Tag: defibrillator

Posted on by

Surviving the Heat: Understanding the Risks to Your Heart

As the summer sun beats down relentlessly, it’s crucial to be aware of the dangers posed by extreme heat, especially if you have underlying heart conditions. Heatwaves not only test our endurance but also place significant stress on our cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and strokes. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps before an adventure, such as investing in an AED and learning CPR/First Aid Training, can make all the difference in staying safe this summer.

Heart Conditions and Heat: A Dangerous Combination

Extreme heat affects everyone, but those with heart conditions are particularly vulnerable. Here’s why:

1. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: High temperatures cause our bodies to work harder to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, placing added stress on the heart.

2. Dehydration: Sweating excessively in hot weather can quickly lead to dehydration, which reduces blood volume and makes the heart work even harder to pump blood through the body.

3. Electrolyte Imbalance: Sweating also depletes essential electrolytes like potassium and sodium, which are crucial for maintaining heart function.

4. Vasodilation: Heat can cause blood vessels to dilate, which may lead to a drop in blood pressure and a strain on the heart to compensate.

Understanding the Risks

Heart Attack: Heat increases the likelihood of a heart attack due to the added stress on the cardiovascular system and the strain placed on the heart.

Cardiac Arrest: The combination of dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and increased workload on the heart can trigger a sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in individuals with existing heart conditions.

Stroke: Heat can also lead to dehydration, which is a significant risk factor for stroke. Dehydrated blood is thicker and more likely to form clots, which can block blood flow to the brain.

Owning an AED is invaluable for cardiac arrest, heart attack, and stroke as it allows for rapid defibrillation to restore normal heart rhythms, provides clear CPR instructions for effective chest compressions, and bridges the critical gap between an emergency occurring and professional medical help arriving, significantly improving survival rates and reducing potential long-term complications. 

Precautionary Steps to Avoid Overheating

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.

Stay Cool: Spend time in air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider investing in a handheld fan to keep on you at all times, or visiting public places with cooler air, like a nearby coffee shop or shopping mall.

Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in light colours to reflect heat and sunlight.

Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous activities during peak hours (usually midday to late afternoon). If you must exercise, try to keep it indoors or do so in the early morning or evening when it’s cooler outside.

Know the Signs: Be aware of symptoms of heat-related illness, such as excessive sweating, dizziness, nausea, and rapid pulse. Seek medical attention if you or someone else shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to prioritize your heart health and take precautions against extreme heat. Whether you have a pre-existing heart condition or not, understanding the risks and being prepared with knowledge of CPR and First Aid Training, and tools like an AED, can make all the difference in staying safe and enjoying a healthy summer.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed—your heart will thank you for it.

Posted on by

Regular Maintenance is Key for a Working Portable Defibrillator

Having a portable defibrillator on site is the first step to saving a life but it doesn’t end there. Did you know creating a routine maintenance program and adhering to that program is the only way to be sure that it is ready to use? Defibrillators are the only item that can reliably help resume normal cardiac function, so it is important that such a device works when you need it. For most office environments, most manufacturers recommend checking your device once a month, making a note of any replacements that are required during the course of the inspection and addressing any issues that may have come up during the device’s self-diagnostic processes. The inspection itself should cover a variety of areas, including checking the battery and pads. Any accessories, such as replacement or alternative pads, should be kept with the machine. Cleaning these items and running any self-diagnostic tests recommended by the manufacturer will go a long way toward keeping your defibrillator in working order and ready to use when it is needed. The last thing you want to happen during a medical emergency is experiencing a low battery. The pads and batteries should be regularly inspected to ensure that they have not expired and are replaced when necessary. Checking the AED every month will also give you an opportunity to address any issues that are indicated by the self-diagnostics, so you have time to correct the problem during a non-emergency situation.

Battery Inspection and Replacement

Batteries should have either a use by or install by date that will provide guidance on when they should be replaced. It is advised you check now and record this date a second time somewhere visible, like a desk calendar or on your office supply and restocking list. A defibrillator’s battery can last anywhere between two and four years, depending on the size, make and model. However, all battery types discharge over time, whether in use or not, so it is essential to check the battery life during each inspection. Usage, such as training with the device, will also need to be considered. Some batteries require discharge before disposal, so you should check the manufacturer’s recommendations for disposal before removing and replacing the battery.

