Tag: Road Safety

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Are you Prepared for your next Road Trip?

Woman in car

Are you Prepared for your next RoadTrip?

The Summer brings beautiful weather and vacations! Whether you’ve planned a roadtrip up to cottage country or one across the country this checklist will come in handy:

Route Check

Before heading out on your adventure be sure to check the road conditions ahead, such as those affected by weather or accidents. There are apps such as Waze, which can come in very handy, even on a shorter commute to work. Waze is a GPS app which will alert you of smaller road conditions such as potholes, but also larger issues such as traffic jams or accidents.

Vehicle Check

Prior to your trip be sure to check that your vehicle is up-to-date in all areas such as tires, oil changes, etc. Avoid any possible roadside emergencies by taking the time to have your vehicle checked over by a professional beforehand. The last thing you want to hear is your little one exclaiming, “Are we there yet!” As you attempt to change a tire.

Vehicle Distress Kit

Do you own a vehicle distress kit? First Aid Canada offers a variety of vehicle distress kits containing items which will aid in minor first aid to larger accidents and roadside issues. Our vehicle distress kits are available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.

Seatbelts

This one is a given! But of course we could not forget it. Seatbelts are so incredibly important we needed to make sure this is included on the list. Newer vehicles have notification sounds in regards to setbelts being on, but it never hurts to souble check your passengers, especially the younger ones who may need assistance with their booster car seats.

Water

Hydration is key every day. No matter if you are driving with the air conditioning on through Northern Canada, hydration keeps you healthy and alert. Reusable water bottles go a long way in Canada as we are a country abundant with fresh water! Staying hydrated means staying safe, drink up!

Stay Alert

Staying alert is key on a roadtrip. Rest if you feel the need to, this includes pulling over to the side of the road to take a nap if you need. Do not rely on stimulants such as caffeine or energy drinks to keep you focused on the road. The best thing you can do for yourself and your passengers is to take a simple rest to ensure safety.

Have an amazing trip!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

CPR

Songs to Save Lives

Did you know one of your all-time favourite songs could help you save a life one day? Or even save your life one day?

Cardiac arrest can happen at any time, any age or any place, which is why it is important to be as prepared as possible. If there is no defibrillator or emergency personnel around, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR. CPR could potentially save lives as taking immediate life-saving action can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. If you wish to learn more about CPR you can check out any of our blogs:

NEW CPR Guidelines

The Importance of First Aid Training

Which AED is Right For Me?

Spotify has a playlist with a list of songs which are at 100-120 beats-per-minute, which is the proper beat to do CPR to. Take a look at this list and see if there is any tune to you know how to hum or sing to:

 
SPOTIFY CPR PLAYLIST

You never know whose life you could save one day. Get familiar with hands-only CPR, these songs and keep someone out there Stayin’ Alive!

Life is Precious. Be Prepared. 

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Summer Road Safety

Roadside problem

Summer Road Safety

According to the Canada Safety Council, “More fatalities occur on Canadian roads during the summer months than at any other time of year, including the winter holiday season.” Unfortunately this is due to alcohol, fatigue and reckless driving. Whether you’re headed out onto the road for one last road trip before summer ends or off to the beach, both the Canada Safety Council and First Aid Canada recommend being prepared on the road.

Before You Head Out

Before you head out on the road for an adventure it is important to check the functions of your vehicle and make sure that all regular tune-ups and fluid changes have been completed. This will avoid unwanted roadside emergencies and of course a delay on your exciting plans.

Ensure Passenger Safety

Be sure all passengers have working seatbelts and remain buckled in at all times before heading out onto the road. Children have different safety requirements within vehicles depending on their age and size. It is important to check regulations and be sure you have the adequate car seats.

Stay Alert

Road trips mean lengthy periods of driving which can create a threat of exhaustion. It is important to stop regularly to fuel up your vehicle, but also stretch your legs and remain hydrated. If you become tired on the road, take a break. If needed pull over in a safe area and take a nap. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Have a Vehicle Distress Kit

Vehicle Distress Kits are necessary for any vehicle whether it be family, commercial or personal. First Aid Canada highly recommends our Vehicle Distress Kits, which contain items to help you out in even the stickiest situations on the road. Our Vehicle Distress Kits come in three sizes:

Each kit contains a variance of items to best suit your needs and the needs of your vehicle. For a list of kit contents, you can click on the links above.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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Do you own a Vehicle Distress Kit?

Winding Winter Road

Do you own a Vehicle Distress Kit?

While the weather outside is frightening and January’s heating bill most likely has an extra digit before the decimal, that after-work, spiked hot chocolate is all the more comforting. This is why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create a last minute winter safety kit for your vehicle, leaving you with a list to check off while you add some extra marshmallows.

Because the weather’s predictability doesn’t have a formulated equation, having a safety kit prepared within the vehicle for possible emergencies is always a trending idea. First Aid Canada is pleased to offer specially designed vehicle distress kits containing a comprehensive assortment of first aid and emergency rescue supplies.

