Category Archives: Blog

Young children play in a beach sand hole. Parents sit close by in beach chairs. Colourful toys are scattered around.

Why Sand Holes Can Be Deadly

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If you’re heading to the beach, you need to learn why sand holes can be deadly. Experts advise parents to avoid digging sand holes as they can be a death trap for kids, adults and animals.

The article below discusses:

  • Why sand holes are so dangerous
  • Where sand holes are found
  • The maximum safe size of a sand hole
  • Alternate activities for kids
  • How to keep kids safe
  • What to do with sand holes before leaving the beach
  • How to rescue a person trapped in a sand hole
  • What to do if you see a large sand hole.
  • Risky social media challenges
  • How to raise awareness about the dangers of sand holes

Read the full article here: Beach Sand Holes: The Deadly Risks and How To Avoid Them

 

A young man wearing orange swim shorts floats on his back under a blue sky.

Drowning Prevention Tips

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A young man drowned at White Pines Beach on my daughter’s birthday. The memory haunts me each summer and has led me to share these water safety and drowning prevention tips, so you can prevent a similar tragedy in your family. In the article (link below), I’ll discuss the following:

  • What drowning reports and statistics say.
  • Drowning signs – how to know if a person is in trouble in the water.
  • Water safety tips for everyone.

Key points

  • Anyone can drown.
  • Drowning is swift and often silent.
  • When you’re near water with children, nothing is more critical than supervising them.
  • Take a first aid and CPR class and learn to save a life.

Remember—drowning is preventable.

Read more.

A person inserts a nasal spray into a CPR manikin's nose

Nasal Spray for Anaphylaxis – Goodbye Needles!

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The development of a nasal spray for anaphylaxis has created much excitement in the field of treatment for severe allergies. This new treatment will replace the current method of using an autoinjector to administer epinephrine into the thigh. For millions of people worldwide with severe allergies who dread the thought of needles, this is great news.

At its June 27, 2024, meeting, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended administering epinephrine via nasal spray instead of injection. The committee said using the nasal spray should be the first step in emergency treatment for allergic reactions and exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Studies have shown this method to be safe and effective.

The new nasal spray still needs final marketing approval, which should happen later in 2024. Millions will welcome the new needle-free solution for anaphylaxis. Read the full story on Medium or Substack.

Students in a first aid class

New WorkSafeBC First Aid Regulatory Changes

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Did you know that WorkSafeBC has updated its first aid guidelines? If you are an employer in BC, you must learn about the new first-aid regulatory changes.

First aid training and certification can be confusing, as there are so many options and agencies have different names for the courses. Don’t worry—we are here to help! We’ve presented some of the critical changes in the form of FAQs below. For the full details, please download WorkSafeBC’s Backgrounder: Occupational First Aid Regulatory Changes. The PDF link is at the end of this article.

First—the good news!

BC employers who were previously required to have staff trained as Level 2 attendants can now have them take the shorter, less expensive Red Cross Standard First Aid course!

Level 2 was a five-day, 35-hour course costing approximately $700.00 per person. Standard First Aid is a two-day, 16-hour course costing roughly $160.00. You will soon be able to get four people trained and certified in first aid for the price of one. Having more people skilled and able to handle emergencies will lead to a safer workplace and peace of mind for you as an employer. The shorter, lower-cost course requirement is also excellent news for your bottom line!

FAQs about the new first aid regulatory changes in BC

Q: When will the new BC first aid amendments take effect?

The amendments will become effective on November 1, 2024, providing plenty of time for employers to train their staff to the required level and purchase any additional equipment required by these changes. This extended timeline ensures a smooth transition and reduces potential stress for employers.

Q: What are the changes to the first aid courses and certificate names?

Alignment with CSA Z1210 – 17 affects course naming and course duration. Here are the current program names and duration, along with the new 2024 program names and duration:

OFA 1   1 day (8 hours)  = Basic First Aid 1 day (8 hours)

OFA 2   5 days (35 hours)  = Intermediate First Aid 2 days (16 hours)

OFA 3   10 days (70 hours)  = Advanced First Aid 10 days (70 hours)

Q: Where can I learn more about new WorkSafeBC first-aid regulatory changes?

First aid requirements are listed in Schedule 3-A of the OHS Regulation and have been in place with minimal updates since the early 2000s.

