before lowering the turkey into the oil to avoid oil splatters when water contacts hot oil.

*Lower the turkey very slowly into the hot oil. Get a second person to assist with this.

*Do not touch the deep fryer, lid, or other parts without pot holders.

*Do not use the turkey deep fryer indoors. Set it up outdoors away from wooden decks or other flammable surfaces. Do not place in a garage.

In case of spillover causing burns or fires, call 911!
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Save A Heart --- Learn CPR Today


www.handsonlycpr.org
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Summertime Safety

It's summertime, and that means it's time to go outside and enjoy the weather.

The return of warmer temperatures brings thoughts of freedom, relaxation, exploration, and being closer to nature. Whether you're relaxing in the backyard, turning up your garden, enjoying the pool, or exploring the great outdoors, here are some ways to help keep you and your family healthy this spring and summer.

Summertime Food Safety

Nothing says summer like picnics, grilling, and eating outdoors. To help prevent food poisoning from germs when preparing and eating foods outside, be sure to follow four food safety steps: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill. When grilling, always use a meat thermometer to ensure that meats reach the minimum internal cooking temperatures. Also, put cooked meat on a clean platter, rather than back on the one that held the raw meat, to avoid cross-contamination. Always wash your hands after handling raw foods of animal origin.

Whether you're cooking out in the backyard or on a picnic, always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot. When you're finished eating, refrigerate leftovers promptly. Don't let food sit out for more than two hours. On a hot day (90°F or higher), reduce this time to one hour.

Be sure to put perishable items in a cooler or insulated bag.

For downloadable food safety tips, see Summer and Vacations, Safe Food Handling: Seven Super Steps to Safe Food In the Summer, and FightBAC.org.

Fireworks Safety

Firecrackers and sparklers, lots of BBQ and grilled hamburgers and hot dogs are some of the ways we celebrate the holidays. Cautions about fireworks are always important, especially around celebrations and cookouts when most fireworks injuries occur. Many communities have fireworks displays that are handled by professionals. Be safe. Avoid the common fireworks injuries; leave the fireworks to the professionals.

•Fireworks-Related Injuries
•Firework Safety Podcast

Avoid Binge Drinking

Enjoying time with family and friends, outdoor grilling, and fireworks are all part of the 4th of July holiday weekend. However, sometimes the party is over before it starts.

Binge drinking, defined as 5 or more drinks on a single occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on a single occasion for women, generally within about 2 hours, is a dangerous pattern of alcohol consumption that is responsible for more than half of the 79,000 deaths due to excessive drinking in the U.S each year. About 30% of adults who drink alcohol report binge drinking in the past 30 days, resulting in over 1.5 billion episodes in the U.S. each year.

During the Fourth of July weekend and other holidays, people tend to consume even higher quantities of alcohol, endangering themselves and others around them. Binge drinking is associated with many health problems, including

•Motor vehicle crashes.
•Drowning.
•Interpersonal violence.
•Unintended pregnancy.
•High blood pressure, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
•Sexual dysfunction.
•Poor control of diabetes.
In addition to the problems mentioned above, youth who binge drink may experience

•Sexual assaults
•School, social, and legal problems
•Memory problems
•Changes in brain development
•Increased risk of alcohol problems
Don't spend the weekend in the emergency room as a result of binge drinking. Celebrate the holiday by keeping your family healthy and safe.

For more information about binge drinking and the health effects associated with drinking alcohol visit Alcohol and Public Health program site. Watch our new video on the myths associated with binge drinking.

Beware of Bugs

Warmer temperatures aren't just attractive to people. Mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and other insects thrive in warmer weather, and they can transmit West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and other illnesses. Using an appropriate insect repellent and applying it properly allows you to continue to play and work outdoors with a reduced risk of mosquito and tick bites. Prime mosquito-biting hours are usually dusk to dawn, but mosquitoes can bite at any time. Pay special attention to protection during these hours, or avoid being outdoors. Young ticks are so small that they can be difficult to see, but both young and adult ticks hungrily look to animals and sometimes people to bite. To protect yourself from tick bites, avoid tick-infested areas (especially places with leaf-litter and high grasses), wear light-colored clothing so you can see ticks crawling on you, and use repellent containing DEET. You can also treat clothing with permethrin, which protects through several washings. Always follow the directions on repellent packaging! After you have been outside, check your body, your clothing, your children, and your pets for ticks. Here's how to check for ticks, how to remove them from your clothes, and how to remove them from skin safely if they've already bitten… getting the whole tick, not just the body! Consult your healthcare provider if you become ill in the 1-3 weeks following a bite.

