Canadian Red Cross and Heart and Stroke Foundation share the science behind new first aid guidelines

Topics: First Aid and CPR
February 22, 2016

Updates Impact How Canadians Treat Minor and Major Emergencies 

TORONTO, ON-- February 22, 2016  - Cleaning with soap and water might seem like the best way to disinfect a cut, but new research calls for scrapping the soap and rinsing for five minutes with clean, running tap water instead. The change to this widely adopted practice is one of many updates included in the new Canadian First Aid and CPR guidelines, which are the focus this week at the Canadian Emergency Care Conference, co-sponsored by the Canadian Red Cross and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Updated every five years, the First Aid and CPR guidelines are agreed upon by the Canadian Guidelines Consensus Task Force, which is composed of Canadian Red Cross, Heart and Stroke FoundationSt. John Ambulance, Canadian Ski Patrol and Lifesaving Society. The updated guidelines include the most recent research from the international scientific community and distill findings into best practices for first responders and first aid providers. At times, some of these changes appear to be subtle, but they represent real, substantive improvements to addressing various minor and major emergencies.

"We are in the business of saving lives," says David Sculthorpe, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation. "The Canadian First Aid and CPR Guidelines are based on the newest techniques and approaches to increase survival rates. Our goal is to empower Canadians to be ready, willing and able to act in the event of a medical emergency."

An estimated 70,000 heart attacks and up to 40,000 cardiac arrests happen in Canada each year. Lost-time accidents regularly occur in Canadian workplaces, and countless others take place every day in our homes and communities.

Conrad Sauvé, CEO, Canadian Red Cross, added, "We strongly encourage Canadians to learn about new best practices and to update their first aid training. A basic First Aid and CPR course can be completed in six to eight hours, and with that, you can have skills and hands-on knowledge to help you save someone's life while at home, engaging in recreational activities or in the workplace."

New updates impacting first aid

The Canadian guidelines impact how Canadians administer CPR and first aid and include revisions ranging from treating minor cuts and abrasions to addressing major emergencies such as concussions and cardiac arrest. Here are some key learnings and updates that Canadians should know:
  • Adults experiencing chest pain should chew one adult or two low-dose aspirins while waiting for emergency medical assistance to arrive (unless they have an allergy or bleeding disorder).
  • In the case of severe allergic reaction, the new guidelines recommend that first aid providers should help administer a second dose of epinephrine if there are no signs of improvement after the first dose. Some studies have shown that it is most effective to administer the second dose within 5-10 minutes of the first if symptoms have not stopped progressing.
  • When someone experiences a blow to the head they should stop activity immediately whether sport related or in the workplace, and seek medical aid (even if they aren't showing signs of a concussion).
  • The routine use of cervical collars is no longer recommended as they can cause complications and discomfort for the injured person. Instead, in suspected cervical spine injury, the new guidelines recommend manually supporting the head in position, limiting angular movement, until more advanced care arrives.
Canadian confidence in a workplace emergency

Coming face-to-face with a workplace emergency can be overwhelming, depending on what kind of first aid is needed. A recent survey conducted by Nielsen Consumer Insights* and commissioned by Canadian Red Cross found that Canadian employees feel substantially more confident responding to various minor incidents, with 80 to 87 per cent reporting feeling confident in dealing with nosebleeds, minor wounds or bleeding.
When the nature of the emergency is more serious, confidence drops considerably. The survey found that many Canadian employees did not feel confident in their ability to assist with a range of more serious medical emergencies:
  • Heart attack or cardiac emergency (50 per cent)
  • Anaphylaxis shock/severe allergic reaction (48 per cent)
  • Concussion (47 per cent)
  • Stroke (42 per cent)
  • Psychotic episode (33 per cent)
Knowing exactly what to do when faced with a health-related emergency at work is essential. The best way for employees to build confidence in responding to both minor and major emergencies is to equip themselves with first aid and CPR skills.

*Online survey by Nielsen Consumer Insights on behalf of the Canadian Red Cross from January 8 to 15, 2016, among 1,001 Canadian adults ages 18 and older.

About the Canadian Red Cross

The Canadian Red Cross is the leading provider of prevention and safety training in the country; training more 1.3 million Canadians in emergency preparedness, first aid, swimming lessons and violence and abuse prevention. redcross.ca

About the Heart and Stroke Foundation

The Heart and Stroke Foundation's mission is to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery. A volunteer-based health charity, we strive to tangibly improve the health of every Canadian family, every day. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen. heartandstroke.ca #CreateSurvivors

Contact Information

For more information, contact:

Canadian Red Cross
Natalie Moncur
Advisor, Communications
1-877-599-9602
natalie.moncur@redcross.ca
Quebec media line 1-888-418-9111

Heart and Stroke Foundation
Alex Maheux
Manager, Communications
416-729-5913
amaheux@hsf.on.ca
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