Electrode Pad Inspection and Replacement

Electrode pads should also be inspected and should never be reused. The pads should also have an install by or use by date, and it is essential that they adhere to the skin to properly conduct the electricity needed to provide the life-saving shock that the machine was designed to deliver. Any opened or damaged pads should be disposed of following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Even the slightest bit of water can introduce a significant glitch so it is important these pads are safe and secure alongside the machine. Since portable defibrillators are often stored in public spaces, determining that the unit is intact and has not been tampered with should also be a part of each inspection. The majority of defibrillator malfunctions are preventable with routine maintenance. Creating and maintaining a maintenance schedule are the key to your portable defibrillator being the useful and lifesaving tool it is meant to be.

Posted on by

Cottage Season: Know Before You Go

Cottage Season: Know Before You Go

Spring has arrived and cottage season is officially in full swing. If you are one of the lucky ones and have a slice of paradise detached from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is likely you are starting to plan and prepare your upcoming adventure. It is no question, visiting a cottage requires a little bit of thought because realistically a remote location isn’t exactly ideal for last minute supplies and resources. Forgot your phone charger? Chances are the nearest store isn’t a brisk walk away. Surrounded by water, conservation and greenery, wildlife and sunshine, the isolation can often come with a handful of complications. It is essential you and your family hit the road for cottage country well prepared. There is nothing we love more than going off the grid. Limited distractions, stress and chaos offering an endless supply of vitamin D and outdoor entertainment. But what happens when an unexpected medical emergency breaks out? What are the chances your cottage is fully equipped to handle a crisis? Every minute counts and unfortunately, first responders may need quite a few of those minutes to reach you. Before we list our must-have cottage basics, one of the most critical supplies every single cottage MUST have is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). An AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and can help restore a healthy rhythm. This portable machinery is an essential piece when going off the grid because travel time and limited resources can jeopardize life-saving potential. Discover the life-saving benefits of an AED and which one might be right for you. Don’t let a medical emergency negatively impact your cottage experience. Go ahead and prepare for too much sunshine, land and water activities gone wrong, unexpected burns and painful stings and any other obstacles that may occur away from home.

Top 3 Must-Have Cottage Supplies
1. Burn and Cool Jel
2. Bite and Sting Extractor Kit
3. Waterproof Boat and Marine First Aid Kit

Posted on by

Defibrillators Save Lives in Schools

Children Playing Soccer at School

Defibrillators Save Lives in Schools

Having an AED onsite at school can mean the difference between life and death. Being September we felt it was important to go into detail of the value of having a defibrillator onsite within schools.

Age Doesn’t Matter

There is a common misconception when it comes to cardiac arrest, often people believe it can only occur in aging or unhealthy adults, when quite commonly children can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.

Often when cardiac arrest occurs in children it is related to a heart condition that had not yet been recognized or diagnosed, so a seemingly healthy and active child can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. It is estimated that 5,000-7,000 children die from SCA each year. In addition to children, adults working in schools may also be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack, making an automated external defibrillator a very important piece of first aid equipment to have onsite.

If you are unaware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, click here to check out a previous blog.

Easy to Operate

A common misconception about Automated External Defibrillators is that they are difficult to use, when in fact they are easy enough for a third grader to operate without having had previous training. The Onsite model of the Philips HeartStart Automated External Defibrillator provides step-by-step voice commands to instruct the individual using the device how to operate it in the case of an emergency. For more information and a demonstration check out the video below:

Easy Maintenance

Being an intellegent form of technology, many people misconceive that a defibrillator is hard to manage and maintain, when in fact it has been designed to not only be easy to use, but also easy to care for. The device automatically runs daily self tests to check the internal circuitry, waveform delivery system, pads cartridge, and battery capacity. The blinking green “Ready” light indicates the Onsite AED has passed its daily self test and is ready for use and when maintainance is needed an audible “chirp” will sound to identify attention needed.

In conclusion Automated External Defibrillators are highly reccomended within schools as both children and adults can benefit from them. It is important to be prepared in public places and an AED onsite can mean the difference between life and death. For more information on the Philips HeartStart Onsite Automated External Defibrillator, please click here.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on by

Family First Aid & Heart Safety in the Home

Family sitting together in white 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: 

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 by

It’s Officially #HeartMonth 2018!

Hand holding heart

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. 

Sitting at desk with cellphone

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 by

Why Everyone Should Know How to Operate a Defibrillator

Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Why Everyone Should Know How to Operate a Defibrillator

Unfortunately, Sudden Cardiac Arrest continues to be a leading killer worldwide. Regardless of age, health or location SCA continues to strike unexpectedly, thus it is important to be prepared. The First Aid Canada Team highly recommends defibrillators in community centres and public settings, as well as in the home. For every minute someone has to wait before defibrillation after suffering SCA, their chance of survival decreases by 10% making an AED onsite crucial for saving lives.
 

