first aid kit - JASE Medical - Page 2

Are you Prepared for Floods?

According to  Flood Defenders, a nonprofit organization working with local governments to provide adequate flood protection:

  • Flooding has cost US taxpayers more than $850 billion since 2000
  • Is responsible for ⅔ of the cost from all natural disasters. In small towns and large cities
  • America has experienced an urban flooding event once every 2-3 days for the past 25 years.

Health risks post flood

Homes that have been flooded, whether from natural disasters such as rain, hurricanes or rivers breaching their shores or pipes leaking and bursting in walls, dishwashers, sinks or bathtubs can pose some very serious health risks. Sewage can overflow, which can bring deadly bacteria and viruses, mold from damp homes after flood waters have receded, and electrical hazards pose serious health risks.  

Mitigating those risks

Having some basic supplies and items on hand if you live in a known flood zone or your area is prone to heavy rainfall can help alleviate some of the risks associated with floods.

Have a bag put together with each member of your group/family in mind:

  • Extra meds (prescription and nonprescription)
  • Store your important papers and health records in a portable waterproof container- a box or bag- to take with you if you need to evacuate.
  • Bottled water
  • Water filtration- find one that can remove chemicals along with bacteria and viruses like the Alexapure pitcher
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Dry towels
  • Gloves- both a pair of work gloves and a box of gloves
  • Dry clothing and extra shoes in plastic, waterproof bags
  • Flashlights with extra batteries
  • Small tool kit, with hammer, pliers, small crowbar, etc.
  • Small radio with batteries- to ascertain if help is coming, etc.
  • Nutritious prepackaged snacks such as dried fruits and nuts in case help isn’t readily available.
  • Small boxes of juices

After the flood

Post flood is the most dangerous time regarding health. If you live in a warm and humid area mold growth can cause significant health risks. Cold areas where flooding is likely can cause hypothermia and even frostbite if you are exposed to the elements and are wearing wet or damp clothing. A few tips before entering your home post flood:

  • FEMA has put out an excellent pamphlet on how to deal with mold and mildew in your home., download and read this important information before venturing into your home, since mold and mildew can be odorless and colorless, exercise extreme caution before going into your home post flood.
  • Your home may be structurally unstable, have a building inspector to inspect the structural integrity of your home before entering it. Akso, contact an electrician to check out your home before entering it.
  • Do not use your gas or propane stove until you are suer all is dry and that the gas lines are safe to use. Also, inspect and make sure carbon monoxide alarms are working.

 

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Are you Prepared for Fire?

The end of the summer brings dry weather and many areas at risk for wildfires. Many areas, including California, along with the disruption by evacuations or electrical blackouts, can bring many challenges that not just the fires bring. Home fires are of particular concern because they usually happen without warning, can occur during the middle of the night and can catch you off guard.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFTPA) :

  • More than one-quarter (26%) of reported fires in 2015-2019 occurred in homes. Even worse, three-quarters (75%) of civilian fire deaths and almost three-quarters (72%) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires.
  • During this five-year period, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths; 11,070 civilian fire injuries; and $7.3 billion in direct property damage.
  • Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.
  • Over the five-year period of 2015–2019, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.

These are alarming statistics. Are you prepared and know what to do if fire hits your home?

Below are a few considerations for fire preparedness, the NFPA has excellent resources

  • Regarding smoke alarms and a safety plan: Check and replace your smoke alarms Develop a safety plan, how to evacuate your home and to make sure everyone has a meeting place. Practice this monthly.
  • Practice electrical safety around water. Electrical fires can start anywhere in the home at any time, especially if you live in an older home that hasn’t had the wiring recently inspected and upgraded. Along with the danger of an electrical fire is the risk of electrocution that extinguishing a fire can bring when using water.
  • Have fire extinguishers available in all areas of the home, especially the kitchen and garage areas. Learn from your local fire department how to use them properly. Have them refilled, check them at the same time you inspect your smoke alarms. Make sure you are using an extinguisher rated for your intended use. Also have an extinguisher in your auto, check it periodically also.
  • If a fire breaks out in a public area, such as a restaurant, nightclub, hotel , school, dorm or other area, always take mental note of where the exits are and how you would leave the building if a fire broke out
  • At risk groups such as elderly and disabled require a plan in place for their safe evacuation and safety.
  • Store gasoline and other flammables in a cool, dark place in containers designed for their contents.
  • Smoke inhalation can be deadly, especially with structural fires. The types of plastics and other materials can create deadly fumes. When exiting a burning building stay as low to the ground as possible. The fresher air is found there.

