Category Archives: Safety Tips

Cold Weather Tips for the Elderly

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Multiple physiological and behavioral factors that are not found in younger people combine to cause and elevate the danger presented by the cold to the elderly. For instance, elderly persons who suffer from chronic illness and take multiple medications are more vulnerable to the cold temperatures. Poor nutrition and dehydration also make the elderly more vulnerable to colder weather. The cold is also felt less by the elderly, so their ability to control their body temperatures is significantly reduced. Even if an older person does feel cold, it is shown that they tend to be more reluctant to heat their homes in order to reduce heating costs.

Although cold weather poses a higher risk for the elderly, there are plenty of tips and tricks to follow throughout the winter months in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

General Risks

The cold, stormy weather is harder on an older body and can pose serious health risks. During the winter months and snowy weather, the body’s temperature can drop below normal levels and cause hypothermia. Hypothermia can cause multi-system injury and a higher risk of mortality at an older age, as it is more common and harmful in the elderly community.

Like hypothermia, many other cold-weather related health risks are more harmful to older individuals when compared to younger people. Slippery streets and paths, colds, and the flu pose difficulties for seniors whose health may already be compromised by chronic illness. Slipping on something like ice and falling is a major risk for older individuals, as fractured hips have an extremely high mortality rate in elderly patients.

Health Habits to Maintain

During the winter, it is crucial to drink a sufficient amount of water throughout the day, even if one does not feel thirsty. It is recommended to drink 8-10 glasses of water per day to maintain proper health. It is also key to know that eating and drinking warm foods and beverages can help to maintain body heat. One should avoid alcohol and caffeine, but be sure to eat frequent, light meals throughout the day.

Most importantly, the elderly community should stay active even if they cannot leave their homes. Being mobile throughout the day raises body heat and increases blood flow.

Prepare Your Home

It is crucial to know and control the temperature of the dwelling. An ideal temperature should range between 68-75 degrees and can be measured by a simple thermometer. The air in a dwelling should not be too dry or too humid. Sufficient humidity is good, but too much humidity can be a cause of illness. Doors, windows, and any openings which lead to the outdoors should be properly sealed so that the house or apartment can easily maintain a proper temperature, but be sure not to restrict normal, proper ventilation as well.

Dress the Part

Layered, warm, and comfortable clothing is important for protecting against harsh winter climates. Clothing should not restrict movement, but keep heat in. Because our metabolism is so slow in the morning due to lack of activity overnight, it is especially important to dress warmly. At night, flannel sheets, socks, and blankets can help to keep elderly individuals at a good body temperature. While it is best to stay out of the winter weather if you are an older adult, gloves and a hat are recommended in addition to a coat if one needs to brave the elements.

Watch for Ice

Falls are extremely common in the elderly community. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 1.6 million older Americans visit the emergency room each year because of fall-related injuries. During the winter, snow, sleet, and ice make for unfit and slippery conditions, but falls can certainly be prevented with these few tips:

  • Stretch to prepare muscles and improve circulation before heading outside
  • Use any device which may assist, like handrails, or a cane or walker
  • Wear non-slip, sensible footwear
  • Stay on clear paths
  • Sprinkle sand or ice on roads or sidewalks

Even with these helpful tips, it is best to minimize the risk of falling by avoiding going outside in bad weather if at all possible.

When weather conditions are suspected to deteriorate, stock up on necessities and be prepared to be inside for at least a few days. Instead of going somewhere, invite others over, exercise, and plan indoor activities.

Be Firm with Loved Ones and Friends

Although cold weather can sometimes cause depression in older individuals, it is important to follow these tips and keep good health as a number one priority. The colder, winter weather may restrict elderly people from some activities; it is important to know the risks before venturing into stormy weather. It may also be good idea to encourage them to take a CPR course or First Aid course

Summary

Cold weather does not have to be deadly to the elderly. Using common sense, following the simple tips discussed above, and being proactive with your aged friends and relatives will help ensure that they can enjoy safe and warm winters.

CPR for Children and Infants

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Whether you’re a babysitter, a parent, or you work in a profession that involves children, CPR is undoubtedly a valuable tool.  There are many reasons why an infant or child might require CPR, and it could be beneficial to take an online CPR course to be prepared.   Performing CPR on children and infants is markedly different than performing CPR on adults and, for this reason, it is recommended to take a course specifically for infants and children.

Reasons Why Children and Infants May Need CPR

Children and infants may require CPR for a number of reasons.  Here are just a few of the many reasons why a child or infant could need CPR:

SIDS:  One of the number one causes of death in infants is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and, while it is often too late by the time the parent discovers the infant, a report found that a fraction of SIDS cases have death delayed by successful CPR.

Choking:  A common occurrence in both children and infants is choking.  Small objects can easily become lodged in an infant’s throat, and many children also choke on their food.

Drowning:  Drowning is another common event that requires CPR to be performed on children and infants.  Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children aged 1-4.

Genetic defects:  Another cause of death in children and infants is due to genetic defects.  Some of these defects may cause the infant/child to have difficulty breathing or suffer cardiac arrest later in life which will require immediate CPR.

