Facts About Air Bags and Seatbelts

• Air bags work when an electronic sensor in the car senses a sudden, sharp deceleration (such as a crash) and detonates a small charge which inflates the bags.
• Air bags have deployed approximately 800,000 times since 1995, saving more than 1,700 lives.
• Fatal injuries have been reduced by 11% to drivers in an automobile collision in which an air bag has been deployed.
• The air bag is inflated at speeds up to 200 miles per hour. This faster than the blink of an eye.
• At the start of the 1998 model year, all new passenger cars sold in the United States must have both driver and passenger side air bags.
• Light trucks will be required to comply with this law beginning in 1999.
• Air bags are not designed to replace seat belts, they are to supplement lap and shoulder restraints to help limit head and chest injuries.
• If a passenger or driver is not fully restrained they may contact the air bag before it is fully inflated, they may sustain serious or fatal injuries.
• Since July 1996, 22 infants and children, and 19 adults, mostly elderly or short individuals, have been killed by inflating air bags. Most did not have seatbelts in place, or were improperly seated in the rear facing car seats in the vehicle’s front seat.
• Air bag injuries have also included head and neck injuries, and arm and chest fractures.
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• Hospital injury claims have been reduced by 24%.

How to Keep Children Safe

• Children under the age of 12 should ride buckled up in the back seat.
• Small children should ride in the back seat in a car seat that is approved for their age and size.
• Never put infants, seated in rear facing car seats, in the front seat of a car with a passenger side air bag.
• If an infant must ride in the front seat of a car that has a passenger side air bag, put the infant in a front facing car seat. Children that must ride in the front seat should use a booster seat, or a correct fitting lap and shoulder belt, and then move the seat back as far as possible.

How to Keep Adults Safe

• Remember air bags are supplemental devices. Use both lap and shoulder belts on every drive.
• Wear the lap belt under the abdomen and low across the hip.
• Wear the shoulder belt portion down over the collar bone away from the neck and cross over the breast bone.
• The driver and passenger should move their seats as far back as practical, especially for people that are smaller in stature.
• Try to keep a 10 inch margin between the steering wheel and your breast bone. If you cannot keep a 10 inch margin, then try the following: Tilt the steering wheel downward, this will aim the air bag at your chest instead of your head and neck; Slightly recline your seat back, this may help you achieve the 10 inch margin. However, if reclining the seat back hinders your view of the road, raise yourself by using a non-slippery, firm cushion, or raise your seat if the vehicle has a lumbar option.

This controllable condition can drastically hinder air from reaching the lungs. Some 10 to 12 million Americans suffer from asthma, with 3 million being children. Asthma related health costs are in the billions of dollars. While the underlying cause of asthma is still unclear, doctors do understand what happens in the lungs when an attack occurs, what triggers an asthma attack, and what early warning signs indicate the onset of an attack. Fatalities from asthma are usually the result of lack of seeking medical attention.

Definition of an Attack

During an attack, the muscles that control the airways go into uncontrollable spasms. While this is happening, fluid causes the airway ling to sell. Long attack also cause inflammation and further swelling. Now the airways constricted by squeezing from outside and swelling inside, which causes wheezing. Wheezing is a high pitched sound produced by narrowing of the airway, and the person trying to force the air out of the lungs. Mucous that usually lines the lungs for trapping pollutants, forms plugs that block potions of the airway. This plug traps old air in the lungs. The person is unable to expel carbon dioxide or bring in fresh oxygen.

Things That Can Trigger Asthma Attacks

• Allergies to animals, pets, dust, molds, etc.
• Smoke of strong odors
• Changes in the weather
• Colds, viral infections, respiratory problems
• Not taking medications
• Strong emotions
• Exercise and physical exertion

Managing Asthma

• Peak Flow Meter – This measures the lungs ability to expel air. Used in conjunction with a baseline reading established by a doctor, the patient can detect airway obstructions early and take appropriate measures to correct the condition.
• Nebulizers – Used to reduce medications to a fine mist, which is then inhaled through a mask or inhalation device.

Know When an Attack Warrants Medical Assistance

• Wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath worsens after medication has had time to work
• Peak flow rate drops or flattens after using proper medication
• Breathing becomes more difficult
• There is trouble talking or walking
• Lips or fingernails become gray or blue warrants immediate medical help

About Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Approximately 4 to 5 million people will be evaluated in United States hospitals for chest pain this year. Of the 4 to 5 million, 1.5 million will suffer a heart attack, also known as an Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI).

Of the 1.5 million heart attack patients seen in emergency rooms, nearly 1/3 (500,000) will die.

Nearly half of these deaths will occur within the first hour of the onset of symptoms.

