Posted on July 2, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

How to BEAT the Summer HEAT!

How to BEAT the Summer HEAT!

Sunshine brings the best out of Summer – boating, picnics, hiking, swimming, etc. There is no shortage of outdoor activities when you are Canadian and the weather is in your favour.

However; the sun can also be a very dangerous with its powerful UV rays and intense heat.

Spending time outdoors in the sun means being prepared whether this is sunscreen, hats and shade or keeping hydrated with water. Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind this Summer.

UV Protection

It is important to note that even when the sun may not be shining and the sky appears overcast there is still the possibility of getting a sunburn.

Be prepared by remembering these simple tips:

Always bring a hat or visor to shield the sun’s powerful rays from your head and face, or even an umbrella.

Bring UV protective sunglasses with you.

Always wear sunscreen – First Aid Canada offers different varieties and sizes which can be found here.

If you get burnt apply a cooling agent or aloe vera immediately to refresh the skin and protect against further damage. Find examples of helpful products here.

Be sure to spend time in shade to allow your body to cool.

Reapply sunscreen after swimming, even if the protection is labeled “Waterproof”

Hydration

Always bring a refillable water bottle that is BPA free.

Be sure to drink at least 2 litres of water each day.

Hydrate frequently in the intense hours of the day, usually the sun is at it’s most powerful between 11:00-3:00.

Avoid diuretics such as caffeine, this will help you keep your hydration.

How will you enjoy the sunshine of Summer? If you enjoy spending your free time at the cottage we think you will really enjoy our blog: Tips on Preparing Your Cottage for Summer.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on July 2, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

How to Stay Safe in the Sun & Treat Burns

How to Stay Safe in the Sun & Treat Burns

As the weather heats up it’s important to keep sun safety in mind. Although the sun can be very enjoyable it’s important to understand the negative effects of prolonged exposure and how you can prevent it from causing you discomfort or long term effects.

Suntans and Sunburns

Although it may be your summer goal, suntans are dangerous as they are a version of sun damage. Consistent or lengthy unprotected exposure to the sun can cause moderate to severe sunburns (ie. Radiation Burns). Even though suntans/burns do heal over time, prolonged exposure can cause irreversible damage to the skin which can ultimately lead to dark spots, moles or even skin cancer.

The following are common items used to protect your body while in the sun:

Hat
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Sunscreen – Croc Bloc*
Water (too much is better than not enough!)

*Croc Bloc is exclusively available from First Aid Canada, main features of the product include: hypoallergenic, unscented, sweat-proof and water resistant, safe for children etc. click here for more information on Croc Bloc.

The following are common injuries caused by prolonged exposure to the sun:

Radiation Burns

Radiation burns can be a result from radiant energy produced by the sun, sun lamps and/or x-rays. It is important to minimize your time exposed to these powerful rays to avoid long-term damage:

Signs & Symptoms

Redness of affected area
Blistering

Treatment

Get out of the sun and protect area from further exposure
Relieve affected area with cool water or a wet towel
If the victim experiences signs of heat stroke seek medical assistance

Heat Cramps

Excess heat and dehydration can cause the body to lose imperative salts and water content. If the body is unable to replenish itself without food or water, muscle heat cramps will occur. Heat cramps are commonly cause by physical activity in the summer heat.

Signs & Symptoms

Pain and spasms in muscles or cramps due to overuse
Difficultly moving affected muscle
Sweating, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea
Shock

Treatment

Get out of the sun and protect area from further exposure
Give food (salty snack/sport drink) and water to drink if victim isn’t nauseous
Stretch and massage the cramp (Do NOT place cold compress on affected area)

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion is a reaction to sustained heat and sweating. If heat exhaustion is left untreated it will lead to heat stroke, which is more severe and can become life threatening. Here are signs and symptoms to look out for regarding heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Signs & Symptoms

Fear, anxiety, confused and/or disoriented
Over-sweating, nausea, dizziness, headaches
Restlessness, weakness, including a weak, rapid pulse
Warm/dry (lack of sweating) skin temperate, vomiting, convulsions, unconsciousness (Heat Stroke ONLY)

Treatment

Move victim to a cool spot and remove as much clothing as possible
Cover lightly if victim feels cold
Have victim drink water to if they do not feel nauseous
Advise victim to drink ‘sport’ beverages to restore depleted body salt
Call 9-11 if level of consciousness decreases or heat stroke is evident

The sun can be a very dangerous aspect of the summer season. To avoid discomfort, sickness and long-term effects of the sun it is important to use the tips mentioned above. Protect yourself to live a happy and healthy life.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on May 3, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

Camping Preparedness

Camping Preparedness

Camping season is upon us! With the weather warming up all over Canada that means it’s time for one of our favourite outdoor activities.

