A long term goal of the Hamilton County Ambulance is to establish and provide a safety program for the children of Hamilton County communities. The Hamilton County Child Safety Program will have a strong emphasis on safety for the children in Hamilton County.

This program is being pursued due to the lack of current safety programs within the county. While areas outside of the county provide safety programs, Hamilton County Ambulance is actively trying to increase the safety and well-being of its community members. Hamilton County Ambulance has established relationships with a number of outside safety program providers and will continue to use these assets to strengthen its developing child safety program.

The HCCSP program is a pro-active education system, being developed to cover a number of national safety issues that need to be addressed for community awareness and well being. In being pro-active with a well funded and thorough safety program, Hamilton County Ambulance hopes to aid in the prevention of accidents and injury, in the home, on the road and in the community. Not only through this program, but also to educate and address safety issues with adults, parents and elderly of the community.

The county currently has approximately 1350 students in grades ranging from kindergarten to ninth grade. These students are in five different school systems and four different communities. The largest group of students resides in the Aurora public school system with approximately 958 students. It is the goal of the HCCSP to educate these student bodies, through this program. The HCCSP will work with the school’s administrations and plan events during national and local awareness events.

The HCCSP and it activities will be carried out by staff of the Hamilton County Ambulance, in coordination with other organizations and their members. The community will benefit through classes and camps held throughout the year with the various organizations and communities. Many of the programs activities will be held during community events for greater public coverage. These programs will be advertised through news releases and media coverage from the area TV and newspapers in order to enlarge public awareness. The program is geared to efficiently provide education for members of the communities by effectively reaching a larger number of people.

The HCCSP’s activities will coordinate within the events topics, like the National Night Out, Severe Weather Awareness Week, EMS week and others. The HCCSP will also plan activities for a number of the local celebrations and fairs. The city of Aurora and Hamilton County have a number of local events that draw large numbers of people, not only from the county, but also from a number of surrounding cities and towns. Events will be planned for the county fair, AUROR’N days, Phillips Festival, Hampton Days, Giltner Fest, FamFest, as well as other small events. By planning activities during these activities, the HCCSP will expose a larger number of children, as well as parents, to the program’s goals.

As with any sport, practice is important. Once you've purchased your bike, skateboard, rollerblades, or scooter, it's important to take the time to learn how to operate them properly and safely.

Here are some tips for safe operation
1. Always wear your protective gear- helmet, knee and elbow pads, and wrist protection.
2. Never ride at dusk or night with a skateboard, rollerblade, or scooter.
3. Avoid dark clothing when riding a bike at night and ensure your bike is equipped with reflectors and a light.
4. Keep your equipment in proper working order and well-maintained.
5. Master the basics- stopping and turning.
6. Obey all traffic regulations. When on the road you should consider yourself subject to the same rules of the road as everyone else.
7. Remain under control at all times.
8. Tricks and stunts come with lots of practice. Don't try any daring moves until you're ready to handle them.
9. Watch out for road hazards.
10. Avoid wet or icy road conditions.
11. Avoid water, oil, and sand.
12. Ride on the right, pass on the left.
13. Always yield to pedestrians.
14. Begin at a speed and at angles that you're comfortable with.
15. Avoid hills and declines when you're first starting out. You can build up speed even on a slight decline, so you should feel confident in your breaking ability before you head for the hills.

Gearing up for a Safe Ride
Protective equipment helps you feel more confident and relaxed when you are riding or skating...you also look pretty cool, too! Make sure your riding gear is durable and securely fitted.

Here are the Essentials:

• Helmet-Helps prevent injuries to all areas of the head. Must be buckled and properly sized to be effective. All bike helmets sold in the United States must meet the government's CPSC (Consumer Products Safety Commission) standard.
  
• Knee Pads-Must be strapped around leg securely so pad does not come off during sliding.
  
• Elbow Pads-Gives protection in sideways falls.
  
• Proper Shoes-Never wear flip-flops or sandals. Sneakers are good, and should be tightly laced at all times.
  
• Wrist Protection-For skaters, is also a good idea. When you lose your balance you should try to fall forward. Wrist protection promotes sliding, and distributes the impact.

"Gearing up" mentally before riding or skating is just as important as gearing up physically.

Hamilton County Ambulance in partnership with Tri City Safe Kids, is offering toddler through adult bike helmets for only $7.00 a helmet. Stop by the Ambulance office to see our selection and to purchase a helmet.

Hamilton County Ambulance is able to answer any questions you may have about your bike helmet and show you how to properly wear your bike helmet.

Make sure the helmet fits snugly and does not obstruct your field of vision. Extra pads are included in each helmet to help you achieve a snug fit. When properly secured, the staps should form a "V" just below each ear and the chin strap should be centered and fit securely under your chin. Always ensure the chinstrap remains fastened when wearing a helmet.

