If you need emergency services, there are some things you can do to make it easier to locate you:

• Turn on your porch light if you call after dark.
• Have someone waiting at the door.
• Purchase a 9-1-1 light adapter.
• House numbers are most easily seen if they are 6" or larger.
• House numbers should have colors that contrast with the color of the house.
• House numbers should use block style numbers that can be easily read from the street.
• Place numbers on both sides of your mailbox if it is at your curb or driveway.
• Keep your trees and shrubs trimmed so house numbers can be seen clearly.
• During painting or construction projects, place a temporary address sign in the yard.
  

Bicycle Helmets - What to look for:

1. A helmet that meets CPSC bicycle helmet standards. (Look for the sicker on the inside) For skateboard use find one that also meets ASTM F1492 Skateboard standard.
2. Fits you well.
3. Has rounded, smooth exterior with no snag points.
4. Has no more vents than you need.

Riding a bike that fits:

1. When you are on your bicycle, stand straddling the top bar of your bike so that both feet are flat on the ground.
2. There should be 1 to 3 inches of space between you and the top bar.

Safety checklist:

• Make sure the seat, handlebars, and wheels fit tightly.
• Check and oil chain regularly.
• Check brakes and make sure they aren’t sticking and they work well.
• Check tires make sure they have enough air and correct tire pressure.

For more information:

http://www.bhsi.org
http://www.childrens-mercy.org

Med-Act sponsors a EMS Explorer Post for youth interested in learning more about the profession of EMS working as a Paramedic on a ambulance.

Youth need to be between the ages of 15-21. Explorers will earn their CPR and AED provider certification as well as learn about medical and trauma emergencies.

Contact Med-Act's Community Education office for additional information. Med-Act@jocoems.org

Risk Factors I Can Change:

• Smoking
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood Pressure
• Exercise
• Overweight

Risk Factors I Can’t Change:

• Age
• Heredity
• Race

Even low-intensity activities done for as little as 30 minutes a day can bring healthy benefits. Walking, gardening, yard work, dancing, home exercise Cardiovascular disease claims approximately 500,000 women’s lives each year.

Heart Attack Signs & Symptoms:

• Chest discomfort an uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back.
• Pain that spreads to the jaw, shoulders, neck, back or arms.
• Sweating, lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Apprehension, anxiety, or a feeling of impending doom.
• Denial (It can’t be happening to me!)

If you know of someone who is showing warning signs of a heart attack, don’t delay! Call 9-1-1

These are some things you can do to improve your safety when driving in the presence of an emergency vehicle (ambulance, police car, or fire truck) that is responding to an emergency using lights and sirens:

• Always be alert for emergency lights approaching from any direction.
• Keep the volume of your car stereo low enough that you can hear approaching sirens.
• When emergency vehicles are approaching with lights and sirens, pull your vehicle to the right and stop until the vehicles have passed.
• DO NOT stop in the middle of the roadway.
• At an intersection, pull to the right as far as possible, use caution and common sense to find a place to pull out of the way.
• If you are walking, stay on the curb.
• Keep children from running into the street to get a better view.
• DO NOT do anything unusual.

Remember, they may be on the way to help someone you know and love!

Each year about 700,000 people experience a new or recurrent stroke. About 500,000 are first attacks.
60-second test that could save a life…

Yes or No?
1. Can the person make a “smile” facial expression?
2. Can the person raise both arms and keep them up?
3. Can the person repeat simple phrase after you, such as “The sky is blue.”

If the answer is “NO” to any of these call 9-1-1. Note the time you began to see symptoms.

Stroke Signs & Symptoms (depend on the area of the brain that is damaged):

• Confusion &/or dizziness
• Numbness, weakness or paralysis usually to the extremities on one side of the body.
• Impaired vision
• Difficulty or inability to speak
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing (snoring sounds)
• Loss of bladder &/or bowel control
• Drooping of the eye lids or corner of the mouth
• Sudden loss or altered level of consciousness

Sources: American Stroke Association 2004

The summer months provide endless opportunities for fun, especially in and around water. While it is such a popular source of entertainment, water can also be dangerous and unpredictable; if not respected, injuries and death are often the result.

Therefore, it is crucial to always use common sense and be well-prepared for emergencies. The guidelines listed can help protect you and yours from serious injury:

• Learn to swim - most people who drown don't know how.
• Swim with others - swimming alone is not a good idea. Use the buddy system.
• Learn CPR.
• Don't Drink and Swim - avoid consuming alcoholic beverages when in or around the water. They impair your judgement and contribute to drownings and boating accidents.
• Dive Safely - never dive unless you're absolutely sure it's safe!