First Aid Canada is pleased to offer a variety of camping first aid kits to ensure yourself, your family and your friends are prepared for adventures in the great outdoors. Here’s what we hav to offer:

Hikers’ Kit – Deluxe

The First Aid Canada Hikers’ Kit Deluxe is ideal for extended hiking excursions, making it also a choice for campers who partake in less vigorous camping trips. This kit contains additional recommended first aid supplies to treat serious wounds and trauma related injuries in an outdoor setting as well as items to treat smaller injuries such as, insect bites, blister care and prevention and sun care. All of these products are packaged in a lightweight multi-compartment pack, which features an adjustable waist belt and quick release buckle.

Cottage Kit – Deluxe

The First Aid Canada Cottage Kit – Deluxe is ideal for being prepared at the cottage as it is optimal for treating injuries occuring in outdoor and indoor settings. Depending on your level of shelter while camping this kit could be a great fit for your family as it consists of supplies for treating serious injuries as well as minor injuries such as big bites.

Survival Kit – 1-2 People

The First Aid Canada Survival Kit is recommended for those campers who partake it vigorous excursions. This kit is convenient, portable and contains first aid and emergency survival supplies that are designed to treat minor wounds and provide necessities of life in high-stress emergency situations on land or water. This kit is also an excellent response kit for natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes making it extremely durable.

Additional products such as WoundSeal can be purchased separately. WoundSeal can actually seal wounds that would normally require medical attention just with the sprinkle of powder. If you are curious as to how WoundSeal works, you can check out our previous blog: How to Seal Wounds With Powder

For any additional questions or inquiries the First Aid Canada Team can be reached at 1-855-322-4243 anytime between 9-5 EST.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on April 26, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

How to Respond to an Emergency

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 important to keep away anyone who is not involved or who does not have valuable skills to share such as valid First Aid Training…

Administer First Aid to Anyone Requiring It

Are you trained in First Aid and CPR? If you aren’t be sure to look for courses offered in your area. Although we hope you never have to use the skills you will learn at CPR & First Aid Training they can mean the difference between life and death.

Call Emergency

If anyone around you has access to a phone direct them to call 9-11. If you are the only additional person involved in the situation try to remain calm and call 9-11.

Use Available Resources to Give Directions to Bystanders

Depending on the severity of the emergency you may need to take control to direct bystanders to help you within the situation. This could involve: directing someone to call 9-11, asking someone to bring you water or other necessary supplies. Be direct and precise with your directions to ensure the situation does not get chaotic.

Stay Alert when Emergency Vehicles Arrive

Stay alert when the emergency vehicles arrive. Contiue to administer any first and and CPR until the professionals arrive.

We hope you never have to face an emergency situation in your lifetime, but it is always important to be well-prepared. First Aid Canada is proud to offer a wide variety of First Aid Supplies and Defibrillators.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Spring Hiking Checklist

Happy First Day of Spring!

It’s nearing that time for ideal hiking conditions: not too hot, not too cold, lots of greenery, blooms and if you’re lucky some wildlife (friendly wildlife of course)!

We want you to be prepared for all of the adventures in the paths ahead. Here’s our Safe Hiking Checklist:

Have you packed enough food and water?

Hiking causes your body to expend a significant amount of energy even when your hike is short. Be sure to bring enough food to feed not only your energy levels, but others you are hiking with as well. In case of an emergency you do not want to be put into a lengthy situation without food. Water is just as important as brining food on your hike as it will keep you hydrated. Be sure to bring extra water on warmer days as your body will be releasing more fluids in attempt to regulate body temperature.

Have you checked out the trails conditions vs your own?

Prior to heading out for a hike check conditions and trail ratings. Never out yourself into a situation you aren’t physically fit enough for. This reduces chances of injuries at all levels. If you desire a certain trail to venture onto, but feel you aren’t ready for it make it a goal to go in a few weeks after you have attempted easier trails first.

Are you prepared for the weather?

Weather can make a huge difference on the difficulty and danger levels of a hike. Opt for hiking in moderate and mild temperatures and avoid days with extreme hot or cold warnings. Another important condition to check before heading out is whether or not animals have been sighted in the area or if there is an overall warning for cougars or bears. If you choose to continue to head out in these areas bring necessary equipment to keep yourself safe from these animals if you happen to cross paths, i.e. bear spray.