 

  • Teach children the dangers of fires at an early age. There are many resources on the internet and library that can help. NFPA has a good you tube video on fire safety targeted at children.
  • Keep flashlight, whistles, phone and other items near your bedside in case fire breaks out during the night.
  • Have a plan in place for your pets.

Take the time to implement and practice fire safety and practice with your family fire safety and prevention. It could very well save a life.

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Part 2, Common Back to School Illnesses

Last week we reviewed head lice, colds and flu and pinkeye. Today we will look at impetigo.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by one or both of the following bacteria: group A Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. It is the most common skin infection in the age 2-5 group. On occasion adults may become infected, especially if they have another skin issue or are recovering from a cold or other virus.

Group A Streptococcus (group A strep) causes many different infections. These infections range from minor illnesses to very serious and deadly diseases., such as strep throat, scarlet fever, cellulitis, rheumatic fever and more.

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus or “staph”) causes skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses (boils), furuncles, and cellulitis. Most staph infections are not serious, however staph infections can on occasion cause bone, bloodstream, and pneumonia. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) is an antibiotic resistant staph infection is becoming more common.

How impetigo is spread

  • Impetigo is highly contagious and can be spread from skin-to-skin contact, like in daycare and school environments where children are in close contact with each other.
  • People with scabies or other skin infections or injuries that break the skin are at an increased risk of impetigo.
  • Sharing washcloths and towels,
  • Contact with sores and rash through personal contact (hugging, playground play)
  • Not practicing correct personal hygiene- by keeping sores and blisters clean and removing excess crusty material as it builds up.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Symptoms include:

  • Impetigo starts out as red itchy blisters and sores, that easily spreads when scratched.
  • The blisters are filled with yellow or honey-colored fluid and ooze and crust over. Rash that may begin as a single spot but spreads to other areas due to scratching.
  • Sores usually start on the face and lips and can spread, arms, or legs and other areas of the body.
  • Patches of impetigo on the body (in children).

Treatment

Both S, aureus and group A strep impetigo are treated either with an antibiotic cream or in the case of a severe infection an oral antibiotic.

Your care provider can guide you in the best treatment option available. They may want to take a sample of the bacteria on the skin to determine if you have impetigo, however visual observance is how it is usually diagnosed.

Impetigo can take weeks to clear up. If the rash spreads or does not get better (after a week or so) following treatment, contact your care provider for further guidance. You may need to try another antibiotic.

NOTE: Most impetigo is caused by group A strep

Most cases of impetigo are treated with a prescription antibiotic cream applied directly to the affected area(s). Only severe cases and cases that aren’t healing may need an oral antibiotic.

Be sure to keep sores clean by daily cleansing with mild soap and water and patting dry. Wash soiled washcloths in hot water and dry on high heat.  Apply prescribed cream once skin is dry.

It takes about 10 days for sores to appear after someone is exposed to group A strep. If an oral antibiotic is indicated for group A strep impetigo it is usually treated with Amoxicillin-Clavulanate (one of the antibiotics in the Jase case)

If an oral antibiotic is indicated for S. aureus impetigo, your care provider may prescribe doxycycline (one of the antibiotics in the Jase case) or another antibiotic if needed.

Complications of untreated impetigo

Rare complications include:

  • Kidney failure
  • Glomerulonephritis
  • Scarring

Prevention

  • Use a clean washcloth and towel each time you wash.
  • DO NOT share towels, clothing, brushes, and other personal care products with anyone.
  • Avoid touching sores that are oozing. If you do, immediately wash hands, wipe hands on towel and immediately put the towel in the washer or if using paper towels, discard in trash immediately.
  • Keep your skin clean to prevent getting the infection. Wash minor cuts and scrapes well with soap and clean water
  • Avoid using hot tubs or swimming pools to prevent spread of impetigo to other parts of the body

 

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Planning a Road Trip?

Travel plans over the Labor Day weekend? Do you have the fluids in your car topped off, the tire pressure checked, bags packed for the road? How does your first aid bag look – is it stocked and ready for emergencies you may encounter on your trip?

Preparedness doesn’t just stop at the home while we are out and about our usual day, from running errands to long distance travel, medical emergencies can happen anytime. Knowing what to do and having the necessary tools in the event of an emergency could be the difference between life and death.

Traveling solo in your vehicle presents challenges not encountered when using public transportation such as air travel and cruise ships. These types of travel have basic and advanced first aid and crew members who are trained to handle medical emergencies.