Q: What are the CSA standards for first aid?

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) issues the following standards, providing national guidance on workplace first aid training programs and first aid kits.:

  • CSA Z1210 – 17 First aid training for the workplace – Curriculum and quality management for training agencies.
  • CSA Z1220-17 First aid kits for the workplace.

Q: What are the key amendments to the regulation?

Employers must:

  1. Provide the supplies, facilities and first aid attendants required by Schedule 3-A
  2. Conduct a workplace risk assessment to determine any additional equipment, supplies, facilities, attendants, and services necessary to ensure injured workers can be quickly given first aid and transported for medical treatment.

Q: What factors determine the minimum levels of first aid supplies, facilities and attendants a BC workplace requires?

  • Number of workers at the workplace.
  • Hazard rating assigned to the industry.
  • Whether the workplace is “remote,” i.e. more than 30 minutes surface travel time from an ambulance station.
  • Whether the workplace is “less accessible” – meaning ambulances can’t safely get to it, or it includes one or more hazardous work areas that ambulance personnel can’t access.
  • For more detailed information on “less-accessible workplaces, please follow the link below.

 

Learn more about the WorkSafeBC first-aid regulatory changes on WorkSafeBC’s website via this link or download the Backgrounder Occupational first aid regulatory changes

Private group first aid training session in Coquitlam or Metro Vancouver | Request a quote

Standard/Intermediate First Aid | Learn more or register for a public class in Coquitlam

Emergency/Basic First Aid | Learn more or register for a public class in Coquitlam

Black Balloon Day – March 6

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March 6 is International Black Balloon Day. Take a few minutes this week to educate yourself about the toxic drug crisis and learn how you can support loved ones who may be struggling with substance use issues.

The event brings awareness to the worldwide toxic drug crisis and highlights deaths from drug overdose and substance-related harm. On this day, people pay tribute to family and friends who have died from drug poisoning and overdose. The event also aims to deflate the stigma of addiction, which is the reason many don’t seek help. Addiction is a brain disease — not a moral failure. People need reassurance that addiction is not their fault.

Black Balloon Day began with one family’s tragic loss. On March 6, 2015, Greg Tremblay, a father of four aged 38, died of an overdose. His mother-in-law, Diane and sister-in-law, Lauren Hurley, initiated the event to remember Greg. It has since become an international event. Learn more.
#BlackBalloonDay

Man in a turquoise t-shirt clutches his chest in pain

What to Do if Alone and Having a Heart Attack

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Have you ever wondered what you’d do if you were alone at home and suspected you were having a heart attack?

Deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) jumped globally from 12.1 million in 1990 to 20.5 million in 2021, according to a May 2023 report from the World Heart Federation. In 2021, CVD was the leading cause of death worldwide.

What To Do When a Heart Attack Occurs

When a heart attack occurs, it’s essential to act fast and get medical attention—every minute counts. You may not have time to wait for an ambulance to arrive before you start feeling the effects of the attack. Can you survive a heart attack alone? Yes, but it depends on your actions immediately following the onset of symptoms. Your chances of surviving are pretty dismal without immediate medical help.

Following the tips in this one-minute article will improve your survival odds significantly.

Heart Attack When Alone: 5 Smart Things Experts Advise You Do Immediately for the Best Chance of Survival

#heartattack  #firstaid

Register for a Red Cross first aid & CPR class and learn to save a life.

 

Two young boys lying on the floor colouring

Home Alone Online Training for Children

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Safe + Sound First Aid Training offers Home Alone online training for children aged 10+. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from parents and caregivers about children being home alone.

Q: How can I tell if my child is ready to stay home alone?

Signs Your Child May Be Ready To Stay Home Alone:

While every child matures differently,  some signs indicate your child may be ready to stay home without adult supervision for short periods of time. These signs will help parents, guardians, and caregivers gauge their child’s readiness.

Your child —

  • is at least 10 years of age.
  • follows family rules and instructions.
  • knows his/her full name, address, major intersections and phone number.
  • understands when and how to contact 911.
  • is not afraid to stay home alone.
  • knows what to do when the unexpected arises.
  • has basic first aid skills, knows where the first aid kit is and how to use its contents.
  • knows how to lock the door routinely and safeguard the key
  • knows how to contact a trusted adult if needed.

Q: What are the benefits of online, self-directed Home Alone classes for children aged 9-13?

There are several benefits to online, self-directed classes on the subject of home alone, safety, and first aid for children aged 10+:

Self-sufficiency: These classes can teach children how to be self-sufficient and take care of themselves if they are home alone.

Safety skills: Children can learn essential safety skills, such as handling emergencies and what to do in the event of an injury.

Independence: These classes can help children develop a sense of independence and responsibility.

Confidence: Children can gain confidence in handling difficult situations by learning new skills.

Fun: These classes can be engaging and interactive, making them more enjoyable for children.

Convenience: Children can complete online, self-directed classes at a time that’s convenient for the child and their family.

Accessibility: Online classes can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making them a convenient option for families who may not have access to in-person classes in their area.

 

Q: What is the minimum age for leaving children home alone?

Please check your community’s child protection services for local guidelines or laws regarding the recommended minimum age to leave a child home alone. This age varies from province to province and state to state.

 

Q: What other factors should I consider when deciding if my child is ready to stay home alone?

Parents should be mindful that not all children mature at the same age and that age is not the only factor to consider when deciding a child’s readiness. Temperament, maturity, access to Emergency Medical Services, and willingness are also factors to consider.

Parents should not force a child to stay home alone before they are ready. Taking the Home Alone course will help youths develop many essential safety skills, but it does not guarantee that a child will be prepared to stay on their own. This is a judgement call for parents, guardians and caregivers as they know the child’s abilities best.

The Home Alone Safety for Kids course will help your child prepare for independence. Practical and convenient, this self-guided and self-paced tutorial helps to build a child’s confidence through engaging games, rich digital media, videos and colourful graphics that equip youth with skills for a lifetime of safety. It provides valuable life skills for your child and peace of mind for parents and caregivers.

 

Q: How long is the online Home Alone course?

The Home Alone Safety for Kids online course takes approximately 90 minutes to complete.

 

Q: How old do children have to be to take the Home Alone online course?

The Home Alone Safety for Kids online course is designed for children aged 10+ years.

 

Q: What topics are included in the online Home Alone course?

  • Home Alone course topics include:
  • How to be street smart and stay alert
  • Routines and house rules
  • Safe snacking
  • Making smart choices online
  • Fire safety
  • Injury prevention
  • Basic first aid

 

Q: Can I watch a preview video of the Home Alone course?

Yes, click here to see a preview of the Home Alone Safety for kids course.

 

Q: What is the pass mark for the Home Alone course?

Participants must achieve a mark of 80% to receive a certificate of completion. They can repeat the course twice if they don’t get 80% or more on the first attempt.

 

Q: Will my child receive a certificate after completing the Home Alone course?

Yes. Your child will receive a digital participation certification after completing the Home Alone course.

 

Q: After taking the Home Alone online course, will my child be qualified to babysit?

After taking the Home Alone Safety for Kids course, your child will be safer and more confident to stay home alone. If they are planning to babysit, we recommend they also take a Red Cross Babysitting course. You can find more information about this course here: Canadian Red Cross Babysitting Program for 11-15 year-olds.

 

Q: How can I register my child for the Home Alone course?

Click here to register your child today for the Home Alone Safety for Kids course.

 

Q: Who can I contact if I have questions about the Home Alone course?

Please contact us here via this form. Thank you.

 

Home Alone Online Training for Children is an investment in your child’s safety.

An older woman wearing jeans and a white t-shirt, sits on a beige sofa drinking a glass of red wine and looking depressed.

Substance Use in Older Adults

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Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in older adults is not something most of us are comfortable talking about. But don’t assume your older workers or loved ones are immune. Broaching the subject and having these discussions can save lives. If you suspect someone is struggling with SUD, talk to them — before it’s too late.

The following article discusses the relationship between alcohol use, falls and hip fractures in older adults. It includes suggestions on how to broach the subject of substance use with family members and where to find helpful resources:

Is Alcohol or Old Age the Cause of Your Older Family Member’s Broken Hip?

This article outlines some practical ways you can help prevent people from dying from atoxic drug poisoning:

Opioid Overdose: Four Things We Can Do Today to Stop Senseless Deaths

You can find other articles on substance use, addiction and the toxic drug crisis here.

Openly discussing substance use in older adults with families, co-workers and doctors can save lives.