Are you alert?

As mentioned above it is important to stay alert for animals in the woods. Avoid hiking with headphones in as this could prevent you from hearing something important while hiking. Signs and warnings are also things to stay alert for on a hike, this can include: warning signs for mud or rockslides, dangerous areas, animals, cliffs, etc.

Are you missing anything?

Before heading out make a checklist for items necessary to bring on your hike. Examples can and should include:

Map
Sunscreen
Hat
GPS Unit/Compass
Cellphone
Camera
Change of clothes
Comfy shoes
Food and water
Insect Repellant
Hikers First Aid Kit
Folding shovel

The Hikers’ First Aid Kit (available in a Standard and Deluxe version) is a perfect addition to any hike or adventure as the kit is small and compact. Although these kits are small and easy to carry they contain all of the necessary supplies an individual would need for basic hiking related injuries.

Lastly, it is very important to let someone know where and when you are going for a hike. Let the individual know when you expect to arrive home and call to check in.

Wishing you a safe and happy hike!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on March 21, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

Spring Hiking Checklist

Spring Hiking Checklist

Happy First Day of Spring!

It’s nearing that time for ideal hiking conditions: not too hot, not too cold, lots of greenery, blooms and if you’re lucky some wildlife (friendly wildlife of course)!

We want you to be prepared for all of the adventures in the paths ahead. Here’s our Safe Hiking Checklist:

Have you packed enough food and water?

Have you checked out the trails conditions vs your own?

Are you prepared for the weather?

Are you alert?

Are you missing anything?

Before heading out make a checklist for items necessary to bring on your hike. Examples can and should include:

Map
Sunscreen
Hat
GPS Unit/Compass
Cellphone
Camera
Change of clothes
Comfy shoes
Food and water
Insect Repellant
Hikers First Aid Kit
Folding shovel

Lastly, it is very important to let someone know where and when you are going for a hike. Let the individual know when you expect to arrive home and call to check in.

Wishing you a safe and happy hike!

Posted on February 23, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

What Should I Know Before Choosing an AED

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 defibrillator, the Philips Onsite is extremely easy to operate with both audio and visual cues. This model is designed for acting fast to save a life in a fast paced environment. With the ability to deliver a shock in about 8 seconds after the end of a CPR interval, this model one of the fastest operating AEDs.

Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillator

The Philips HeartStart FRx Defibrillator is specifically designed for first responders needing a lifesaving device that is rugged, easy to use and extremely reliable. On the scene with law enforcement, on the field with athletes, or on the job in industrial workplaces, the FRx AED is built to treat sudden cardiac arrest in environments and conditions too demanding for many other defibrillators. This model also includes a fast response kit containing additional supplies such as a CPR Face Mask, Paramedic Scissors, Pair of Nitrile Gloves, Razor & Absorbent Cloth. For more information on this particular model check out the video below:

ZOLL Semi-Automatic AED Plus

ZOLL’s AED Plus® features Real CPR Help®, a tool that is able to actually see what you are doing and provide feedback to help you do it well. For example, audio and visual prompts help you rescue with confidence and clarity such as advising you to push harder on the victims chest during CPR compressions or stop CPR compressions. For a demonstration, see the video below:

ZOLL AED Plus Fully Automatic

ZOLL’s AED Plus® features Real CPR Help®, a tool that is able to actually see what you are doing and provide feedback to help you do it well, for example if you are not pushing hard enough, it will tell you when to push harder or if you are not pushing fast enough a mntronome will lead you to the right rate. These Audio and visual prompts help you rescue with confidence and clarity unmatched by any other automated external defibrillator (AED). ZOLL believes an AED should not just deliver a shock. It should also help the rescuer provide high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). That’s why you need ZOLL’s AED Plus with Real CPR Help.

ZOLL AED 3 Semi-Automatic

The all-new ZOLL AED 3™ semi-automated external defibrillator is built and improved upon its predecessor, the AED Plus®, the ZOLL AED 3 was built upon years of usability research with both trained and untrained rescuers. It is very easy to use with improved Real CPR Help® with colour-coded real-time bar gauge and CPR cycle time countdown, which ensures rescuers are performing compressions at the correct rate and depth. There is also a low cost of ownership and each battery pack comes with a 5-year shelf life.