Pesticides, vegetation-free play areas, and landscaping techniques for tick-free zones can also help limit your exposure to ticks and other insects.

Fun in the Sun

Summer at its best involves swimming and other water-related activities. Each year, millions of people enjoy recreational water activities such as swimming in pools, lakes, and oceans, as well as relaxing in hot tubs. Swimming is the third most popular recreational activity in the United States and the most popular recreational activity for children. The benefits of water-based exercise are numerous, but to enjoy a safe swimming experience, learn how to protect yourself and others from potential dangers.

If you've never learned to swim, now's the time to learn. And it's always a good time to learn CPR—CardioPulmonary Resuscitation—especially if you'll be supervising others.

Always supervise young children around water. (Tip: stay close enough to reach a child at all times and avoid distractions such as playing cards, reading a book, or talking on the phone.) Drownings happen quickly, and usually silently. Avoid alcohol while supervising children and before or during swimming, boating, or waterskiing. Prevent water-related injuries and drowning by swimming with a buddy and swimming where there's a lifeguard. And always use life jackets and secure personal flotation devices—do not substitute air-filled or foam toys for safety gear.

When enjoying natural bodies of water, be aware of the local weather conditions and forecast. Strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning can be dangerous. Also watch for dangerous waves and signs of rip tides/currents. Also know and obey the posted warnings. For example, beaches often have different colored flags (red, yellow, green) to indicate beach conditions. Pay attention to lifeguards or posted instructions.

Water-based activities are a true source of fun and relaxation, so enjoy this summertime favorite safely!

Protect yourself and your family from recreational water illnesses by doing your part to keep germs out of the pool. Do not swim when you have diarrhea, don't swallow pool water, do take a shower before swimming, and do wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Keeping germs out of the pool means a safer swim for everyone. Check the Healthy Swimming site's Swimmer Protection page for "How Tos," including how to test your pool or spa at home using pool and spa test strips.

Play it safe in the sun. Avoid being outdoors during midday if the sun is intense, use sunscreen with at least SPF 15, cover up with clothing, wear a brimmed hat, and wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. Be aware of the signs of heat stress.

Around the Yard

In the yard, remove any items that may collect standing water, such as buckets, old tires, and toys. Mosquitoes can breed in them in just days. You can reduce the number of ticks around your home by removing leaf litter, brush, and woodpiles around your house and at the edge of your yard. By clearing trees and brush in your yard, you can reduce the likelihood that deer, rodents, and ticks will live there. Replace or repair torn window screens to keep bugs out of the house.

Gardening is a great outdoor activity for people of all ages. Stay safe and healthy as you grab your tools and head outside. Wear gloves, use safety gear when handling equipment and chemicals, protect yourself from the sun, and use insect repellent. Also watch out for extreme heat and know your limitations.

A sandbox is fun place for you and young children to play, but know that a cat sees that sandbox as a litterbox. So, keep the sandbox covered to protect young children from toxoplasmosis, a parasite that people can get from contaminated cat feces (stool).

Pollens and air pollutants can be triggers for allergic reactions and asthma. Some reactions include nasal and sinus allergies and hives. Asthma can cause symptoms such as wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Stay healthy by properly taking any prescription or over-the-counter allergy medicine and having and following an asthma action plan. Wearing a protective nose and mouth mask, or even sunglasses or protective eyewear, while doing yard work could help to avoid the triggers that cause allergy and asthma complications.

In the Great Outdoors

When you're out on the trail, whether hiking, camping, or hunting, protect yourself from mosquitoes and other bugs by using insect repellent. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and long socks when practical. Always check your clothes and body for ticks. If you find any ticks, carefully remove them with tweezers. The ticks that transmit Lyme disease are most active in May, June, and July, so be especially careful during those months. However, you need to look for ticks in all months of the year to protect yourself against other tickborne diseases.

Just because a stream's water looks clear, it doesn't mean it's safe to drink. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are two parasites that you can't see, but they can make you very sick, so follow healthy swimming tips. Always treat or filter water to make it safe to drink.

Bats are fun to watch as they flutter around at dusk. In many camp situations, the mere presence or sighting of bats is common and normal. Sometimes, bats may be infected with rabies and may pose a risk for exposure to humans. Remind children to never touch a bat. If you are bitten by a bat, wash the affected area thoroughly and get medical advice immediately. Whenever possible, the bat should be captured and sent to a laboratory for rabies testing. Follow instructions for capturing bats and reducing exposure while camping.