If you are unfamiliar with how an Automated External Defibrillator works, check out our blog: The Shocking Truth About AEDs – you may be surprised on how smart this technology actually is!
 

As we mentioned in our previous blog: “Does Your Child’s School Have a Defibrillator?” Philips HeartStart Automated External Defibrillators provide the user with voice commands indicating the steps needed to correctly save a life in the case of an emergency. Because the Philips HeartStart technology is so smart, defibrillators know the intensity of the shock needed to restart the heart making the operating process easy enough for a third grader to operate without having had previous training. 

AED Trio

Everyone should know how to operate a defibrillator because it can mean the difference between life and death. The more defibrillators placed in public settings, the better. Signs and vibrant casing are also important in locating these life-saving devices. Signage should be placed above the onsite AED and individuals frequenting the facility should know where to locate this device.

The First Aid Canada Team hopes that you never have to operate an Automated External Defibrillator, but are prepared. For more information on the defibrillators offered by First Aid Canada, please click here. 

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Posted on by

Does Your Child’s School Have a Defibrillator?

Young girl playing basketball

Does Your Child’s School Have a Defibrillator Onsite?

In our previous blog How to be Prepared for Back-to-School Sports we touched on the importance of adequate first aid supplies within sporting facilities, which included Automated External Defibrillators. Because having an AED onsite can mean the difference between life and death we felt it was important to go into detail of the value of having a defibrillator onsite within schools.

Age Doesn’t Matter

There is a common misconception when it comes to cardiac arrest, often people believe it can only occur in aging or unhealthy adults, when quite commonly children can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest.

Often when cardiac arrest occurs in children it is related to a heart condition that had not yet been recognized or diagnosed, so a seemingly healthy and active child can suffer from sudden cardiac arrest. It is estimated that 5,000-7,000 children die from SCA each year. In addition to children, adults working in schools may also be at risk for sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack, making an automated external defibrillator a very important piece of first aid equipment to have onsite.

If you are unaware of the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest, click here to check out a previous blog.

Easy to Operate

A common misconception about Automated External Defibrillators is that they are difficult to use, when in fact they are easy enough for a third grader to operate without having had previous training. The Onsite model of the Philips HeartStart Automated External Defibrillator provides step-by-step voice commands to instruct the individual using the device how to operate it in the case of an emergency. For more information and a demonstration check out the video below:

Easy Maintenance

Being an intellegent form of technology, many people misconceive that a defibrillator is hard to manage and maintain, when in fact it has been designed to not only be easy to use, but also easy to care for. The device automatically runs daily self tests to check the internal circuitry, waveform delivery system, pads cartridge, and battery capacity. The blinking green “Ready” light indicates the Onsite AED has passed its daily self test and is ready for use and when maintainance is needed an audible “chirp” will sound to identify attention needed.

In conclusion Automated External Defibrillators are highly reccomended within schools as both children and adults can benefit from them. It is important to be prepared in public places and an AED onsite can mean the difference between life and death. For more information on the Philips HeartStart Onsite Automated External Defibrillator, please click here. 

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

Use the online HTML converter tool to compose the content for your website easily.

Posted on by

4 Ways to Fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator

Heart and Stethoscope

4 Ways to Fundraise for an Automated External Defibrillator 

With Automated External Defibrillators being a high priced item, yet essential for saving lives in heart-related emergencies it can be contemplative determining how and when to make the purchase.

Defibrillator stories are continuously in the news and we are avid readers, Like us on Facebook for daily news stories related to lives saved by defibrillators and stories of how other people are fundraising for the cause worldwide.

Luckily, the First Aid Canada team has put together a few ideas to help kick-start your fundraising campaign for a defibrillator:

Community Bottle Drive

Community bottle drives are a great way for an organization to fundraise, especially during the summer months when the weather is favourable and people are collecting recyclables from weekend trips, barbecues and backyard shenanigans. By creating an event for your sports time or association you can draw attention before the collection by posting about it on social media and relaying to friends and family.

Creating a Calendar

We’ve seen some pretty creative calendar ideas in the news! From firefighters stripping down to volleyball players striking their best pose, creating calendars is a great way to raise money. Producing a calendar is relatively inexpensive and print shops may even be open to donating their services for free. Whether it be for work, a sports team, a community centre, selling an exclusive calendar is a great way to bring in a lot of cash!

Collect Donations

Collecting donations is another great way to raise money for a defibrillator. There are many cases of organizations and associations doing this worldwide. From boy scouts to lawn bowling teams going door-to-door and approaching friends and family with your story can help raise attention and funds to a worthy cause.

