Winter may not bring beautiful, snowy landscapes, but sub-zero temperatures and slippery ice mean that it's also an essential time to review your first aid. Regardless of whether you live alone or with a large family, it's important for you to know what to do in case you or your loved ones experience a winter emergency.
What sort of emergencies may you encounter in the winter? Unfortunately, the possibilities are endless. Icy, frozen roads don't just increase the risk of motor vehicle collisions, they also create hazards on sidewalks. Furthermore, cold, windy weather increases the risk of hypothermia, particularly if any of your bare skin is exposed to the elements. Even fun winter activities such as sledding can be dangerous if they are not done in the proper environment and with the right safety precautions in place.
A simple application can help
If you're interested in strengthening your first aid skills, a good first step would be to download the Canadian Red Cross First Aid App. This app is available for Apple and Android mobile devices and can give you the information you need if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation any other time of year. When you download this app you get access to not just first aid advice but videos and quizzes that can teach you what to do in case of an emergency.
The app is also fully integrated with 911, so if you find yourself needing to use it in a real-life disaster, you can call for help while looking up what you can do to control the situation until emergency services arrives. Concerned about what would happen if you're in an emergency and do not have Internet access? Don't be. The app comes with preloaded content, so even if you don't have an Internet connection or reception, you'll be able to access all of the safety information you need.
Furthermore, this app could encourage your friends to learn more about how to respond in case of an emergency, since the interactive quizzes let you earn badges that you can show to your friends online, so they can see your first aid skills and potentially be inspired to gain some of their own.
More ways to be prepared
Of course, a mobile app is not enough to get you fully prepared for any emergency. If you really want to become a first aid expert, you should consider signing up for a Canadian Red Cross first aid training class. Learn standard first aid and CPR, or take one of the more in-depth classes that can teach you advanced first aid skills if you're out in the wilderness.
Furthermore, if you have children you may want to sign up for our standard child care first aid and CPR class to be sure you could assist in case of an emergency. If any of your kids are approaching their teenage years, you might want to enroll them in our babysitting course for kids between the ages of 11 and 15. Here, they can learn everything they would need to know to be able to confidently look after young children, and they can present people in your neighbourhood with credentials, so they can feel confident to leave their children in their care.
Don't be left unprepared. Download the mobile app and sign up for first aid classes today. Also, don't forget to donate to Canadian Red Cross online or at your local office.