Doggie ER~ keep them out!

I have already seen several dogs left inside cars here in NC and even one at work in the ER parking lot one day that our security officer had to handle. So being a pet lover myself, I felt the need to once again speak about why you do not keep your pet in the car during the summer months, if you love them leave them at home and keep them out of the Pet ER or a coffin!!!

credit to PETA.org for the information below:

Every year, dogs suffer and die when their guardians make the mistake of leaving them in a parked car—even for "just a minute"—while they run an errand. Parked cars are deathtraps for dogs: On a 78-degree day, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to between 100  to 120 degrees in just minutes, and on a 90-degree day, the interior temperature can reach as high as 160 degrees in less than 10 minutes.

Animals can suffer brain damage or death from heatstroke in just 15 minutes. Beating the heat is extra tough for dogs because they can only cool themselves by panting and by sweating through their paw pads.

If you see a dog left alone in a car, take down the car's color, model, make, and license plate number. Have the owner paged in the store, or call local humane authorities or police. Have someone keep an eye on the dog. Don't leave the scene until the situation has been resolved.

If police are unresponsive or too slow and the dog's life appears to be in imminent danger, find a witness (or several) who will back up your assessment, take steps to remove the suffering animal, and then wait for authorities to arrive.

Watch for heatstroke symptoms such as restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, lack of appetite, dark tongue, rapid heartbeat, fever, vomiting, or lack of coordination. If a dog shows any of these symptoms, get her or him into the shade immediately and call your veterinarian. Lower the animal's body temperature gradually by providing water to drink, applying a cold towel or ice pack to the head, neck, and chest, or immersing the dog in lukewarm (not cold) water.

PETA offers leaflets that can be placed on vehicles to remind people never to leave unattended animals inside. For information on ordering PETA's "Don't Let Your Dog Get Hot Under the Collar" leaflet, please click here.

Simon Cowell stars in PETA's public service announcement (PSA) informing viewers of the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars. You can help spread the message by contacting us at ActionTeam@peta.org or 757-622-7382 for information on how to get the PSA aired on your local television stations.

More about heat stroke and pet safety tomorrow...

Extreme Heat and the Dangers! Summer Safety Series

With the temperatures rising and summer now upon us we have got to be more cautious and think, I myself almost got overheated yesterday simply being outdoors to long and not drinking fluids like I should have. Felt tired, dizzy and my body was not producing sweat much anymore, my husband could look at me after we got home and said sit!! drink now! and I did. Even nurses are not so smart some days, busy and forget to pay attention to the temperature gauge in the car.
Credit to CDC website for some great information shared:

These are the main things affecting your body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather:

• High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won't evaporate as quickly, which keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
• Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.

Here are some facts about which people are at greatest risk for heat-related illness and what protective actions to take to prevent illness or death:

• People who are at highest risk are the elderly, the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases
• But even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.

 
You can take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:
Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location if that is possible.

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
• Pace yourself.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Do not leave children in cars.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates

What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?

People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use.

Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?

Those at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years of age, people 65 years of age and older, people who are overweight, and people who are ill or on certain medications.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke?

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

• Get the victim to a shady area.
• Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously. 
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

What is heat exhaustion?

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.

What are the warning signs of heat exhaustion?

The warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache 
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

The skin may be cool and moist. The pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke. See medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

What steps can be taken to cool the body during heat exhaustion? 

• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages.
• Rest.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• Seek an air-conditioned environment.
• Wear lightweight clothing.

What are heat cramps and who is affected?

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms – usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs – that may occur in association with strenuous activity. People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps. This sweating depletes the body’s salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion. If you have heart problems or are on a low-sodium diet, seek medical attention for heat cramps.

What should I do if I have heat cramps?

If medical attention is not necessary, take the following steps:

• Stop all activity and sit quietly in a cool place.
• Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
• Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

 Stay tuned for next in a series of topics about summer safety, see ya tommorrow!
Leslie

Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day!!

A long weekend and celebrations should never end in tragedy, take a minute to remember these tips from the great people at "Safe Kids USA" before heading out for your festivities or family fun today.
http://www.safekids.org/have-a-safe-memorial-day-week.html


If you plan to be at the pool or on the beach over the holiday weekend, check out our water safety page for drowning prevention tips, and make sure to read: "Five Truths About Children Who Drown."
If you are planning a pool party, make sure to always have an adult serve as a water watcher. Print out the Water Watcher card.


Before you put the burgers on the grill, follow a few simple tips to avoid grilling injuries.
Make sure to also visit our fire, burn and scald prevention page for more tips.





Before letting your kids out the door to go play with friends, siblings and cousins, remind them about how to stay safe around traffic, on the playground and on their bikes.
Make sure to check out our sports and recreation safety tips, our pedestrian and driver safety tips for summer and our falls prevention tips.





Just another reminder to NEVER leave your child alone in a car even for a second. If you see someone's child or pet left alone in a car, call 911 immediately!

For related safety tip on kids in around cars, visit: "Car Seats, Boosters and Seat Belt Safety."


Thank you to Safe Kids for the above information on keeping our kids safe, happy and back home again after your holiday fun.

Leslie RN (ernursescare)

Safe Boating Week-May 22-28th (Safe Kids)

 Safe Boating Week (May 22-28) 

Hitting the waters is a great family activity during the summer months.  Whether it’s a power boat, a family canoe, or a walk on the dock, the risks are the same.  Anyone on or near the water without a life jacket is at risk for drowning in the event of an accident.  We want you and your family to be safe on the water this year, which is why we are celebrating Safe Boating Week.
If you are driving a boat this summer, we urge you to take a boating education course to refresh on safe boating practices.  Also, you can get a vessel safety check every year for free from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons.  For more information, visit www.uscgboating.org and click “get a free safety check.”  

Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the waters:

• Always have your children wear the right size and type life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats or around open bodies of water or participating in water sports. The life jacket should fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through the neck opening.

• Actively supervise children in and around open bodies of water, giving them your undivided attention. Appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.

• Enroll your child in swimming lessons after age 4 – typically the earliest age when they are likely to practice and retain information. Teach children how to tread water, float and stay by the shore.

• Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming.

• Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool: they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

• Do not let kids operate personal water crafts such as jet skis. These are intended for adults and require special training.

• Teach children not to dive into oceans, lakes or rivers because you never know how deep the water is or what might be hidden under the surface of the water.

These wonderful tips and information came from the Safe Kids site Here

Play safe~~ Leslie