ZOLL AED 3 Fully-Automatic

The ZOLL AED 3™ fully-automated external defibrillator offers features unlike any other AED on the market. Built and improved upon years of usability research with both trained and untrained rescuers. This defibrillator is also very user-friendly as it includes multiple easy to use features such as improved Real CPR Help® with colour-coded real-time bar gauge, Universal CPR Uni-Padz™ for both adult and paediatric rescues, on-screen display of elapsed time and number of shocks delivered for critical information that EMS will need to know upon arrival and MORE!

We hope this granted you more clarity on which AED would be right for you and your needs. If you still have questions, feel free to contact the First Aid Canada team anytime between 9-5 est. at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on February 15, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

5 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

5 Ways to Prevent Heart Disease

As we are well into Heart Month 2018 – If you haven’t been following on social media we have been posting an interesting “Fact of The Day” or health tip every day to celebrate #HeartMonth!

In this week’s blog we’ve decided to share a few heart disease prevention tips to encourage you and your loved ones to make healthier choices every day to benefit your overall health and well-being.

1. Take Responsibility for Your Health

The first step to becoming healthier and reducing your risks of heart disease is to take full responsibility for your health. Once you have accepted that you are the only person responsible for your health you can begin to make healthier choices each day. Take the time to learn about different health concerns that run in your family which may present particular risks for you, for example diabetes. If you have diabetes or are at risk for it diabetes can increase your risk of heart disease dramatically.

2. Do Not Smoke or Expose Yourself to Second Hand Smoke

As you are probably aware smoking is extremely dangerous, unhealthy and can be very detrimental to your health. This is the same for second hand smoke. If you are currently smoking make a conscious effort to quit and avoid being around those who do. The evidence that smoking leads to not only heart disease, but lung disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke is extremely overwhelming.

3. Maintain a Healthy Diet

By making a conscious effort to eat healthy and balanced portions each day you are decreasing your risk of heart disease. High fat diets and diets high in cholesterol increase risks of heart disease and diabetes. As mentioned above diabetes puts people at a much higher risk of heart disease. Be sure to get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly if this is a risk for you. Simple, yet effective tips are to stay away from fad diets, incorporate a fruit or vegetable into every meal and snack and to push away from the table when you are full.

4. Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly is extremely important as it regulates blood flow throughout the body, strengthens the cardiovascular system and promotes fat-loss. It is recommended that adults take 10,000 steps per day and this can easily be achieved by making lifestyle choices such as walking to work, walking on your lunch break and circulating throughout the office during the day. It is recommended that people also participate in 3-4 sessions of physical activity throughout the week, this can be achieved through gym sessions, sports, jogging, etc. Find whatever works for you and make a conscious effort to incorporate it into your weekly routine!

5. Limit Stress

Stress is fun for no one. It is important to recognize stressors in your life and what causes them as they can lead to heart disease and other illnesses. Stress combined with heart disease can lead to heart attack or sudden death. By finding the root of stress you can identify the triggers and take action to diminish anxious feelings. Regular exercise and calming activities such as yoga and meditation can work wonders in reducing stress. Find what works for you and always remember to breath! Your life depends on it.

If you are currently facing heart disease or know of someone who is it may be extremely beneficial to look into an Automated External Defibrillator for the home or office. Click here to learn more.

In conclusion, we hope you found a few simple tips to incorporate into your everyday life and share with your loved ones to help prevent heart disease. Don’t let those close to you become another statistic!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on February 15, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

Family First Aid & Heart Safety in the Home

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 pleased to offer two different first aid kits designed especially for the home:

Home Kit – Standard
Containing essential items for treating minor injuries
Home Kit – Deluxe
Containing essential items, plus more so you won’t need to replenish as often

If you are lucky enough to spend the holidays at the cottage, we also have kits suited especially for those spaces as well:

Cottage Kit – Standard
Containing essential items for treating minor injuries in both an indoor and outdoor setting
Cottage Kit – Deluxe
Containing essential items for treating minor injuries indoors and outdoors, plus more

It may also come in useful to consider the following items:

Automated External Defibrillators

Automated External Defibrillators or AEDs are life-saving devices that are used to restart the heart when facing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). SCA can occur at anytime and any age and a defibrillator close by can mean the difference between life and death. Keep your loved ones safe in the home (or cottage) by considering a Philips HeartStart AED for the home. First Aid Canada offers a comprehensive AED home package containing:

Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator with 8-Year Warranty
Pre-Installed Battery (4 Years or 200 Shocks) with 4-Year Warranty
Pre-Installed Adult SMART Pads Cartridge
Slim Carry Case
AED Fast Response Kit (Includes: CPR Face Mask, Paramedic Scissors, Pair of Nitrile Gloves, Razor & Absorbent Cloth)
Owners Manual and Quick Reference Guide
Training Video
Window Decal & Call 9-1-1 Reminder

Don’t delay on being prepared! The First Aid Canada team is always here to answer questions: 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on February 1, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

It’s Officially #HeartMonth 2018!

