As we get ready to celebrate the independence of our great nation we want everyone to enjoy the day and celebrate, but also to take a moment to think about all of the freedoms that we have and how blessed we really are!
It is a time to celebrate, but it is also a time of year when the need for EMS services increases. Your agency can play a key role in helping the people in your community stay safe this summer. There are many opportunities to get out in the community and educate them on injury and illness prevention.
Some of your agencies may be doing stand-by at the fire works displays, community picnics, festivals or other large community based events. These events are a great opportunity for you to educate the public on injury and illness prevention since you have so many people in one place making it is easy to hand out materials or open your ambulance to curious kids.
Even if there isn’t a big event going on, are there places in your area that people like to hang out on warm summer evenings? Maybe the local ice cream shop? You all could stop by and hand out materials or talk to the patrons while enjoying an ice cream cone!
Here are some items that you may want to focus on for your injury and illness prevention education efforts:
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Swimming safety
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Bike, scooter, skate board safety
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Using seat belts and car seats
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Playing safe on play grounds
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Heat illness prevention
The list could go on…
The OEMS bloggers hope that you all have a safe and happy 4th of July and that you take this opportunity to help keep others safe as well!
For more information and resources on injury prevention visit http://www.vahealth.org/civp/index.asp