Including pre-hospital death, the first prolonged attack of chest pain has a 34% death rate, and in 17% of patients severe chest pain is the first, last and only symptom.

Chest Pain Suggestive of a Heart Attack

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest lasting several minutes (usually more than 15 minutes).
• Pain spreading to the shoulder neck, arms, or jaw, or pain in the back or between the shoulder blades.
• Any discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.
• An overall feeling of distress, anxiety, or impending doom.

In summary, chest pain is usually described as substernal and as a crushing, heavy, constricting, or oppressive discomfort. Less commonly, it is located in the epigastrium (stomach area) and described as indigestion. Relief of chest pains with antacids in the case of indigestion may not indicate a gastrointestinal cause. Any new chest discomfort should be evaluated, especially in patients at risk.

Risk Factors

Clearly some risk factors cannot be changed. These factors include heredity, gender, race, and age. But many factors can be modified or even changed. These factors include the following:

• Cigarette Smoking
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Elevated Cholesterol Levels
• Elevated Triglyceride Levels
• Lack of Exercise
• Obesity
• Stress
• Diabetes

Reduction of risk factors at a young age can have the greatest impact on life, but interventions later in life must not be ignored. Preventive measures have been shown to slow the progression of and even reverse arterial disease, which can, help reduce morbidity.

How the Community Can Help to Save Lives

Once the onset of symptoms start, the average time for help to be called is 3 to 4 hours. This average must be reduced, because saving lives is time dependent, with the most benefit in the first few hours. A sense of urgency is mandatory, since the majority of sudden deaths occur before hospitalization. It is clear that the community must be recognized as the first line of defense in saving lives. All citizens in our community must place strong emphasis on “Call First, Call Fast, Call 9-1-1” at the first signs of chest pains or possible attack.

Community Education

The Plantation Fire Department offers many community education classes, including Chest Pain Awareness and Community CPR. These classes are offered free of charge. For more information on these classes or any other classes, please call the Plantation Fire Department at 954-797-2150.

Facts About Diabetes

• Affects approximately 16 million people in the United States
• Is a leading cause of death and disability in the US
• More common in older people, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans
• Can affect people at any age.

What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder (the way the body digests food for energy and growth). Food is generally broken down by the digestive system into simple sugars called Glucose. Glucose is fuel for the body. Cells in the body use glucose for energy and growth. A hormone call Insulin must be present for glucose to get into the cell bodies. Insulin is produced by the pancreas. The Pancreas is a large gland located behind the stomach. It is suppose to automatically produce the proper amount of Insulin. In people with diabetes the pancreas either produces too little or no insulin, or the body does not respond to the insulin that was produced.

• Hypoglycemia – When blood sugar levels in the body drop too low.
• Hyperglycemia – When blood sugar levels in the body rise too high.

Types of Diabetes

• Non-Insulin Dependent – The body produces insulin, but cannot effectively use it. This causes an unhealthy build up of glucose in the blood stream and an inability of the body to make proper use of its main source of fuel. This type of diabetes is found in 90-95% of diabetics.
• Insulin Dependent – Autoimmune disease, which means the body’s system for fighting infections has turned on a part of the body. In this case of diabetes, the immune system has turned on the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. The pancreas can then produce little or no insulin. Someone with this type of diabetes needs daily injections of insulin to live. This type affects about 5-10% of all diabetics in the US.
• Gestational Diabetes – This type of diabetes develops during pregnancy. Although it usually disappears when the pregnancy is over. Women who develop gestational diabetes run a greater risk of getting non-insulin diabetes later in life.

Signs and Symptoms

• Hyperglycemia – Nausea and vomiting, rapid pulse, skin is warm and dry, abdominal pain, fever (occasionally), decreased level of consciousness. If not treated with insulin, a person having a hyperglycemic reaction can slip into a life threatening coma.
• Hypoglycemia – Cold, clammy skin, weakness, un-coordination, headache, weak rapid pulse, irritable nervous behavior, may appear to be intoxicated. If not treated with sugar a person having a hypoglycemic reaction can suffer serious and permanent brain damage.

Both of these conditions are true medical emergencies, 9-1-1 should be called immediately upon noticing a problem.