It’s Officially #HeartMonth 2018!

What is Heart Month?

Heart month happens every February! Heart Month is meant to spread awareness of heart disease and stroke to promote prevention, and at the same time raise money for research on the best treatments when people do get it.

Who is behind 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 in the battle against these two preventable killers. Since its inception, tens of thousands of individuals and both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations take part including, various charities, health organizations and companies such as First Aid Canada.

What can I do to help?

Heart Month brings together tens of thousands of Canadians who volunteer and donate to raise funds to help support life-saving research and the raising of awareness of heart disease and stroke within the community. Learn how you can participate and join the Heart Month Community.

You can also spread awareness about heart health to your friends, family and coworkers by having conversations about the reality and prevention of heart disease. By taking the time to learn more about keeping your heart healthy you can educate and help the people in your life. Here are some simple tips on how to prevent heart disease and heart-related incidences:

Quitting smoking
Avoiding alcohol
Exercising regularly
Eating a healthy diet
Avoiding high cholesterol foods
Managing Stress Well

For the month of February First Aid Canada will be publishing a new fact daily on social channels to help raise awareness of #HeartMonth. Follow the First Aid Canada #HeartMonth campaign on these social platforms:

As a company we challenge you to “share if you care.” Help prevent what is preventable when it comes to heart disease and stroke and learn more about how you can save lives…

Every year, over 40,000 Canadians suffer sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – that’s one incident every 12 minutes. For every one minute delay in defibrillation, survival rates decrease by up to 10%. Automated External Defibrillators can be safely used by almost anyone and offer the best chance of survival from cardiac arrest. In recognition of Heart Month 2016, First Aid Canada will be offering FREE SHIPPING on all orders containing AEDs for the month of February.

For more information, please contact us at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

How to Save Lives in Your Workplace

Office safety is crucial in any workplace. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read up on the Provincial Safety Requirements for your province on our blog you should definitely do so by clicking here or finding your province below:

Along with an adequate first aid kit is important to have an Automated External Defibrillator onsite in the office. Cardiac arrest can occur at any age and it has even been recorded that the most common time for people to fall victim of a heart attack is Monday mornings… We can’t think of anyone who wants a side of heart attack with their double Americano.

When an AED and CPR are immediately available, the chance of survival from sudden cardiac arrest is substantially improved. Philips Heart Start AED’s are especially easy to operate as there easy to read graphics and voice instructions. It is lso highly reccomended that wherever an AED is located in a public space that it is visibly marked with a sign and all employees are aware of it’s locatio

For offices, First Aid Canada highly recommends the Philips Onsite Automated External Defibrillator. For a more visual demonstration, please take a look at the video below:

For additional AEDs available from First Aid Canada and how they work please check out the links below:

Save life in the workplace! If you have any questions please feel free to contact the First Aid Canada team at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on January 25, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

How to Save Lives in Your Workplace

How to Save Lives in Your Workplace

For offices, First Aid Canada highly recommends the Philips Onsite Automated External Defibrillator. For a more visual demonstration, please take a look at the video below:

For additional AEDs available from First Aid Canada and how they work please check out the links below:

Save life in the workplace! If you have any questions please feel free to contact the First Aid Canada team at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on January 11, 2018September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

First Aid Kits for Winter Sports

First Aid Kits for Winter Sports

With the winter in full force across Canada it is important to know how to stay safe when you’re having fun this season!

Mountain Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling

When heading up the mountain whether it be for a day trip or a leisurely stay it is important to bring a long safety supplies to prepare yourself for an emergency. First Aid Canada recommends smaller kits, which can be carried on person such as our Adventure Kit or Belt Pack Kit. These kits are designed to treat minor injuries occurring in an outdoor setting. WoundSeal, BzK wipes and bandages are a few of the items tightly packing into this kit for optimal minor injury treatment in an outdoor setting.

