McDowellEms.com

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.

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.
©American Academy of Pediatrics 2/09

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McDowell EMS to Hold Community CPR Classes

Imagine a loved one collapses and goes into cardiac arrest. Would you know how to perform CPR until emergency personnel arrived? Sadly many people would not be prepared to render emergency care when someone goes into cardiac arrest. Partnering with community fire departments and local churches McDowell County EMS hopes to change this scenario. Beginning March 10 the agency will launch a community CPR initiative that is aimed at teaching CPR to individuals of all ages. A total of 15 classes have been scheduled for 2009 all across McDowell County with the agency hoping to educate 750 people on the proper way to deliver CPR. Certified instructors will conduct the 2 hour classes at each location throughout the county. The class will be a non-certification class however participants will receive a certificate of completion. EMS Director William Kehler explains "the classes our agency will offer are 2 hour classes that will instruct the student on proper ways to deliver CPR and assist a person who is choking." "Not only will we be teaching CPR in these classes but we will also give very informative information on the warning signs of stroke and heart attacks and the importance of recognizing these events early." The class will cover the proper steps to assist not only adults but also children. According to Kehler "one of the primary goals of McDowell EMS is to conduct events that address injury prevention and seek to improve public education in areas related to EMS." The CPR classes will be offered free of charge however the agency will accept donations at each class. Kehler explains the classes will not meet recertification standards for those people who work in a healthcare field or required by their employer to maintain a certification card. These individuals must take a recertification class. Class schedules for March, April and May have been released. Additional classes for 2009 will be released in the near future. The agency anticipates conducting classes on Tuesday nights as well as Saturday mornings to accommodate as many people as possible. For more information on the community CPR initiative please visit the agency's website at www.mcdowellems.com or contact the EMS business office at 652-3982.



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Give your children the best gift of all, a safe and happy holidays. 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.
Thank you to 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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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.

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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