Complications of Diabetes

• Blindness
• Heart Disease
• Strokes
• Kidney Failure
• Amputations
• Nerve Damage

People who suffer from diabetes must take responsibility for their day to day actions. Ways to help keep your diabetes in check are as follows:

• Eat meals at regular interval
• Take your insulin when it is scheduled
• Check your sugar on a regular basis
• Keep in constant contact with your physician who will monitor your condition and check for abnormalities

Facts About Drowning

• In the State of Florida, drowning is the second leading cause of death in and around the home for children under the age of 5.
• It only takes 3 seconds for a child to drown
• It takes less than 2 minutes for death and brain damage to occur in children or babies.
• 2/3 of all drowning accidents occur in the months of May and August.
• 40% of all drowning accidents occur on Saturday and Sundays.
• A swimming pool is 14 times more likely than an automobile accident to be involved in the death of a child under the age of 4.
• 77% of swimming pool accidental drowning victims had been missing for 5 minutes or less when they were found.
• Nearly 50% of children that drown were last seen in the house before the pool accident occurred. An additional 23% were last seen on the porch or patio, or in the yard.
• Of preschoolers that drown, 70% are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the accident. 65% occur in the child’s own home pool, and 33% occur in the pool of a close friend, neighbor or relative.
• Of children that survive near drowning accidents, 5 – 20% suffer severe and permanent disability.
• Alcohol is believed to be a major contributor of drowning accidents in lakes, rivers, and oceans.
• Snorkeling and SCUBA diving have the potential to be dangerous, but only a small number of drowning incidents actually occur during these activities.

Drowning Prevention

• There is no substitute for adult supervision. Safeguards and pool barriers around pools and hot tubs provide additional protection for children.
• Never leave a child unsupervised in or near any body of water, not even for a moment.
• Keep toys, tricycles, bikes, and other play items away from the pool or spa area.
• Never consider your child “drown proof”, even after swimming lessons. Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision.
• Don’t rely on “water wings” or other child floatation devices to keep your child safe. Even with these floatation devices, adult supervision is needed.
• A pool side telephone is essential for a safe pool area. Many drowning accidents occur when a caretaker leaves the pool to answer the telephone. Install an outside telephone or use a cordless or cellular telephone.
• Teach family members and caretakers how to contact local emergency services. Post CPR, safety instructions, and the 9-1-1 emergency number in an easy to see place.
• Learn CPR, first aid, and other life saving practices for adults and children.

Community Education

The Plantation Fire Department offers Community CPR. This class is offered free of charge the first Wednesday of the month at Fire Station #2 (Fire Administration Headquarters). For more information on this class or any other classes, please call us at 954-797-2150.

The home is a potentially dangerous place, especially for the very young and elderly. The most significant cause of injury is falls. Many injuries caused by falls require admission to a hospital. The purpose of this flyer is to help educate the elderly and their loved ones about fall injuries, and to help reduce the number of fall injuries in our community.

Fall Injuries and the Elderly

• Falls are most common among the elderly, and account for the majority of injury related visits to the emergency room.
• Hip fractures are the most common fall related injuries that lead to hospitalization.
• Approximately 200,000 hip fractures occur per year in the United States, and 90% of hip fractures are the result of a fall.
• Length of stay for a hip fracture in the elderly is almost double that of any other cause for hospital admission.
• Falls are the 5th leading cause of death in people over age 65.
• Approximately 35% of older people who fall die within a year.
• 2/3 of those who have fallen once will fall again within the next 6 months.

Signs That a Fall May Be Eminent

• Reduced Muscle Strength
• Slower Reaction Time
• Less Bone Density
• Reduction in Vision or Hearing
• Reduction in the Body’s Flexing Capabilities

Make the Home a Safer Environment

• Make sure pants are not too long or wide at the ankles.
• Make sure shoes fit properly and are comfortable.
• Make sure there is enough space between furniture to walk, so you don’t have to twist and turn to get through.
• Remove obstructions and eliminate clutter.
• Remove loose rugs and floor mats.
• Make sure the home is well lit.
• Remove electrical cords that extend across the floor.
• Try and use chairs that have arm rests (This will reduce the amount of stress that is put on the legs when getting up).
• Do not rush to get to the telephone.
• Remove all unstable or loose furniture.
• If you use an assistive device, keep it near you at all times.
• Invest in a personal help button, this will enable you to call 9-1-1 in case you fall and are unable to get up on your own.

The Plantation Fire Department offers many public education classes, including Fall Prevention. For more information about this class or others, please call 954-797-2150.

Facts About House Fires

• Every day in the United States, 1,500 homes burn.
• 6,500 people die and 280,000 are injured in home fires each year.
• Home fire fatalities account for approximately 78% of all deaths by fire.
• During the lifetime of average household, chances are 2 to 1 that there will be an accidental fire.

In the Event of a Fire, You Could Lose Your Life, If You Are Not Prepared

Smoke is a killer. 8 out of 10 fire fatalities are due to smoke inhalation. Smoke and heat rise, the coolest and freshest air will be found near the floor. Stay low, crawl on your hands and knees, cover your mouth with a cloth and take short breaths.

