Page 40 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 91

40 Issue #91 August 2020 www.sportsenergynews.com

911 Checking In with Our First Responders

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

with Deputy Chief Wayne Markell

“In a Heartbeat”

What to Expect When you Call 911

eeking medical assistance in an emergency can be a very stressful time. Recognition that an emergency

Sis developing or has already occurred, rushing to provide preliminary aid, calling 911, answering their
questions, and then waiting for help to arrive are all part of the process. But sometimes you may wonder – do first
responders really need all this information? Do all these questions delay paramedics’ arrival?

Here is how it works. When you call 911, you will be asked if you require police, fire, or ambulance service. In the case of a
medical emergency, the 911 dispatcher will transfer your call immediately to the Ottawa Central Ambulance Communications
Centre (CACC). Their ‘call taker’ will follow an algorithm specifically designed to get the most accurate details of your specific

emergency in the most time-efficient manner. In a possible life-threatening event, the call taker will relay the information already
attained to a ‘dispatcher,’ who will get an ambulance moving towards your location while the call taker continues gathering details
from you. They will offer you medical advice and instructions to aid you in assisting the patient until the paramedics arrive. They
will screen your call for safety-related concerns, including COVID-19. Please be open and honest with your responses, as a late

discovery of a safety issue will only prolong treatment and transport. Follow their direction to your best ability, stay calm, and know
that a team of professionals are on the phone with you and on their way to you.

The Paramedics of Cornwall / SDG continue to work with CACC to provide quality pre-hospital emergency care as quickly as
possible.

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Jeff Weber

Camping and Cottage Safety

Your cabin, cottage, or campsite should be as safe as your home.
When spending time in the great outdoors, whether by the lake, in the forest, or at the campsite,
you can help protect your family and the environment.
Follow these safety steps at your cottage or cabin:
1. Have working smoke alarms on every storey.
2. Safely dispose of your campfire ashes by letting them cool before emptying them into a metal container.
3. Clear brush and debris from around the structure, clean the roof, and remove overhanging branches.
4. Inspect and clean chimneys every year.
5. Ensure your property has a clearly visible sign indicating the property number.
6. Check with the local municipal office or Ministry of Natural Resources for burning restrictions or bylaws.
We know many Cornwallites are camping enthusiasts. We are so lucky to benefit from access to many nearby
campgrounds. Enjoy your time in the great outdoors by following these guidelines:

1. Check your campsite thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, and branches that could fall from overhead.
2. Be aware of the types of wildlife in the area.
3. Check for natural hazards such as poison ivy, bees, and ticks.
4. Keep your campsite tidy.
5. Keep shovels, water, or sand nearby when having a campfire.
6. Use only paper or kindling to start a campfire - never use flammable liquids.
7. Do not leave a campfire unattended.
8. When it is time to put out the campfire, use water to drown the fire. Be sure to stay and keep watch over the site until there are no
glowing embers.
From all of us at Cornwall Fire Services, have a fun and safe summer!