Page 40 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 90

40 Issue #90 July 2020 www.sportsenergynews.com

911 Checking In with Our First Responders

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

with Deputy Chief Wayne Markell

“In a Heartbeat”

Pandemics and Paramedics

ince early February of 2020, Canada has increasingly been impacted by the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic, and
Sthe Cornwall / SDG region is no exception. A rapidly evolving landscape has forever changed the way paramedics
perform their most basic and fundamental task: introducing themselves to you when you need their assistance.

The need to protect themselves during this initial phase of contact is paramount to their own health and to the City of Cornwall’s ability to
continue providing these emergency services. Imagine the impact to the emergency response capabilities of the City if we were to lose access
to these valued, professional, and caring women and men; if they were to get sick and be unable to work due to an ill-prepared approach to
a person’s immediate needs.

When they arrive on scene, identify your needs but maintain at least 2 metres distance - let them come to you. They are mandated to ask
a series of questions to assess for any possible hazards, including COVID-19, and to put appropriate safeguards in place in response to the
answers. Please be open and truthful. For COVID-19, these safeguards will include a mask, a gown, a face-shield, and gloves. It takes a
minute or two to properly put these items on, but they are vital in protecting those that serve the community and work to protect us. Please
respect their need to ensure that at the end of the day, they return home safe and free of the concern that an interaction at work may cause
them to introduce an illness to their loved ones.
Thank you for ‘flattening the curve’. Remain vigilant, wash your hands often, keep your distance from others and wear a face covering
when you can’t.

Stay Safe and Have a Great Summer!

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Jeff Weber

Fire Doesn’t Take the Summer Off!

Cornwall Fire Services invites you to enjoy a safe summer. Warm weather activities like barbecuing, camping, cottaging, and
boating provide great fun for the whole family, but it’s important to take the proper precautions to stay safe.

Barbecue Safety
Clean before you cook!
1. Use a pipe cleaner or wire to ensure burner ports are free of rust, dirt, spider webs, or other debris.
2. Examine the hose leading from the tank to the burners. Replace it if cracked or damaged.
3. Find leaks by applying a 50/50 solution of water and dish soap to propane cylinder connections and hoses. If bubbles appear, tighten the
connection, and/or replace the damaged parts and retest.
Cook safely!
1. Keep loose clothing away from a hot BBQ.
2. Keep children and pets at a distance.
3. Never leave the BBQ unattended while in use.
4. Never throw water on a grease fire – this will only spread the flame.
5. Position your BBQ away from wooden fences and walls.
6. Allow the BBQ to cool completely before closing the cover.
Cornwall Fire Services does much more than respond to fires. Our firefighters are trained to respond to dangerous goods incidents, emergency medical
incidents, and water and ice incidents. When you are out enjoying time on the St. Lawrence River, or another nearby body of water, please follow these
guidelines:
Boating Safety
1. Stay clear and safe around dams, hydroelectric stations, and surrounding waterways.
2. Choose it and use it - always wear a life jacket!
3. Learn the laws: take a boating course and get your proof of competency.
4. Be prepared: make a plan and bring all the proper equipment.
5. Don’t drink & boat! Drinking and driving a boat is illegal.
Check back next month for our column on camping and cottaging safety!