Adequate smoke detectors are a necessity to provide sufficient early warning in the event of a fire. The majority of fire deaths occur at night, while everyone is sleeping. The bodies senses are dulled, so victims are not even aware a fire has started.

If you do not already have smoke detectors in your home, contact the Plantation Fire Department Prevention Division for information and installation suggestions at 954-797-2150.

Escape Procedures

1. If your smoke detector is located in the hallway outside your bedroom area, sleep with your bedroom door open. If you have a smoke detector inside your bedroom, you can sleep with you door closed and still have early detection of the fire, should it start inside your room.
2. If you awake to an alarm or suspect fire at night, roll out of bed, crawl over to the door. If the door is open and smoke is pouring in, quickly close the door. This will hold back the smoke and heat for up to 20 minutes. If the bedroom door is closed, test the door before opening it. Feel the door with your hand for heat. If the door is hot or smoke is entering, do not open it. Use your emergency exit. If the door is cool and no smoke is leaking in, open the door cautiously. Brace your shoulder against the door and open it slowly. Be prepared to slam it shut if smoke or heat rush in.
3. Do not waste time gathering valuables or getting dressed. GET OUT! Cases have been cited, where children have reentered burning homes to rescue a pet or a toy. Make sure they get out and stay out.
4. Assign someone, before a fire occurs, to assist infants, elderly and those needing additional assistance.
5. If you are trapped in an upstairs bedroom, try to prevent smoke from entering the room. Stuff blankets or sheets around the door. Open the window a few inches to get fresh air. Hang something brightly colored out the window to attract attention. Await rescue, if it becomes impossible to wait, hang from the window sill by your hands and drop to the ground. This will lessen the distance you will have to fall. Never attempt to exit from a window that is above the second floor.
6. If you must break window to exit, make sure to turn your head away from the window as you strike it with a large object, such as a chair. Clear as much of the jagged glass as possible from the window. Throw a blanket or rug over the window sill to protect against broken glass, then exit from the window.
7. Go immediately to the predetermined outside meeting place and wait for other family members or house occupants.
8. If you live in a high-rise building, do not use the elevator to escape. Only use the stairs to exit the building.

Hold regular fire drills in your home. The more you practice, the better prepared you will become escaping in times of emergency. Remember, test your smoke detectors monthly.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the “Silent Killer“, because its symptoms can go unnoticed. If left untreated, hypertension can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. While hypertension cannot be cured, successful management enables an estimated one in four Americans who suffer from hypertension to lead an active and productive life

Definitions

• Blood Pressure – The natural pressure caused by blood pumping through your arteries and veins is measured and reported as one number over another.
• Systolic – The top number. It represents the pressure when the heart beats.
• Diastolic – The bottom number. It represents the heart when it is at rest.

Types of Hypertension

Hypertension is when the blood pressure rises to a potentially dangerous level and stays there.

• Primary Hypertension – Occurs when the body’s natural controls for blood pressure stops working well enough to keep pressure within normal limits. This type of hypertension often runs in families.
• Secondary Hypertension – Is caused by disease or may be a side effect of something such as decongestants, estrogen, steroids and drugs used to treat asthma. Other factor such as stress, smoking, a high sodium diet and excess body weight can lead to secondary hypertension.

Managing Your High Blood Pressure

Successful treatment of high blood pressure begins with adopting strategies for a healthier life. Eliminating risk factors, exercising and eating a well-balanced diet can help to lower blood pressure and keep it within normal limits. And remember, if your doctor prescribes blood pressure medicines, always take them as directed.

Some Medication Tips

• Take medication when prescribed and take the proper dose.
• If you miss a dose, do not take extra doses to “make up”.
• Plan ahead. If you’ll be away from home, carry medications with you.
• Make a list of medications with properly spelled names and dosages. Keep it in a place where it can be easily found by emergency responders.

Important Things to Remember

• If you smoke – stop. Nicotine constricts blood vessels resulting in a rise in blood pressure, with each inhalation.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your heart and reduce risk of heart disease.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight. Remember, the heart works much harder for every 20 pounds overweight you are.
• Check your blood pressure regularly.
• Consult your physician on a regular basis.

Facts About Poisoning

• Approximately 8 million people are poisoned in the United States each year.
• Over 90% of the poisonings are accidental, and could have been prevented.
• Poisonings is the 5th most common cause of death from injury.
• 60% of poisoning victims are children under the age of 6.
• 1 out of 2 children in Florida will suffer a poisoning of some kind before the age of 15.
• Poisoning is one of the most common health emergencies for children nationwide.