Fun Challenges

Lastly, fun challenges such as polar bear swims are a great way to collect pledges for defibrillators. By asking friends, families and your community for fundraising pledges to reach a goal to participate in a challenge, you are not only raising funds for the cause, but creating awareness around defibrillators and heart health!

We love to hear from you! If you or anyone in your community have fundraised for a defibrillator or are currently doing so let us know. For more information on defibrillators you can click here or contact us between the hours of 9-5 (EST) at 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared. 

Posted on by

Which AED is Right for Me?

Man experiencing heart pain

Which AED is right for me?

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 Home Defibrillator

Are you looking for a defibrillator for the home? Defibrillators for the home are highly recommended with for individuals with health and heart concerns. If heart disease is a risk factor in your life, or the life of a loved one, having an AED in the home could result in the difference between life and death. Home defibrillators are also recommended for people living in rural areas or spending time away from medical help such as cabins, chalets or cottages. There is little to no training needed for the HeartStart Home Defibrillator which means it is designed for the ordinary person in the extraordinary moment. With an 8-year warranty, a fast response kit, a carrying case and more the Philips HeartStart Home could be the lifesaver in your life.

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. For a visual example check out this video:

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 more information check out the ZOLL AED Plus Demonstration Video:

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 by

NEW 2015 CPR/AED Guidelines

Girl lying on ground

NEW 2015 CPR/AED Guidelines

The ILCOR 2015 CPR/AED Guidelines for Adult Basic Life Support and CPR Quality: Lay Rescuer CPR

Here’s what you need to know about changes:

  • The crucial links in the out-of-hospital adult Chain of Survival are unchanged from 2010, with continued emphasis on the simplified universal Adult Basic Life Support (BLS) Algorithm.
  • The Adult BLS Algorithm has been modified to reflect the fact that rescuers and activate emergency response (i.e. through the use of mobile telephone) without leaving the victim’s side.
  • It is recommended that communities with people at risk for cardiac arrest implement PAD programs.
  • Recommendations have been strengthened to encourage immediate recognition of unresponsiveness, activation of the emergency response system, and initiation of CPR if the lay rescuer finds an unresponsive victim is not breathing, or not breathing normally (e.g., gasping).
  • Emphasis has been increased about the rapid identification of potential cardiac arrest by dispatchers, with immediate provision of CPR instructions to the caller (i.e., dispatch-guided CPR).
  • The recommended sequence for a single rescuer has been confirmed: the single rescuer is to initiate chest compressions before giving rescue breaths (C-A-B rather than A-B-C) to reduce delay to first compression. The single rescuer should begin CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.
  • There is continued emphasis on the characteristics of high-quality CPR: compressing the chest at an adequate rate and depth; allowing complete chest recoil after each compression; minimizing interruptions in compressions; and, avoiding excessive ventilation.
  • The recommended chest compression rate is 100 to 120/min (updated from at least 100/min).
  • The clarified recommendation for chest compression depth for adults is at least 2 inches (5 cm) but not greater than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
  • Bystander-administered Naloxone may be considered for suspected life-threatening opioid-associated emergencies**.

**In Canada, Naloxone is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) listed on Health Canada’s Prescription Drug List. Naloxone can only be dispensed with a prescription. Legally, a prescribed drug may only be administered to the person named on the prescription, not a third party.

For more information: Heart & Stroke Foundation – Highlights of the 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC

Posted on by

Understanding The Difference: Heart Attacks vs. Cardiac Arrest

Friends of Honduran Children - Map of Honduras

Giving Back:

In October 2014 the First Aid Canada Team gave back in the form of first aid supplies to underprivileged communities in Honduras through the organization The Friends of Honduran Children.

The FOHC is a non-profit organization based in Peterborough, Ontario. The organization is committed to the delivery of sustainable programs to the impoverished children and families in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Among the several services intended to break the cycle of inequality and poverty in this population, medical brigades is one way to contribute.

This past October (2014), a health promotion brigade consisting of an interdisciplinary team including nursing students from Trent University, travelled to Honduras to deliver supplies as well as educate children of various ages and their caretakers on various health issues, such as; oral hygiene, self-breasts examination, and CPR and First Aid. 

First Aid Canada proudly donated supplies such as: 

Friends of Honduran Children - First Aid Canada Supplies

 “With the kind supply donation from First Aid Canada, we were able to equip various schools and orphanages with first aid kits as well as give first aid supplies to the children and caretakers in our audiences.” Said participant, Bianca.

For more information, ways to get involved or to donate please visit: http://www.honduranchildren.com

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.