During Independence Day, remember the safety tips on firework use.

Enjoy the great outdoors. Have a safe and healthy summer!

Credit: www.cdc.gov/features/summertimeSafety/
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Protecting Kids from Dog Bites

A Lesson in Dog Safety Can Help Prevent Bites

Every year, more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs, with more than half of all victims younger than age 14.

During National Dog Bite Prevention Week, the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Veterinary Medical Association and the US Postal Service team up to educate Americans about dog safety.
BROCHURE AVAILABLE: What You Should Know About Dog Bite Prevention (PDF file)
Following are tips to help parents protect their children from an encounter with canine teeth:
-Pick a good match. Collies and Labrador retrievers are some of the animals recommended as generally safe with children. Consult your veterinarian for details about the behavior of different breeds.
-Socialize your pet. Gradually expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals so it feels at ease in these situations; continue this exposure as your dog gets older.
-Train your dog. Commands can build a bond of obedience and trust between man and beast. Avoid aggressive games like wrestling or tug-of-war with your dog.
-Vaccinate your dog against rabies and other diseases.
-Neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are less likely to bite.
-Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
-Teach your child to see if the dog is with an owner and looks friendly. Then ask the owner for permission to pet the dog. Let the dog sniff your child and have your child touch the dog gently, avoiding the face, head and tail.
-Tell your child not to bother a dog if it is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
-Tell your child not to run past a dog.
-If you're threatened by a dog, remain calm. Avoid eye contact. Stand still until the dog leaves or back away slowly. If you are knocked down, curl into a ball and protect your face with your hands. If a dog bites your child, clean small wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention for larger wounds. Contact the dog's veterinarian to check vaccination records.
Credit: American Academy of Pediatrics

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Sun Safety for Babies

-Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade under a tree, umbrella or stroller canopy. It is okay to apply a small amount of sunscreen on infants under 6 months if there is no way to avoid the sun.
-Dress babies in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use brimmed hats.
Sun Safety for Kids
-Choose sunscreen that is made for children, preferably waterproof. Before covering your child, test the sunscreen on your child's back for an allergic reaction. Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding eyelids. If a rash develops, talk with your pediatrician.
-Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics. Cotton clothing is both cool and protective.
-When using a cap with a bill, make sure the bill is facing forward to shield your child's face. Sunglasses with UV protection are also a good idea for protecting your child's eyes.
-If your child gets sunburn that results in blistering, pain or fever, contact your pediatrician.
Sun Safety for the Family
-The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to keep out of the sun during those hours.
-The sun's damaging UV rays can bounce back from sand, snow or concrete; so be particularly careful of these areas.
-Most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds on an overcast day; so use sun protection even on cloudy days.
-When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the label - it means that the sunscreen will screen out both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Choose a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
-Zinc oxide, a very effective sunblock, can be used as extra protection on the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and on the shoulders.
-Use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
-Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet and hands, and even the backs of the knees.
-Put on sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors - it needs time to work on the skin.
-Sunscreens should be used for sun protection and not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.
Beach Tips *
-Drink plenty of water, non-carbonated and non-alcoholic drinks, even if you do not feel thirsty.
-Stay within the designated swimming area and ideally within the visibility of a lifeguard
-Never swim alone.
-Be aware of rip currents. If you should get caught in a current, don't try to swim against it. Swim parallel to shore until clear of the current.
-Seek shelter in case of storm. Get out of the water. Get off the beach in case of lightning.
-Watch out for traffic - some beaches allow cars.
Credit: American Academy of Pediatrics 2/09

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Car Seat Safety

Children are precious to us. We would like to remind you to ensure that they are properly restrained at all times. Also McDowell EMS has at least one certified car seat technician working every day. Please feel free to call to see if they are available or come by the EMS base and they will be more than happy to assist you. Remember that we are an emergency service and if the need arises we may not be available or be able to complete the installation right away. Please alot plenty of time if you plan to come by the base or speak with a technician.

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Heart Attack Prevention

Do you know the warning signs of a heart attack?

Here are a few you should remember:
Chest discomfort such as a uncomfortable pressure, squeezing sensation, fullness or pain.
Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
Discomfort in other areas including the jaw, neck, shoulder, pain in one or both arms, back or stomach.
Feeling faint
Other signs including breaking out in cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Heart Attack patients need medical attention fast.

CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

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Heat Safety

DO YOU KNOW THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF
HEAT EXHAUSTION & HEAT STROKE

HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS INCLUDE
FATIGUE, NAUSEA
HEADACHES
THIRST
MUSCLE ACHES AND CRAMPS
WEAKNESS
CONFUSION OR ANXIETY
DRENCHING SWEATS, OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY COLD, CLAMMY SKIN
SLOW or WEAK PULSE
DIZZINESS
FAINTING
AGITATION

HEAT EXHAUSTION REQUIRES IMMEDIATE ATTENTION BUT IS NOT USUALLY LIFE THREATENING

HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS INCLUDE
NAUSEA AND VOMITTING
HEADACHE
VERTIGO
FATIGUE
HOT, FLUSHED, DRY SKIN
RAPID HEART RATE
DECREASED SWEATING
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
DECREASED URINATION
INCREASED BODY TEMPERATURE (104-106 DEGREES)
CONFUSION OR LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
CONVULSIONS
Heat stroke can occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion. If anyone thinks a person is in experiencing signs of a heat related emergency, obtain medical help immediately. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
PREVENTION IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Practice heat safety measures.
Do not spend much time in the hot sun.
Do outside work during early morning or late evening hours.
Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothes.
Take frequent breaks in the shade.
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Scooter Safety

Scooters have become a very popular way to commute on the highway especially with the increase in gas prices. Accidents involving scooters can be very serious and potentially fatal. Below are a few safety tips to remember when driving a scooter or operating a vehicle near a scooter.

Always wear a helmet. Make sure the helmet is a DOT approved helmet.
Wear reflective clothing that can be seen from long distances.
Be aware of another motorist’s blind spot. Use extreme caution near large vehicles especially tractor-trailers.
Signal well in advance prior to making a lane change or a turn.
Use extreme caution in parking lots, intersections as scooters are often overlooked.
Be aware of holes and other hazards in the roadway. Gravel, large bumps, and pot holes can pose serious dangers for the rider.
Due to the speed differences check your mirrors frequently and be aware of your surroundings.
Motorists operating cars and trucks should be aware slow speeds with scooters and always maintain a safe following distance.

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Stroke Prevention

Do You Know The Signs & Symptoms of Strokes

HERE ARE A FEW CRITICAL SIGNS YOU SHOULD REMEMBER

Walk - Is the person’s balance off?

TALK - Is their speech slurred or face droopy?

REACH - Is one side weak or numb?

SEE - Is their vision all or partially lost?

FEEL - Is their headache severe?

IF ANY OF THESE STROKE SYMPTOMS OCCUR CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

STROKE PATIENTS MUST BE CARED FOR FAST.

If you would like a presentation or just more information on these topics plus many others please contact William Kehler at McDowell EMS at 828-652-3982

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Hypothermia

When you think of hypothermia, you might think of victims who get lost in the woods overnight or victims who fall in ponds or lakes in winter time. People often forget about hypothermia victims who are most susceptible, the elderly. Elderly victims can succumb to hypothermia with indoor temperatures of 50-65 degrees F. Poor dietary intake, advanced age, along with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes, the body's defenses against cold may be weakened. During these tough economical times, seniors must sometimes choose between medications, food or heat. Prevention includes vigilance on the part of the caretaker and includes the following:

*Elderly that live alone should be visited at least once per day in cold weather, to make sure their health needs are being taken care of.

*Keep living areas well insulated and heated at a temperature of at least 70 degrees F.

*Warm clothing and bedding is essential.

*Ensure proper food, exercise, rest and that prescription medications are filled and are administered correctly.

Visit your elderly neighbors, family and friends frequently and watch for these signs and symptoms of hypothermia:

* Impaired coordination, stumbling, or clumsiness
*Cold, pale skin
*Shivering
*Slurred speech
*Sleepiness
*Confusion
*Stiffness or numbness in arms
*Disorientation
*Irrational behavior

If any of the above signs or symptoms are present, call 911 immediately.

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Beware Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is labeled as the "silent killer". As cold weather approaches please take time to understand the warning signs of carbon monoxide. People can be exposed to carbon monoxide by many items including, improperly vented stoves, malfunctioning furnaces / appliances, and use of generators or gas grills indoors. Many other items can omit carbon monoxide as well. Carbon monoxide is odorless and cannot be seen. Each home should have carbon monoxide detectors and check them frequently. Below are a few signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Headache
Dizziness
Difficulty breathing
Nausea / Vomiting
Cyanosis
Altered Mental Status
Unresponsive
Seizures

Call 911 immediately for anyone suspected of having carbon monoxide poisoning.