Time Is Critical - Get CPR/AED Trained Today

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, with nearly four out of five cases occurring outside a hospital. Bystanders –whether in a public gathering space such as an airport or shopping mall, or in a workplace– play an in important role in improving the chances of survival. In cardiac arrest, every minute counts. If you consider the time it takes for a medical responder to arrive versus a co-worker or bystander, it can mean the difference between life and death.

Even when 911 is called immediately, it can often take seven or eight minutes or longer for EMS to arrive at the location; that doesn't account for the time it takes to locate the victim once they arrive. After 10 minutes without emergency care, resuscitation is rarely successful.

Every minute of delay for defibrillator decreases the success of restarting the heart. Approximately 10 percent of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survive, with survival significantly increased if a bystander quickly retrieves and employs an AED. Time is critical. The earlier a shock is delivered, the greater the chance the neurological damage can be prevented. Having an AED program in place can reduce the response time to an SCA victim by 3-5 minutes.

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Get OSHA Compliant With First 2 Aid

First 2 Aid has a team of consultants who visit worksites and conduct safety audits. But no matter where each team member is, chances are good that he or she will spot one or more common safety hazards.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that First 2 Aid frequently spot hazards associated with working at height. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows that falls to a lower level accounted for 14 percent of all fatalities in 2014, and OSHA standards related to scaffolding and ladders are regularly among the most frequently cited violations.

Clutter blocking fire exits, aisles and emergency exits is a housekeeping problem that we see often.

Blocked breakers aren’t the only electrical hazard First 2 Aid consultants frequently see. Many electrical hazards spotted are related to inappropriate use of extension cords.

Proper lockout/tagout procedures can help prevent serious injuries, but only if those procedures are followed.

Chemicals can be expensive, and workers in some industries may never know when they’ll need to use a certain chemical again in the future. OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard requires facilities to keep an inventory of all products. Mark down the chemical’s expiration date, and use the chemical by that date or dispose of it properly. This is more than just a safety issue, Harrington said – stockpiling a huge cache of unwanted chemicals can be illegal. It also can be very expensive to dispose of large quantities of expired chemicals.

Have First 2 Aid come out and check on your compliance with OSHA today!

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Annual Physicals At Work From First 2 Aid

Annual physicals aren't just for those individuals who are already sick or who are at an elevated risk for becoming sick. Here are four reasons annual physicals are important - even if you're healthy.

1. They Can Help You Prevent Various Medical Conditions

Annual physicals aren't necessarily meant to treat health conditions you already have. Rather, they are designed to help you prevent various medical conditions from developing in the first place. When you have First 2 Aid visit your workplace for your annual physical, you will discuss your current health situation and habits. The doctor will then make any recommendations needed to make sure you maintain your excellent health.

2. They Allow Your Doctor to Catch Your Condition Early

If your body does begin to develop a certain disease, illness or condition, the sooner you find out about it, the better. This is because most conditions are easier to cure the sooner they are diagnosed. By getting a physical from First 2 Aid, you increase the chances that your developing conditions will be caught and treated quickly.

3. They Remind You to Make Your Health a Priority

For many people, their healthy lifestyle often becomes neglected as the pressures of real life get in the way. Thankfully, a yearly physical is a good reminder to change this. When you look at the calendar and see that you will be visiting your doctor soon, you are much more likely to make healthy choices that will give you a positive checkup.

4. They Can Save You Time and Money

Treating serious health conditions can be costly and time consuming. By seeking routine preventative care, you may be able to avoid these costly expenses altogether.

Maintaining excellent health doesn't just involve treating illnesses, diseases and conditions as you acquire them. It also means preventing these conditions from occurring in the first place. First 2 Aid can come out to your job for your annual physical. Call to set up your next appointment today!

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Tips On Employee Wellness

TIPS ON EMPLOYEE WELLNESS

Mind Renewal- Every 90 to 120 minutes of work, get up from your desk and take a break from your work. This simple positive interruption, even just for a few minutes, will help you refocus and refuel your mind.