Severe weather can strike at a moments notice. Nebraska is prone to severe weather in the spring and summer months. Knowing what severe weather is and when to take cover could save you and your family's lives.

A good way to prepare yourself for upcoming severe weather is to learn about the tornado warning system for your county or locality. Most tornado-prone areas have a siren system. Know how to distinguish the siren's warnings for a tornado watch and a tornado warning. This information can be usually be found in the local phone book under emergency numbers and siren warnings in the blue information pages.

A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions favor the formation of tornadoes, for example, during a severe thunderstorm. During a tornado watch,

• Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations or a National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio for further weather information.
• Watch the weather and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.

A tornado warning is issued when a tornado funnel is sighted or indicated by weather radar. You should take shelter immediately.
Because tornadoes often accompany thunderstorms, pay close attention to changing weather conditions when there is a severe thunderstorm watch or warning.

A severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
A severe thunderstorm warning means severe thunderstorms are occurring in your area.

Being prepared during severe weather is the key to keeping safe. Keep fresh batteries and a battery-powered radio or TV on hand. Electrical power is often interrupted during thunderstorms; just when information about weather warnings is most needed. The majority of people have fire evacuation plans in case of a fire, but a severe weather prevention plan should also be in place when and if severe weather strikes.

• Take a few minutes with your family to develop a tornado emergency plan. Sketch a floor plan of where you live, or walk through each room and discuss where and how to seek shelter.
• Show a second way to exit from each room or area. If you need special equipment, such as a rope ladder, mark where it is located.
• Make sure everyone understands the siren warning system in your town.
• Mark where your first-aid kit and fire extinguishers are located.
• Mark where the utility switches or valves are located so they can be turned off, if time permits, in an emergency.
• Teach your family how to administer basic first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home.
• Learn the emergency dismissal policy for your child's school.

• What a tornado is
• What tornado watches and warnings are
• What county they live in (warnings are issued by county)
• How to take shelter, whether at home or at school.

Summer time brings us longer, hotter days. During this time you need to be aware of the pitfalls that arise during the summer months and how to keep yourself safe.

People suffer heat related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Several factors affect the body's ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly. Other conditions that affect the body’s ability to cool itself include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use.

Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Sweating depletes the body of salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.

Recognizing Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms that usually occur in the arms, legs, or abdomen that may occur in association with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are on a low sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps.

What to Do
If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps:

• Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a cool place.
• Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
• Do not return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
• Seek medical attention for heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

What to Do
Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:

• Remove from heat to a shaded area or air conditioned building
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages
• Rest
• Cool shower, bath, or sponge bath
• Lightweight clothing or loosen any constrictive clothing

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency! Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke.

Recognizing Heat Stroke
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

• Remove from heat to a shaded area or air conditioned building
• Cool the person rapidly using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the person in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the person with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the person in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
• If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink.
• Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat related illness. Knowing and recognizing the signs and symptoms of a heat related illness may save somebody's life.

Drink Plenty of Fluids
During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar; these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

Replace Salt and Minerals
Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking sports beverages.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. Sunburn may cause first and second degree burns the longer you are exposed to the sun. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) along with sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully
If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. If you work in a job that requires you to be in the heat take frequent breaks in a shaded or air conditioned place to help your body recooperate from the heat.

Pace Yourself
Acclimitazation to the weather is different for each individual person. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, will be stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance for heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat. If you travel to a hotter climate, allow several days to become acclimated before attempting any vigorous exercise.

Stay Cool Indoors
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building such as a library or store; even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.

Use the Buddy System
When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during hot days. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day to ensure they are okay.

Monitor Those at High Risk
Some people are at greater risk for developing a heat related illness than others.

• Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
• People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
• People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
• People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Use Common Sense
Remember to keep cool and use common sense:

• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body.
• Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body.
• Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.
• Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches.
• Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
• Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.

Remember heat illnesses can happen to anybody even if you are a normally healthy individual. Keep your self educated and prepared as you venture out into the heat.

During the summer months, adults and children alike flock to the water parks, swimming pools, and beaches. When you are around water, water safety should be the top priority for you and your family. Ensure your family knows the hazards associated with water and what to do if somebody is drowning. Learning basic first aid and CPR will also help.

Drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death in the United States, and of these cases, 40 percent are in children under five years of age. Lack of supervision, alcohol-related incidents, and not knowing how to swim contribute to many of these drownings. Bathtubs and small kiddie pools also have a risk of drowning associated with them. It doesn't take much water for an individual to drown. Althought fresh-water and saltwater drownings effect the body differently, the care for each is still going to be the same. Anyone involved in a near-drowning incident should seek medical attention since complications may not appear for 24 hours.

