Now that the holiday pace has picked up considerably as we head into the final week before the major Christmas celebration, a little gentle advice regarding health and safety might be in order.
Too often in our rush to get things done, we have a tendency to take shortcuts. Too often those shortcuts lead to some discomforting moments, pain and, on occasion, tragedy.
Don't let tragedy visit you this holiday season, either just before or just after Christmas, which is another time when we let our health and safety guards down.
The streets are slippery; the weather is cold. You have lived in Saskatchewan long enough now to realize what the consequences are if you ignore these two facts, so act accordingly. Dress warmly and take extra time to get to where you're going.
Eat properly and in moderation and do the same with consumption of alcohol. Enjoy the little happy buzz that alcohol intake may afford you. Don't overdo it. We all know those consequences too if you overuse alcohol. Alcohol doesn't mask anything, it just illustrates your problems more clearly and your capabilities of addressing them, less efficiently. The holiday season is to be enjoyed, not endured. Don't compromise everyone else's good spirits by overdoing your selfish pursuits under the influence.
Keep reminding yourself that this is the season to enjoy the company of others and to relax. It's not a time to be combative and argumentative, even if there are mounting pressures on you to make this the best Christmas ever. Always keep in mind that it is the people around you who make the event memorable, not the material things.
Be careful with the pace you set for yourself. Cardiac arrest is not what you want for Christmas, but if something of that nature does occur in your presence, do you know what to do?
If you are out in public, do you know where the nearest defibrillator is kept? They are easy to use, but in a panic situation, you may need to take a deep breath and listen for instructions. It's even better if you have received a dry run through the three steps.
Are all the defibrillators in the community registered with the 911 service dispatchers? In other words, if you have one, have you told the 911 reception dispatchers about it?
Are the defibrillators easily available? They can't serve any useful purpose if they are under lock and key and you don't know who has the key. Yes, they cost about $2,000, so we don't want them damaged or stolen, but then what price is a life? In the event of a cardiac arrest, the critical period of care is restricted to five minutes for response.
Also, keep in mind that Saskatchewan laws are such that if you step up to help or to administer assistance, you will not be held liable if the event turns negative on you, as long as your intentions are to save, protect or comfort.
And it's not just defibrillators. When it comes to schools, arenas, businesses, it's important to know where the fire escapes are located and where the fire extinguishers are to be found.
As in most things connected to safety, a little awareness and forward thinking might prove very valuable.
In the meantime, enjoy the season to the fullest.