C Boost- The next time that you find yourself stressed out at work...relax with an orange. The reason: research has shown that vitamin c can actually help to lower the production of stress hormones, which just may make your workday a little easier to handle.

Uncross for better posture- The act of crossing your legs, while sitting at your desk can lead to poor posture and lower back stress. Aim to keep both feet flat on floor for a healthier spine. Even better? use a motion chair like Swopper to engage your core, improve circulation and focus.

Protect Against Germs- Did you know that when people sneeze, their germs may be spread up to 8 feet? What makes this scary is that even if you steer clear of direct contact with a person that has a cold...when this person sneezes-your clothes can catch and carry the germs and sooner or later, you too maybe feeling under the weather. So, be sure to wash all articles of clothes next time someone in your office sneezes.

Avoid Multitasking- Studies have shown that switching back and forth between tasks can decrease your rate of productivity by up to 40%. You're more likely to make errors and introduce stress at a higher rate when multitasking.

Have First 2 Aid come out to your job site and explain how they can improve the over wellness of your job.

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Get Trained In CPR and AED Training From First 2 Aid

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States and Canada, with nearly four out of five cases occurring outside a hospital. Bystanders–whether in a public gathering space such as an airport or shopping mall, or in a workplace–play an in important role in improving the chances of survival.

Even when 911 is called immediately, it can often take seven or eight minutes or longer for EMS to arrive at the location; that doesn't account for the time it takes to locate the victim once they arrive. After 10 minutes without emergency care, resuscitation is rarely successful.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, which occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. Cardiac arrest, which may be caused by a heart attack, occurs when the heart's normal rhythm is disrupted and cannot generate blood flow. Chest compressions administered through CPR can generate a small amount of blood flow to vital organs, but defibrillation by an automated external defibrillator is the only way to deliver the lifesaving shock to the heart, bringing it back into normal rhythm and restoring blood circulation.

Emergency dispatch services are trained to advise 911 callers how to immediately initiate CPR and implement an AED by phone. One challenge with saving victims of cardiac arrest is that there is often a lag before bystanders take action. If someone collapses and is nonresponsive, call 911 and start CPR right away. It's better to start CPR than wait until you're more sure, because that time matters.

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Workplace Safety Tips From First 2 Aid

Always Use Machines and Tools Properly
Anytime staff members are working with tools and equipment, it's vital they use them properly and never take shortcuts. Shortcuts are one of the primary causes of injuries on the jobsite. For instance, employees shouldn't use a scaffold as a ladder or one tool instead of another for a job. Using the right tools every time will reduce the overall likelihood of injuries. You can also host continuing education courses as reminders about the importance of safety.

Protect Your Back By Using the Correct Posture
Whether the work environment is an office or at an energy production plant, it's important employees protect their back and use correct posture. Using correct posture means picking things up with the correct form and avoiding twisting and stooping. If at all possible, the work area should be furnished with safety equipment and ergonomically designed furniture.

Report Dangerous Conditions to Management
Anytime hazards exist or there are unsafe working conditions, management should be alerted immediately. Although management is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment, it becomes infinitely more difficult to achieve this goal if they are unaware of the danger. Safety is everyone's responsibility, and non-management staff must report unsafe conditions to management for a solution.

Ensure All Workers Wear the Proper Safety Equipment
Failing to wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) equipment for the job is one of the most common culprits for serious injuries and fatalities. The type of PPE should change based on the task and industry. For instance, someone working in the space and defense industry would require different PPE than someone in field services.

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First 2 Aid Provides OSHA Requirements

Establishing a safe and healthful working environment requires every employer -- large and small -- and every worker to make safety and health a top priority. The entire work force -- from the CEO to the most recent hire -- must recognize that worker safety and health is central to the mission and key to the profitability of the American company.

First 2 Aid's job is to provide leadership and encouragement to workers and employers to take that responsibility seriously by helping understand OSHA's requirements. We continue to help employers and employees focus on reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities and to increase their commitment to improved safety and health.