Many swimming classes are offered through Red Cross and check with your local swimming pool to see if they offer classes as well. Make sure that all proper flotation devices and life jackets are used when you are in the water. Infants and children need constant supervision when in or near water. Some bodies of water can have hazards so swim only in approved swimming areas and check to see if a lifeguard is present.

As the nights become longer and the temperature colder, preparation begins for the winter months and the return of cold weather. When you are tuning up your vehicles and getting your house ready for the cold season, don’t forget to place additional items in your vehicles also.Click here for checklist

Hypothermia and frostbite are two major health hazards of cold exposure. You can adapt to work and live in cold environments, provided you have access to adequate clothing and shelter. You should not work alone in cold extremes. Use the "buddy system" to detect signs of cold injury in coworkers.

Hypothermia is the state of low body temperature, specifically low core temperature. The body’s normal temperature range is from 96 °F to 100 °F and hypothermia occurs when your core temperature drops below 95 °F. Hypothermia victims are usually unable to recognize their own signs and symptoms of hypothermia. Some signs and symptoms of hypothermia include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, slurred speech, and fumbling hands. People at risk for hypothermia include the elderly, babies in cold bedrooms, and people who remain outdoors for long periods such as hunters, hikers, the homeless, etc. If you notice any of the above signs seek medical care and immediately move the individual to a warm area indoors and remove any wet clothing. Start warming the center of the body first with loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. If possible take the person's temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency - get medical attention immediately.

Tips for Preventing Hypothermia
• Wear layers of loose clothing.
• The majority of heat loss is through you head so be sure to cover you head and neck to prevent further heat loss.
• Stay dry. If your clothes get wet, change them as soon as possible. Dry wet hair with a hair dryer immediately.
• Consume nourishing meals and warm drinks to help keep your body warm.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Stay in touch with friends, family members and neighbors during cold weather. If you're an older adult, ask someone to call you regularly

Frostbite is the freezing of body tissues caused by exposure to subfreezing temperatures. Areas most affected by frostbite include extremities such as hands and feet and areas of the head and face that are exposed. The two types of frostbite are superficial frostbite also called frost nip, and deep frostbite. Signs and symptoms of frost bite include: initial redness which will turn to a grayish white appearance, diminished sensation, the area will feel unusually hard to touch, and have a waxy appearance.

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, first determine whether the victim also shows signs of hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a more serious medical condition and requires emergency medical assistance. If you suspect frostbite with no hypothermia immediately move the individual into a warm area indoors. At all costs prevent the individual from walking on frostbitten toes or feet because this will increase the damage. You can warm the affected areas by submersing them in warm, not hot water or using body heat. Do not rub or massage the area as this will cause further damage. Avoid using a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.

Tips for Preventing Frostbite
• Avoid direct skin contact with metal and fluids.
• When outdoors, use vehicles and structures as windbreakers or shelters to protect you from extreme temperatures.
• Wear mittens instead of gloves. Mittens are warmer because they allow your fingers to warm one another.
• Wear layers of clothing and multiple pairs of socks.
• Avoid tight-fitting clothing, especially on the hands and feet.
• Cover all exposed areas including your head, face and neck.
• Stay dry — especially your hands and feet.

Top 10 Cold Weather Precautions
1. Wear loose, multi-layered clothing along with clothing to protect the head, hands, and feet. Multi-layered clothing provides the best protection, because air trapped between layers provides additional thermal insulation.
2. Drink plenty of fluids, preferably warm, sweet beverages. Cold weather suppresses thirst, and dehydration can occur without proper fluid intake.
3. Increase caloric intake. Working in heavy protective clothing expends more heat, so 10-15% more calories are required.
4. Take periodic breaks to warm up, with additional breaks as winds increase and/or the temperature drops.
5. Avoid alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and medications as they inhibit the body's response to cold or impair judgment.
6. Avoid the cold if you are becoming exhausted or immobilized, conditions that can accelerate the effects of cold weather.
7. Shield work areas from drafty or windy conditions. Seek a heated shelter if you have prolonged exposure to a wind chill of 20 degrees or less.
8. Work during the warmest hours of the day and minimize activities that decrease circulation.
9. Learn the symptoms of cold-related stresses: heavy shivering, uncomfortable coldness, severe fatigue, drowsiness and euphoria.
10. Work in pairs so partners can monitor one another and obtain help quickly in an emergency.

These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a true medical emergency and frostbite should be evaluated by a health care provider. It is a good idea to take a first aid and CPR course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your health and the health of others. For more information on cold injuries and safety Contact Us.