Think safety isn’t chill?

So safety isn’t something you and your friends blog about, talk about, or even think about?  Being “chill” and cool is more important, right?  But if you are not taking some time away from IM’ing, texting, and chatting to protect yourself, getting hurt is a very real possibility.  Can you imagine not being able to text, chat and blog for even one day?! Well if you don't protect yourself from injury it could happen...not very chill!.

So let’s get this thing started…the sooner you learn the sooner I can go to lunch!

Dealing With Emergencies
In Case of an Accident, Would You Panic?

So let’s say your best buddy ollies up the rail to the top of some steps. He then proceeds to nosegrind to the bottom.  All goes well until the very last step and then BAM!! (Not the kind of BAM that goes with Margera – (Message to adults: Click here to go to the "Teen Speak" tranlator!).   So your buddy is laying there on the cement with arms and legs twisted in ways they are not meant to twist.  It’s pretty obvious he needs professional medical help.  So what do you do?

The first rule in an emergency is to stay calm and keep the victim calm.  HOW CAN I POSSIBLY STAY CALM?  Many teenagers believe that if faced with such emergencies, they would panic. The fact is most people overcome panic and do react within seconds. Chances are that you, too, would be able to act quickly , respond confidently, and help to save a life.  Here are some easy steps to remember:

Try to stay calm by taking deep breaths.
Dial 9-1-1
Tell the emergency person what is wrong. Speak clearly.
Give your name, address, and phone number.
Don’t hang up until the other person hangs up.
Teach your children how to get help by using the phone. Practice with a toy phone. Visit our Kid’s Corner (provide link when you get it) page for interactive games that can reinforce safety behaviors.

When Do I Call 911?

So hopefully you already know not to call 911 unless there is a true emergency? Well if you don't remember you can link to this game on the KidZone for a refresher. If you do remember just keep in mind that there are some situations in which you would call 911 right away!

When experiencing one of the following conditions, call 911 immediately:

• Anaphylaxis (not being able to breathe - allergic reactions)
• Chest pain (see heart attack)
• Coma (unresponsive victim)
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Drug overdose
• Shortness of breath
• Slurred speech
• Sudden blindness
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Uncontrolled nose bleed
• Vomiting blood
• Weakness
• Serious Burns
• Bleeding with weakness (shock)
• Broken bones visible through an open wound

This is not a complee list of emergencies and it is better to call 911 if you feel the situation involves life and death or serious permanent injury.