07/04/2017
HAPPY July 4!
Be safe today. Here are some tips for July 4 safety.
With fireworks, always handle with care. That means don't handle them once they are lit (Except sparklers of course). Remember that anything that explodes can cause bodily injury. So, when you light them, move away to a safe distance. Parents, supervise your children.
Remember to watch where the flying ones may come down. Make sure they do not fall into anything that can burn. Keep at least 35 feet away from any type of combustible materials, such as dry grass.
As for burns, be careful with sunburn today. It can be easy to forget to take precautions. A "blistering" sunburn is a second degree burn and needs treatment. Use cool water on second degree burns. Do not apply home remedies such as butter, lard, mayonnaise, etc.
Cookout safety: If you are using liquid charcoal starter, do not put it on hot coals trying to get the fire bigger. The heated coals with produce more v***r and could make an explosive combination. Use a sufficient amount at the beginning. Give yourself plenty of time and be patient.
Watch children for choking hazards. Hot dogs and July 4th are a perfect combination, however, pieces of improperly chewed hot dog are the perfect size to block a child's airway. Signs of choking include the inability to cough or speak. If the child can say, "I can't breathe," the airway is not blocked.
If possible, encourage the child to cough hard. Whatever you do, do not pat the child one the back while they are in a vertical position. This can make the situation worse. From behind, place your fist just below the sternum (breastbone), thrust back toward yourself and upward to dislodge the food.
For infants, a different procedure is used for choking. Turn the infant upside down while supporting the head. The infant should be lying on your forearm. In this case, do give the infant five blows to the back while upside down. This should dislodge the material.
In either choking event, make sure to call for emergency services to make sure that everything is ok and there is no internal injury.
If you would like more information about CPR and first aid, contact me.
Remember to like this post and share it. It may help someone today