SAFETY TIPS

BLEEDING:

1. Direct Pressure - using a clean dry cloth, apply strong even pressure over the wound.
2. Elevate - if bleeding doesn’t stop using direct pressure, continue direct pressure while elevating the wound above the level of the heart (if possible).
3. Pressure Point - if bleeding continues CALL 911 and then apply pressure to a pressure point. Pressure points are a point between the heart and the wound where the pulse is easily felt. Press hard on this area to reduce the blood flowing to the wound.
   

HYPERVENTILATION:

Hyperventilation is erratic and uncontrolled breathing which may result in numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, and in prolonged cases will result in clenching of fingers and lying curled up in a ball or “fetal” position. This is the result of too much oxygen in your body from the hyperventilation.

1. Control breathing - Try to relax and start taking slow deep breaths through your nose and exhale through pursed lips. Try not to concentrate on your breathing but rather think of something soothing and relaxing.
2. Bag breathing - get a paper bag and breath into it, both inhale and exhale. This allows you to re-breath carbon dioxide and lowers the high oxygen levels in your body.
   

HEART ATTACK:

Signs and symptoms - One or more of the following:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few moments
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms. The pain may be mild to intense. It may feel like pressure, tightness, burning or a heavy weight. It may be located in the chest, upper abdomen, neck, jaw, or inside the arms or shoulder.
• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
• Aniety, nervousness and/or cold sweaty skin.
• Increased or irregular heart rate.
• Feeling of impending doom.
  

What to do:

1. CALL 911
2. Sit down
3. Concentrate on your breathing
   

BRAIN ATTACK / STROKE:

If you see any of the following symptoms, CALL 911. New medications for the treatment of a Brain Attack / Stroke can be very effective if given very soon after the onset of the symptoms.
Every minute counts!!!

• Sudden numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.