FIRE SAFETY

Public safety tips covering a wide array of topics can be found at www.gov.calgary.ab.ca/fire/safety/public . It is a good idea to have everyone in your household familiarize themselves with any that may pertain to potential emergencies at home or as a result of hobbies and/or interests.

Some suggestions are:

• have a fire evacuation plan for your household and practice it
• educate family members when it is appropriate to dial 9-1-1
• introduce all children to a neighbour that can assist should their parents become incapacitated
• instruct children as to appropriate messages to communicate on the phone when parents are not home
• instruct children as to door answering protocols when parents are not home

PERSONAL SAFETY

In 2004, Calgary paramedics responded to 8000 calls for cardiac emergencies. Do you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack? Do you know what steps to take in the event you or someone you know experiences these symptoms? The greatest risk of death from heart attack lies in the frst TWO HOURS from the initial onset - knowing what to look for can be vital. February is heart month - take the time to be heart safe and learn how you can reduce the risk.

What to Look For:
A classic symptom of a heart attack is chest pain and discomfort. It may be described as crushing, dull, a pressure, squeezing, vague discomfort, which travels into the left shoulder or arm, as well as into the neck and jaw. These discomforts do not go away with rest and may be more vague in women.

Often accompanying the chest discomfort is difficulty breathing, sweating, nausea, dizziness and anxiety. Very commonly, people experience denial and they may be having a heart attack, which results in delays seeking medical treatment. Remember; the greatest risk of death lies within the first two hours from the onset of symptoms. Signs may be mild or severe, and any combination of these may be present. If you or someone you know is having these signs, call 911.

Paramedics are able to administer oxygen, start an intravenous, perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) and administer important medications in the early minutes of a heart attack. Paramedics can respond to your home quickly and safely and begin treating you immediately, before you can get to the hospital. Early intervention in cardiac emergencies can make the difference between life and death. Don't guess - call EMS.

Risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, sedentary life style, high cholesterol, uncontrolled diabetes, gender, age and family history can all increase your risk of developing coronary artery disease. Do you know which factors you can control and how to decrease your risk?

Visit www.calgaryems.com for more heart safety information.