First 2 Aid can help small businesses and others through a variety of tools, including partnership, consultation, compliance assistance, education and training, outreach, and plain language regulations that will meet OSHA requirements.

Safety is good business. An effective safety and health program can save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested. It's the right thing to do, and doing it right pays off in lower costs, increased productivity, and higher employee morale.

As an employer, you have a duty to protect your workers from injury and illness on the job. Protecting workers also makes good business sense. Accidents and injuries are more expensive than many realize. Costs mount up quickly. But substantial savings in workers' compensation and lost workdays are possible when injuries and illnesses decline. First 2 Aid can come out and train your employees by informing them of OSHA requirements with a 10-hour or 30-hour training.

www.first2aid.com | 407-900-1144 | plus.google.com/+First2aid

Safety Committee At Work Is A Must!

Falls, lifting injuries, and fires are dangerous and common in the workplace, but that's just the beginning. There are many possible safety issues that can occur at your office or factory. Sometimes the best workplace safety arises out of simple good planning and smart thinking.

Every single workplace should have a safety committee and safety plan in place. If you don't have safety committees at your workplace, then propose one. If you work at home, you are the safety committee. Working at home or for a very small business isn't a reason to get out of safety planning.

If you don't have a safety plan in place yet, follow these steps when you recognize a workplace safety issue:

1. Make sure that everyone else in your workplace is aware of the problem.
2. Notify your supervisor.
3. File any reports or documents about the problem.
4. Follow up. Telling someone there's a problem is not a guarantee that the problem will be resolved satisfactorily. Report it and later follow up to make sure the problem was addressed.

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First 2 Aid Can Train You In Workplace Violence

Workplace violence causes a significant number of deaths and injuries in Florida and throughout the country. Workplace violence can include physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior at the work site.

Some factors can increase the risk of workplace violence, including:
-Exchanging money with the public.
-Working with volatile or unstable people.
-Working alone or in isolated areas.
-Providing services and care.
-Working where alcohol is served.
-Working late at night or in areas with high crime rates.

In addition, some workers such as delivery drivers, healthcare professionals, public service workers, customer service agents, and law enforcement personnel, have a higher risk than others of experiencing workplace violence.

For some employers, there are specific rules regarding workplace violence prevention, including those in the healthcare industry or employers who operate late night retail establishments.

But all employers must develop an Accident Prevention Program, which includes evaluating hazards at work. When a hazard evaluation indicates employees are at risk for violence in the workplace, your Accident Prevention Program must include a plan that outlines measures to reduce this risk, such as training workers on de-escalation techniques, installing adequate lighting in parking lots, and providing drop safes.

Let us come out and present our 4 hour and an 8 hour terrorism in the workplace course. The 8 hour includes a four hour first aid course with Trauma Care for the Lay Rescuer.

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Avoid Work Accidents With These Steps

Every person can avoid being involved in accidents at work by following these simple tips.

1. Always be alert on the job – Being awake and alert all the time while at work will not only prevent accidents from happening at work.  It will also enhance the performance of the worker and can even earn him a promotion or a salary increase.  Most of the people who become involved with accidents at work are those who feel sleepy while working.

2. Wear the required uniform – A person who works in a factory has a greater chance of being involved in an accident at work.  Thus, he should be more vigilant about the wearing of proper uniforms and other protective garments when working.  Never take safety to chance so always go to work with the proper dress code.  If your work requires you to wear a hardhat helmet then wear it.

3. Listen and actively participate during emergency drills – Some work places conduct emergency drills to make sure their employees know what to do in cases of emergencies so as to avoid accidents.  Some employees take this as another boring drill so they just look around and take it for granted.  So when emergency time comes they are the ones who are left behind in the face of grave danger.

4. Always ask your supervisor about the possible risks of doing a certain task – There are workers who are exposed to danger just by doing their regular workloads. A worker should always check with his supervisor if he is unsure about the task at hand or if he feels that doing that task will expose him to great danger.