Whether you travel by motorcycle, car or RV medical emergencies can arise and there could be no one to help. Rural areas where there is no cellphone service, inclement weather preventing emergency personnel to respond are just a few need to manage an emergency on your own.

Getting ready for your trip

On the road you could encounter any number of different types of emergencies. From a car crash to a cardiac event to food poisoning from eating stale food from your cooler, the wide array of medical emergencies is almost endless.

  1. Planning and obtaining necessary supplies
  • Not only having medication and supplements packed, have on hand extra water for everyone in case of a breakdown. At least 2-16 ounce bottles of water per person is desirable.
  • If you have Jase cases for your family, be sure to bring them along. These medicines could prevent a costly trip to the emergency room if you or your family become ill on the road.
  • If anyone traveling with you is diabetic have juice or other sweet snacks in case of low blood sugar.
  • Have electrolyte drinks or mix for water in case of extreme heat and electrolyte loss
  • Keep warm blankets, towels, flashing flares and a well equipped first aid kit for the car.
  • Open and insect the contents of your first aid kit. Discard and replace any used, contaminated, or expired items in it.
  • Check your first aid medications. Do you have medication to stop diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, over the counter pain meds? Allergy meds? Bug repellant? Creams for burns? A warm blanket to prevent shock? Flashlights with batteries? A distress whistle if car ends up off the road and can’t be seen from the road? Shovel and gloves, a container of cat litter for traction if you find yourself on icy pavement and are unable to obtain traction is invaluable.
  • Make sure you have extra clothing and outerwear in case of inclement weather.
  • A physical map in case you are unable to navigate with GPS (GPS isn’t reliable in rural areas)
  • Let someone you know the route you are planning on taking and your estimated ETA. Contact them once you have arrived at our destination.
  • This is just a short list of items that you may want to consider when venturing out of town.

With a little forethought and planning you will arrive at your destination safely. Have a safe and fun Labor Day holiday!

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September is Preparedness Month – Are You Prepared?

September is Preparedness Month- Are You Prepared?

With the waning days of summer, children and college students returning to school, summer harvests winding down, and the shorter days, the month of September is an ideal month to take stock of where you are in your preparedness journey.

Any type of preparedness, from freshwater to food storage to emergency fuel stores takes time and planning. Medical and emergency preparedness requires the same planning, and possibly even more.

Our focus today will be on the first aid kit.

Given the fact that each family, situation, geographical location, and individual health needs are different, a one size fits all first aid kit isn’t going to work. There are some basic items found in each kit, however, each family or group needs to take the time to put together their own first aid kit.

Steps to putting together a first aid kit

If you don’t have a first aid kit or need to upgrade, My Medic has a large selection of first aid products and kits to choose from. You can customize a kit to fit the needs of your group.

Get a blank notebook, list, and answer the following:

To begin with, ask yourself the following questions:

  • How many people are you anticipating using your kit with?
  • What are the age ranges of your group?
  • Physical, mental, and emotional limits of any group member
  • Daily medications of each group member, prescription or otherwise
  • Medication, food, or other allergies of each group member
  • What natural disasters and weather are common in your area? Fires, floods, extreme heat or cold?
  • How far are you from emergency care? How long would it take for EMS to arrive at your home?
  • What is yours and your groups knowledge and skill set regarding handling medical emergencies- controlling bleeding, choking, allergic reaction, broken bones, dehydration, heat exhaustion, injuries requiring suturing, etc.

Once you have assessed and answered the above, it is time to take action.

  1. Make sure everyone in your group has enough medication for at least an extra month if a natural disaster strikes. 3-6 months is preferable.
  2. Noting the age ranges of the group, get training and practice first aid skills before an emergency strikes. The American Red cross and many other local EMS businesses are becoming more common. Check locally and get trained. Make sure as many able bodies people in your group are also trained.
  3. Have an emergency drill. Pick a topic, create a scenario, and have members participate in the drill. Do this monthly. From house fires to falls to cardiac arrest, it is only a matter of time before a medical emergency strikes your home. This helps eliminate confusion and figure out what supplies or skills are lacking. This also allows members of the group to assess their own readiness and seek further training or to add needed supplies to the first aid kit.
  4. If you don’t already have a list of your family or group members medications, allergies, and medical conditions, now is the time to do this. Put this in an envelope and put it on the refrigerator or other prominent place available for EMS when they arrive.
  5. Get signed up and trained before an emergency.
  • Check out FEMAs site for some courses on disaster management and training.
  • If not able to attend preparedness courses in person: National Preparedness Course site is a government site with several disaster courses available.
  • And finally the American Red Cross offers online first aid, CPR, and many other courses.

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