The Differences between Infant, Child, and Adult CPR

There are notable differences in the CPR techniques used for infants, children, and adults.  These differences need to be taken into account in emergency situations; otherwise, CPR may not be successful, and the victim could potentially be injured in the process.  There are key differences when it comes to performing CPR on infants, children, and adults.  We can give a basic overview of these differences, but learning how to perform them through a course from SimpleCPR is recommended:

Adults:  For an adult, the responder should call 911 first before administering CPR.  After dialing 911, check to see if the victim is unresponsive or obviously breathing, begin by tilting the head back and clearing the airway by lifting the chin.  If the victim is unresponsive and not obviously breathing give 30 compressions with two hands in the middle of the chest and apply pressure through the heels of your hands, about two inches in depth.  Begin rescue breaths with 30 compressions per two rescue breaths.

Children:  Children have larger tongues in proportion to their bodies and have bones that are more flexible than adults.  Because of this, CPR will be slightly different.  If they are unresponsive, and you are the only one present, begin five rounds of CPR before calling 911.  Do this by tilting the head back slightly (too far can block the airway even more) and breathing more gently than you would with an adult.  Provide 30 chest compressions with one or two hands compressing the chest approximately 1/3 of its depth.  Give two rescue breaths after every 30 compressions.

Infants:  Tap the baby’s foot to check for responsiveness.  If the baby is unresponsive, give two minutes of CPR before calling 911.  Tilt the baby’s head only slightly to a position where it appears as though the baby is sniffing the air before giving breaths.  Use two fingers for compressions the chest should be compressed approximately 1/3 of its depth.  Use only the cheeks to provide rescue breaths.  Give 30 compressions per two rescue breaths.

The Importance of CPR Training for Children and Infants

Learning CPR for children and infants is valuable, no matter what your age or profession is.  While unresponsiveness from children and infants is not uncommon, it can happen quickly, and knowing what to do when it happens will give the victim the best chance of survival.  CPR classes can provide us with the knowledge to help save lives.  Not only do infant CPR classes teach you how to perform CPR on children and infants, but they can also provide valuable information on how to treat sudden illnesses and provide resources for the prevention of emergencies.  People of all walks of life should consider infant and child CPR courses for these reasons.

AED Basic Training

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Many of us have seen automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in movies and on television during dramatic revival scenes.  However, media does not always paint an accurate picture of emergency situations.  AEDs are an important tool that everyone should know how to use in the case of an emergency.

What Is an AED?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device that is able to analyze a person’s heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock (known as defibrillation) to the heart in order to re-establish the heart’s basic rhythm.  These portable devices weren’t introduced until 1978, although the first record of electrical shocks being used to restart a human heart was in 1947 by U.S. surgeon, Claude Beck.  The technology has since improved and now these devices are made for any person to use with little direction in order to have the best chance at saving a person’s life.

When Is an AED Used?

CPR is usually not enough to restart a heart on its own and requires the use of an AED.  AEDs are frequently used on adults and even children who go into cardiac arrest.  Studies show that the combined efforts of CPR and the use of an AED can more than double a victim’s chance of survival.  When someone suffers from cardiac arrest, every minute counts, and AEDs must be quickly obtained to give them the best shot of being revived.

How Do I Use an AED?

Learning how to use an AED is critical.  The American Heart Association has reported that a whopping 64 percent of Americans have never even seen an AED before.  With that said, everyone needs to know the basics of an AED at the very least.  Here is a basic overview of how to use an AED:

  • When a person suddenly collapses, you will first need to see if the person is responsive.
  • After confirming that they are not responsive, call 911 or have someone else call 911.  If you are with someone else, have them grab the AED while you perform CPR.
  • If the person is still unresponsive when the AED arrives, turn it on, it should have voice prompts that will tell you what to do.  Do not stop performing CPR until the machine tells you to stop.
  • Attach the adhesive electrode pads to the person’s bare chest (male and female).  The electrode pads will usually have a diagram that indicates where they are supposed to be placed.
  • Allow the AED to analyze.  It may tell you to stop performing CPR at this time.
  • When the machine indicates to give a shock, the person operating the AED should say, “clear” to warn others not to be touching the victim.  Deliver a shock when the AED tells you to.
  • If the AED says “no shock advised,” it could mean a variety of things.  The victim may have regained their pulse or possibly had a pulse all along without you realizing it.  Another possibility is that the victim is without a pulse, but their heart is not yet ready to have a shock delivered.
  • Provide two minutes of CPR, as indicated by the AED.  The device will indicate when you should stop.

Where Do I Find an AED?

Unfortunately, AEDs are not as commonplace as they should be.  You can find AEDs in many public places, such as airports, shopping centers, government buildings, corporate offices, etc.  They are often brightly colored so that people can locate them in emergencies.  In 2008, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) pushed for a universal AED sign so that people from all over the world would be able to locate an AED more easily.  Anyone is now allowed to purchase an AED after the FDA passed a law permitting this in 2005.

Why Should I Take a Course on AED Training?

The basic information on automated external defibrillators is not enough to gain a wider understanding of this device.  In order to fully understand how to use an AED and the best course of action in certain circumstances, taking a class is highly recommended.  You can find online training courses at places such as SimpleCPR that will teach you more than just the basics of an AED.  With these courses you will learn the inner workings of the human body, in addition to how to avoid dangerous situations that would require the use of an AED.  Such knowledge is invaluable and will prepare you for emergency situations.