Examples of Household Poisons

• Cleaning Products – Regular household cleaning products are the major cause of accidental poisoning in children. Products that are especially dangerous are those that cause chemical burns (drain openers, toilet bowl cleaners, laundry products)
• Lawn, Garden and Pesticide Chemicals – Many chemicals that are used to control insects, rodents, and weeds are as toxic to humans as they are to the intended victims. Most are capable of causing illness, even if ingested in small quantities.
• Automotive Supplies – Antifreeze and windshield washer fluid are dangerous to swallow. Their sweet taste and smell makes them especially appealing to children. Gasoline and oil can be also be harmful if ingested.
• Personal Care Products – Hair sprays and straighteners can cause burns if inhaled or ingested. Mouthwash contains alcohol, which can be dangerous to small children. Some nail care products may also be poisonous if consumed.
• Food Poisoning – Storing food at improper temperatures, and failure to clean knives, utensils, cutting boards, counters, stove tops, sinks after use and not washing hands before and after food preparation can contribute to food poisoning. Caution needs to be used when handling raw meat or poultry products.

Medication Tips

• Store medicines in their containers, and try to put them out of reach and sight of children. Use child resistant packages if possible. Remember, children like to imitate adults. Take your medication out of their presence.
• Only give medications to the person for whom the doctor has prescribed it.
• Avoid taking medications in the dark or without reading the label first.
• Clean out old medications periodically, flush them down the toilet or drain.
• Never tell a child that medication “tastes like candy.”
  

Food Safety Tips

• Wash counter tops, hands and preparation utensils with warm soapy water, before and after preparation.
• Thaw meat and poultry in the refrigerator, not at room temperature. Avoid leaving food that can spoil, out for more than a few hours.
• Avoid using canned foods that have bulging lids or cracks.
• Thoroughly cook all meat, poultry, eggs and seafood.

Household Product Tips

• Follow product label warnings about not mixing products, ventilating the area, and wearing proper personal safety equipment.
• Keep all products in their original containers, never store products in glasses or containers that will later be used for food or drinks.
• Destroy all old products, do not throw the actual product away, pour it down the toilet or drain, and then rinse the container out before discarding it.
• Keep food and household products separate. Death can be the result of mistaken identity.

In Case of a Poisoning Emergency

Call 9-1-1

• If possible, estimate the amount of product ingested.
• Get the weight of the person in question
• Contact the Poison Control Center: 1-800-282-3171

Facts About Strokes

• Strokes are the third leading cause of death in the United States.
• Strokes are the leading cause of brain injury in adults.
• 500,000 Americans suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year. Nearly 1/4 of those die.

What is a Stroke?

Stroke is defined as being a neurological impairment caused by a disruption in blood supply to a region of the brain. There are two types of strokes:

• Ischemic Stroke – A blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked.
• Hemorrhagic Stroke – Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.

Both Ischemic and Hemorrhagic strokes can be life threatening. Ischemic strokes rarely lead to death within the first hour. Hemorrhagic strokes, on the other hand, can be fatal at onset.

Definition of Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA’s)

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA's) have signs and symptoms of a stroke but usually go away in a few minutes to a few hours. TIA’s are neurological dysfunction in the brain, and are a significant indicator of a person at risk for a stroke. TIA’s are also known as “Mini Strokes”.

Some strokes strike without warning, but most victims have prior risk factors that may lead up to a stroke. The best way to prevent a stroke is to control as many risk factors as possible.

Risk Factors

Most stroke victims have one or more of these five risk factors: high blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol levels, high blood sugar, cigarette smoking or heart disease.

People with any of these risk factors must be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of stroke and should see their physician regularly.

Signs and Symptoms of TIA’s and Strokes

• Paralysis – Weakness, clumsiness, or heaviness, in the hand, arm, leg or face. These can happen alone or in a combination with each other. The involved body parts are opposite the side of the stroke.
• Numbness – Sensory loss, tingling, or abnormal sensation, can involve the hand, arm, leg or face.
• Language Disturbance – Slurred or indistinct speech, abnormal pronunciation of words, trouble selecting correct words, trouble reading or writing.
• Visual Disturbances – Blurred vision to one or both eyes. Double vision or a sense of bouncing or moving objects.
• Vertigo – Sense of spinning or whirling, continuing at rest.

Many stroke victims deny the presence of stroke symptoms and most delay access to care for several hours after the onset of symptoms. This time delay can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

Stroke victims and their families must be taught to activate EMS as soon as stroke signs or symptoms are detected.

Remember, Call 9-1-1. Together, we can help to save lives.