Happy Holidays! December’s Safety Article
Here is the Nature Coast EMS question of the month;
Why should you pull over when an ambulance comes up behind your vehicle?
It’s safer for you and those in the emergency vehicle if they don’t have to maneuver around you, so pull over.
You would want other drivers to do the same if you or someone you loved was being met or transported by ambulance, and chances are, a life is being saved. Do the right thing and pull over when any emergency vehicle comes up behind you on the roadways.
Just an FYI, it is a Florida Law that when any emergency vehicle is pulled off to the right side of the road, you must either move to the left lane if you can, or slow down as much as possible in the right lane.
Happy Holidays! It seems as though the kids just started back to school and now we’re already “decking the halls.” I want to take this opportunity to remind you that unforeseen accidents usually strike when you least expect it, so here are a few tips to keep safe this season.
This time of year Nature Cost EMS professional team members respond to injuries related to the season. The most serious home injury comes from people falling off ladders. These falls often times result in serious injuries to the head, arms, legs, chest and spine. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions, place the ladder on firm level ground and us a spotter. If someone should fall and become injured, do not delay and call 9-1-1 immediately. The professionals from Nature Coast EMS will promptly arrive to treat and transport you to the appropriate health care facility.
Be smart with little ones too. When I say little ones, I mean children and pets. (Although I no longer have a small child in the house, however, I do have a new puppy that seems to find the smallest piece of anything to chew on.) Both need to be carefully monitored around Christmas trees, small ornaments, toys and certain holiday plants. Even though the poinsettia is not poisonous, the milky sap can irritate skin and can cause an upset stomach if consumed in large quantities. Other holiday plants cause more worry. Mistletoe berries are known to be toxic and ingestion of the berries causes severe stomach and intestinal irritation, cardiovascular collapse, and even death. Holly berries are also considered dangerous because they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stupor when eaten in quantity.
There is more traffic on the road this time of year and that can lead to more traffic incidents. Although it is not illegal to use cell phones while driving in Florida, people have a lot on their minds and may be using cell phones more than usual. Pay close attention to other drivers and remember, that phone call can wait for you to get to a safer environment. This time of year is a fun and festive time with many celebrations. If some are celebrating by consuming alcoholic beverages, always be sure to have a designated driver or utilize of the tow services. Every holiday season, we respond to a traffic accident where alcohol was a contributing factor, many times with tragic results. Please take steps to assure that your holiday festivities stay festive and not tragic. Make this a happy time for you and your family, not one remembered by an accident.
Be safe and have joyous holiday and a Merry Christmas from all of us at Nature Cost EMS.
Until next year, take care and stay well!
Katie Lucas is the Public Information Officer at Nature Coast EMS. She can be reached at (352) 249-4730 or katie.lucas@naturecoastems.org. Nature Coast EMS is an accredited non-profit 501(c)3 established in 2000 to provide emergency medical services to Citrus County. Watch “Every Minute Counts” hosted by Mike Hall, CEO, Nature Coast EMS on WYKE TV at 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays and 10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays. Some of the information for this article was ascertained from Horticulture & Home Pest News written by Iowa State University Extension specialists in the Departments of Entomology, Horticulture and Plant Pathology.