Hockey/Ice Skating

Hockey is Canada’s favourite sport! Whether you’re on a team or playing recreationally it is important to take the necessary precautions when participating on a surface like ice as it can be very dangerous. There are exclusive kits available from First Aid Canada for hockey teams, such as the Hockey Coach/Trainer Kit. If you are playing recreationally on a pond or ice skating for fun on local outdoor rinks you may want to consider an Adventure or Hikers’ Kit.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is one of Canadian’s favourite pastimes, however it can be extremely dangerous! Along with making sure you never trust the ice (always be aware of the thickness and quality) you should always arrive prepared. This means taking along a quality first aid kit such as a Wilderness Kit or an Emergency Survival Kit and extra supplies such as wool blankets which are available in 30% Wool and 50% Wool.

May you have the most enjoyable winter season!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on December 29, 2017September 8, 2023 by Ryan T

Hypothermia & Frostbite: Recognizing Symptoms and Treatment

Hypothermia & Frostbite:

Recognizing Symptoms and Treatment

Winter in Canada is a special season. We pride ourselves on our snowy, long and ‘Canadian’ winter season. There are some reasons to be bitter (excuse the pun), but others reasons to rejoice. Skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and tobogganing are some of the most fun you can have in a winter wonderland.

But without protection from the cold temperatures in the form of a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots, our bodies would not function properly, and could be permanently damaged after extended exposure to the elements. Here we discuss some common, and potentially life threatening cold related injuries.

HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia occurs when you have an abnormally low core body temperature
Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98.6°F)
Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature below 35°C (95°F)
When the body becomes extremely cold, all physiological systems begin to slow down – eventually to the point that threatens survival

FROSTBITE

Frostbite occurs when a part of the body actually freezes
Mild frostbite doesn’t leave lasting damage, but severe frostbite does cause permanent damage and may even require amputation of a body part

DID YOU KNOW?

In some rare cases, hypothermia can save lives. There are cases where children who have fallen into freezing water were successfully revived even when there was no heartbeat. Their below-normal temperature slowed down their brain function and caused their bodies to use less oxygen
Smokers and people with diabetes and other circulatory problems have a higher risk of developing frostbite

CAUSES

Although mainly associated with cold weather, hypothermia can also strike when it is relatively warm, especially in damp, windy and raining conditions
Hypothermia is also common in drowning victims due to cold water causing rapid decreases in body temperature; all lakes, streams, rivers and oceans in Canada, during any season, can be considered “cold” – cold enough to trigger hypothermia
Not dressing appropriately for the cold weather/the activity you are doing
Falling through ice
Frostbite generally starts with exposed skin on the tips of the nose, ears, cheeks and fingers but it can creep into the toes, feet, hands and face as a person remains exposed to the cold

PREVENTION

Dress appropriately for the weather/activity you are doing
Wear a hat, gloves, warm socks, boots and a warm winter coat
Stay safe using the “buddy system” to check on one another
Stay dry
Eat high energy food (eg. Nuts, dried fruit)
Drink plenty of non-caffeinated, alcohol-free liquids
Keep your body moving to create heat
If you believe someone may be suffering from frostbite, be mindful for little white spots on the face (check every 10 to 15 minutes)
Also, pay attention to how your feet (or other susceptible body parts) are feeling
If you are unsure of the thickness of the ice, STAY OFF THE LAKE!

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

HYPOTHERMIA

(This list is in order from mild to severe, but a victim can experience several symptoms at once.)

Mild:
- Shivering, feeling cold
- Loss of coordination
- Fatigue
- Slurred speech
- Stumbling, loss of muscular coordination
- Shock
Moderate:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Disorientation, confusion, lapses in memory, may appear intoxicated
- Decreased consciousness
- Blurred vision and hallucinations
Severe:
- Shivering reduced or absent
- An overwhelming desire to sleep
- Loss of consciousness

FROSTBITE

Frostbite is a progressive injury with two stages

Superficial frostbite – symptoms include pain followed by numbness
Deep frostbite – a serious medical condition where the victim has no feeling in the area.

White, waxy look to the affected area
Altered sensation, such as burning or pins and needles
Skin starts out soft and progressively becomes hard to the touch
Joints stiffen

TREATMENT

Remove the victim to a dry, sheltered place
Handle gently (avoid jolting or rough handling)
Do not rub the victim’s body surfaces
If possible, remove wet clothing and dry victim
Warm victims body by:
- Giving warm beverages (no alcohol) if the victim is alert
- Wrapping the victim in warm blankets
- Getting into the huddle position
- Apply heat packs to the head, neck and trunk
- Phone EMS if the victim is unconscious, confused or does not improve quickly
- Reheat any suspected frostbitten areas of the body: