Blog
An emergency oxygen device has a fixed flow regulator which delivers 6 litres per minute (LPM) or more. This category of device is available as an over-the-counter (OTC) device which means it is exempt from prescription requirements. Emergency oxygen devices are designated as an inhalator when used to support the breathing victm and/or as a resuscitator to support a non breathing emergency victim.
The Emergency Response Training (ERT) program from SOS Emergency Response Technologies can educate your staff on understanding safe handling and maintenance of oxygen as well as, to understand how to use the emergency oxygen equipment during life-support efforts as part of first aid.
The SOS ERT program will not only properly train you, but will increase the probability that the trained person will perform properly.
This program is offered to SOS clients at no charge as part of your Medical Management Program.
Blog
Have an all hazard approach. Earthquakes can trigger related hazards (fire, water damage). As such a good earthquake plan can also assist in dealing with other more “regular” emergencies such as fires, floods, and power.
- Does your company have a emergency plan that includes earthquakes?
- Does your company have an emergency preparedness program that acknowledges its employees as its most important asset and that their safety and well-being is a major concern?
- Does your company have a person or department responsible for developing and updating its emergency plan?
- Does your company ahve an emergency plan that is integrated with other tenants in teh building? Does the plan integrate with fire safety and evacuation plans?
- Has your company met with your local emergency preparedness coordinator to ensure emergency procedures and plans are integrated with your local government’s emergency planning measures?
- Does your company have designated personnel for each building and floor?
- Does your company have clear and up-to-date notification procedures and a call-out list?
- Does the emergency plan deal with the hazards of flying glass, collapse of a building or its components such as cielings, light fixtures, overturned furniture and equipment, as well as fires caused by damage to utility lines and/or pipes?
- Has your company designated an alternate site of operations?
- Does your company have a required inspection schedule to reduce potential hazards?
Blog
According to a recent report from the Institute for Castrophic Loss Reduction, there is a 30 percent chance that an earthquake strong enough to cause significant damage will rock southwestern BC within the next 50 years. This report urges Canada and Canadians to accelerate the pace of seismic building and infrastructure upgrades.
More work must be done to earthquake proof fire halls, schools, and buildings and to ensure that individuals have adequate and relaible water and food supplies.
Blog
Stress creates havoc with our health and it is worth our while to examine our stress levels every two or three months. Stress can be difficult to understand. Sometimes we don’t even know we are under stress even when it affects our heart and mental health. The habits and signs that can alert us to problems may be hard to recognize because they have become so familiar.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Mental Health Association have produced a booklet Coping with Stress. To get a copy of the booklet contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 604-279-7130
Blog
All employees that deal with first aid situations are at risk. Whether you are in security, the first aid attendant or a care aide.
Remember to:
- wash hands after direct contact with patients
- use protective barriers such as gloves, gowns, aprons, masks, and goggles for direct contact with blood and other bodily fluids
- safely collect and dispose of needles and sharps, with required puncture and liquid proof boxes
- cover all cuts and abrasions with waterproof dressings
- promptly and carefully clean up spills of blood and other bodily fluids
- use a safe system for health care waste management and disposal
