As a first responder, it is of paramount importance that you stay as organized as possible. There are a lot of factors that you have to keep in mind when you go out on a call, but during the winter season one often-overlooked consideration would be the cold. How do you stay warm? That’s a good question, but there are plenty of things that you can do to make sure that you don’t contract pneumonia or get hypothermia while you are out on a call:
Wear Bright, Heavy Uniforms & Underscrubs
It is important to wear a thick, heavy uniform along with some underscrubs. This type of clothing is one way that first responders candress with layers. For first responders, an outer layer is important because it acts as your suit of armor, protecting you from becoming wet and keeping you from being impacted by icy winds slicing through your clothes.You also should layer for visibility, because when it is hard for people to see it is more likely that collisions will occur.
Winterize Your First Responder Kit
Considering that that first chill of winter may set you back, you owe it not just to yourself to be as focused as possible on your first responder duties, but also for the others that you are assisting. That is why you need to winterize your first responder kit! You would prepare your kit by stocking it with supplies for such things as the following:
Respiratory infections such as pneumonia, the flu, and severe colds. A portable suction machine is good for this. Tools to help children with choking hazards, because in cold weather they often get way too creative in ways of passing the time.
Pack things to protect your patients from the elements. Such things as emergency warming blankets, additional blankets or coats to warm a patient, backup foot and hand warmers, and scissors if you need to remove a patient’s clothes in cold weather.
Listen to Your Body
If your body is shivering and you are encountering confusion, that is a good sign that you are probably about to experience hypothermia. In that case, it might be a good idea for you to take a break and let one of your crew members take over while you have a few minutes to regroup. Additionally, if you are experiencing drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, or slurred speech, these are all symptoms that your body is getting too cold.
I am an Ambitious girl with a special interest in writing and sharing my knowledge. I love to hangout with nature and learn from it. My words will display the power of nature to the best as I love to write about the environment.
