Summer Safety Tips
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
It's a deadly gas that you can't see or smell -- it's carbon monoxide, and at high levels it can kill you within minutes. Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced whenever any fuel such as gas, oil, kerosene, wood, or charcoal is burned. If appliances that burn fuel are...
The Difference Between a “Bite” and a “Sting”
Although an insect bite and an insect sting are both painful, there is a big difference between the types of insects that bite and those that sting. Venomous insects sting, injecting painful toxic venom through their stingers into your system. Non-venomous insects...
Medicine that Has Been Tampered With
The pharmaceutical industry has taken many steps to prevent over-the-counter and prescription medications from being tampered with during transit from the manufacturing plant to the pharmacy and your home. However, everyone knows that cardboard can become crushed or...
Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is a much more serious illness than heat exhaustion. It is caused by an increase in the body's core temperature due to overexposure to extreme heat and a breakdown in the body's heat-regulating mechanisms. During a heat stroke, your body's sweat glands...
Warning Signs that a Tornado May Develop
There are several atmospheric warning signs that precipitate a tornado’s arrival: A dark, often greenish, sky Wall clouds or an approaching cloud of debris Large hail often in the absence of rain Before a tornado strikes, the wind may die down and the air may...
Basic First Aid Guidelines
Below you will find some basic guidelines to help you help yourself and others during a medical crisis. The information presented here is to be used as an introduction to First Aid. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice and care, treatment...
Common Household Products That are Poisonous
You would probably be surprised to learn how many substances you have around your home that could be poisonous if ingested or inhaled or exposed to the skin and mucous membranes. It’s not just the cans of gasoline or paint-thinner you might have in your garage but...
Types of Food-Borne Illnesses
Salmonella bacteria may cause food poisoning when contaminated meat, poultry, and eggs that are eaten raw or undercooked or foods come into contact with contaminated foods during preparation. Symptoms usually occur within hours to two days and may include nausea,...
Heat Syncope
Heat syncope or fainting is a mild form of heat illness that often results from physical exertion when it is hot. It occurs when your body, in an effort to cool itself, causes the blood vessels to dilate to such an extent that blood flow to the brain is reduced....
Creating a Tornado Survival Kit
EMSA PARAMEDICS advise all residents to prepare for a TORNADO… PICK A PLACE WHERE FAMILY MEMBERS COULD GATHER IF A TORNADO IS HEADED YOUR WAY. IF NOT A BASEMENT, THEN USE A CENTER HALLWAY, BATHROOM, CLOSET, OR UNDER THE STAIRS. GET READY: SMALL ITEMS CAN BE PLACED IN...