Submitted by St. John Ambulance Provincial Office
The holiday season is a time for family, friends and togetherness. It is a time to appreciate all of our loved ones who have helped us throughout the year. Many people travel throughout the province and across Canada to celebrate with those they hold close to them. With our unpleasant winter road conditions, it is important to take precautions to ensure that your loved ones are safe.
Some ways to remain safe this holiday season:
1. Plan a time that you will be arriving at your destination and tell your family so that they know when to expect you.
2. Be prepared for anything that may happen while on the road. Always carry blankets and wear warm clothes. You may even wish to pack a small meal in case help is delayed in getting to where you are.
3. Always carry a first aid kit in your vehicle. Accidents can happen but, if you are prepared, you can reduce the risk of serious injuries.
4. Be aware of the signs of Hypothermia. There are three stages: mild, moderate and severe. Identifying Hypothermia early and applying appropriate first aid will prevent it from getting worse. As hypothermia worsens:
the pulse will drop
breathing will become slow
mild shivering will change to intense shivering
speech will become slurred and individual will look clumsy
individual will be confused or tired and eventually become unconscious.
5. Know proper first aid for Hypothermia and many other emergencies by becoming certified in First Aid.
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. St. John Ambulance is a volunteer based non-profit charity dedicated to improving the health and safety of Canadians. For over 125 years, Canadians have trusted St. John Ambulance for quality first aid training and products. St. John First Aid courses help support community projects throughout Saskatchewan. See what St. John can do for you - call 1-888-273-0003 or visit us at www.sja.ca.