5. Never take a high-risk job for which you have not been trained for – It is stupid for anyone to take on a high-risk job especially if he has not been trained for the job.  Imagine an untrained person doing the job of a fireman?  Doing this will not only expose you to a great danger but will expose other people to danger as well.  

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Creating a Healthy Workforce

Creating a Healthy Workforce

Corporate wellness programs can help employers manage health care costs and improve productivity by creating a healthier workforce. Employees can gain access to tools and resources to improve their health and reduce their risk of developing chronic conditions.

Fifty-six percent of large employers with wellness programs offer employees financial incentives, and 23 percent link these incentives to health outcomes, according to a 2014 national survey of employer-based health plans by the benefits consultant Mercer.

Employers are also expanding their corporate wellness programs, spending an average of $693 per employee on incentives in 2015, up from $595 in 2014 and $430 five years ago, according to a survey by Fidelity Investments and the National Business Group on Health, a nonprofit based in the District of Columbia.

The survey found that more employers are using incentives – cash, gift cards, reduced health care premiums or a contribution to a health care account – to encourage employees to participate in biometric screenings, health risk assessments and physical activity programs. Fewer employers are using employee disincentives for not participating.

Have First 2 Aid come out to your business and evaluate your needs of a company-wide wellness program today!

www.first2aid.com | 407-900-1144 | plus.google.com/+First2aid

Get Trained In CPR Today!

Sudden cardiac arrest claims the lives of thousands of people in this country every year. The American Red Cross urges everyone to get trained in how to perform CPR and use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to be able to help during an emergency situation.

The Red Cross recommends that at least one person in every household and place of business receive training in CPR and proper use of an AED. This training can give them the knowledge and confidence to respond during an emergency situation with skills that can help save a life.

It can take emergency personnel precious minutes to arrive on the scene. For every minute without defibrillation, a sudden cardiac arrest victim’s chance of surviving drops. It is critical for as many people as possible to be trained to perform CPR and know how to use an AED until advanced help arrives. If you are interested in getting trained, see more information on our website and get trained now.

www.first2aid.com | 407-900-1144 | plus.google.com/+First2aid

How Long Has It Been Since You've Had A Physical?

How long has it been since you've had a physical? If you're like many people, you may not even remember the last time you had one. Although you may have visited the doctor when you had the flu or a sinus infection, those visits don't take the place of a comprehensive annual physical. 

Ever ignored a strange noise under the hood of your car and hoped that it would magically disappear? Unfortunately, ignoring those noises often leads to a large bill at your local car repair shop when the problem not only doesn't go away, but gets worse. Ignoring small health problems can be just as devastating. Sometimes symptoms are so mild that you may not realize that they're a problem. Have First 2 Aid come out to your place of employment and conduct your annual physical. 

During an annual physical, your doctor reviews your medical history and evaluates your entire body. Annual physicals usually focus on:

The basics: Weight and blood pressure readings are important part of every annual examination. High blood pressure is a common health problem, yet it can be symptomless. It's not unusual to find out you have high blood pressure during an annual physical.

Abdomen: Problems with your organs can discovered with an abdominal examination. By pressing or tapping on your abdomen, your doctor can note tender areas, estimate the size of your liver and detect fluid build up.

Heart and lungs: Your doctor listens to your heart and lungs with a stethoscope and looks for signs of problems, such as an irregular heart beat or wheezing or decreased breath sounds, which can be signs of asthma, COPD, or other respiratory diseases.

Your skin: An examination of your skin or nails can also reveal health problems that have nothing to do with your skin or nails. For example, yellow skin can be a sign of liver disease, while dark creases in your skin can occur if you have Addison's disease, a disease that affects the adrenal system.

Blood tests: Although your doctor can spot many health issues during an annual physical, some problems can only be detected with blood tests. Blood tests can detect diabetes, kidney disease and high cholesterol levels. They're also used to determine the levels of crucial minerals in your body, such as iron and calcium, and provide important information about your red blood cell count.

Is it time for your annual exam? Call First 2 Aid today. Protect your health with an annual physical!

www.first2aid.com | 407-900-1144 | plus.google.com/+First2aid