Vehicle Distress Kit - Small

Ideal for motorist distress emergencies; the Vehicle Distress Kit – Small is packaged in a portable, lightweight, water-resistant 420-denier nylon pack complete with shoulder straps. Inside the kit you will find crucial items for vehicle emergency situations such as Automobile Accident Reporting Cards, a Call Police Banner and a Quick Books, Guide To Car Care & Emergencies. There are also plenty of bandages in various sizes ideal for treating all types of wounds – minor or more severe. Rest assured, comfort is key with our orange plastic whistle, emergency flares and flashlight, ensuring optimal safety this season. For extended relief there is also a blanket, food rations and purified drinking water, but we hope you will never have to use them!

The Vehicle Distress Kit from First Aid Canada is available in four different sizes:

Vehicle Distress Kit – Small
Vehicle Distress Kit – Medium
Vehicle Distress Kit – Large
Vehicle Distress Kit – Extra-Large

 As we all know, safety is essential and accidents happen, which means keeping a quality first aid kit in your vehicle is crucial.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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Are you Prepared for an Emergency on the Road?

Are you Prepared for an Emergency on the Road?

Did you know 90% of people spend 87 minutes per day driving? And that the average is approximately 100 minutes per day for those commuting?

How long do you personally spend in your car? Would you be prepared on the road in the case of an emergency?

Throughout summer you may have noticed yourself making longer trips on the road, whether it be to the cottage, camping or a family road trip. Often in these times hospitals and medical facilities can be distant or even unknown in proximity. Life is precious so it is important to be prepared for yourself and your loved ones.

First Aid Canada offers a range of vehicle distress kits which can fit perfectly in the trunk or back seat of any vehicle:

Another aspect of being prepared on the go is to considering the threat of cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can happen at any age without warning signs, this is why onsite Automated External Defibrillators are highly recommended. Onsite AEDs are very light weighing only 3.3 lbs, thus can be easily transported wherever you and your loved ones are off to next. First Aid Canada is pleased to offer two different types of onsite AEDs:
 

Philips Onsite HeartStart Defibrillator

  • Simple to Operate
  • Guided Audio Instructions
  • Visual Queues 
  • Quick Shock Feature 
  • Integrated SMART Pads 
  • SMART Biphasic Therapy
  • Built-In Self Tests & Always Ready for Use
  • Lightweight & Portable

Philips FRX HeartStart Defibrillator

  • Rugged Design 
  • On-Demand CPR Coaching 
  • Infant/Child Key 
  • Quick Shock Feature
  • SMART Biphasic Therapy
  • Built-In Self Tests & Always Ready for Use 
  • Light Weight 
  • Ready to Rescue, Out of Box 
  • Wireless Data Transfer 

For more information on these AEDs click here or check out the video below. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact The First Aid Canada Team 1-855-322-4243.

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.

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Tips for Staying Safe on the Road During Winter

snow covered road

With the extreme weather conditions that winter can bring, such as rain, sleet, snow and ice, vehicle safety has received a lot of recent attention in the news. The importance of vehicle distress kits in the case of an emergency has also been highlighted.

Here are some things to watch out for on the road and tips to remain safe while winter is still in full effect:

Black Ice

Black ice is a transparent coating of ice, found on the road or other paved surface, and drivers typically can’t see it, until you’re right on top of it. If there is the possibility of black ice on the road here’s how to avoid an accident:

  • Drive slowly and avoid sudden movement and braking

  • Maintain a safe following distance of other vehicles

  • Look for trouble spots ahead and do your best to safely avoid them

  • If your car hits black ice remember to take your foot off of the gas pedal

Snow

Whether it’s already on the ground or falling, snow can have a huge effect on driving safety. Here’s how to avoid an accident due to snow: 

  • Be sure your windshield wipers are fit for a snow fall

  • Make sure your car has plenty of windshield washer fluid

  • Have 4 winter tires secured on your vehicle before the first snowfall

  • Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions

  • Remove all snow from your vehicle before heading out onto the road

  • If it’s really bad outside, just stay home

Animals

Poor weather conditions can reduce visibility and maneuverability which can lead to accidents, including those involving animals, especially outside of major cities. Here’s how to prevent animal-related accidents in the winter: 

  • Obey the speed limit

  • Watch for signs displaying frequent animal sightings or crossings

  • Be especially cautious at dusk and dawn – animals are most active at this time and visibility is poor

  • If you see an animal near the side of the road, slow down right away, you never know if the animal will run out in front of you. Warn other motorists by flashing your hazard lights.

Vehicle accidents occur too frequently, especially when weather conditions are bad. If you don’t already, it is important to have an emergency kit in your vehicle to keep yourself and your passengers safe just in case . If you witness another car in an accident, having a first aid kit means you can help if they need it.

First Aid Canada offers three sizes of vehicle distress kits. Click on the following for more details: 

Life is Precious. Be Prepared.