First Responders Update

Thank you to every person who has taken the time to reach out to me via text, email, or phone call regarding the incredible news of the Skidaway Island First Responders resuming what we have done for 43 years. It was not easy, but we are back!

 On those same lines, our team has been asked dozens of times what phone number to call in an emergency. If you are experiencing a medical, fire, or police emergency, you need to immediately call 911. Please do not call the other number we have all been programmed to call since the beginning of time.

Now, let’s get back to business and talk about EMS topics in my articles. The goal is to inform, help, advise, and hopefully educate. I hope to inspire many of you to change your mindset to “safety first” to help prevent emergencies that can be avoided.

We are smack in the middle of summer. With that, comes this brutal heat, humidity, and potential for dehydration. Most of you have heard me scream, “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate,” and in as much as it can be annoying, it is the best advice I can give you all.

If you are planning to be outside for any kind of activity, start hydrating the night before. Take in fluids adequately so that the next day you already are ahead of the game. Throughout the activity, continue hydrating. I highly recommend using electrolytes in your water to help ensure you’re taking in enough fluids. Being dehydrated is about as much fun as walking barefoot over Legos.

I was speaking at a Town Hall recently at Thrive, and someone asked me an excellent question: “Who can use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) when someone is in cardiac arrest?” That answer is simple: Anyone can use an AED! The AED is electronic. You turn it on, and it literally tells you what to do.

I highly suggest all of you find a CPR class to take, whether it be online or in person. Basic CPR is a skill every person should find the time to learn. Reach out to The American Red Cross to find out where you can find a class to take. Do your own research and get some friends together to take a class. There are so many people trained to teach CPR in our area. If you can find time to play golf or bridge, you can definitely find time to learn how to save a life.

Thank you for the continued support! Stay safe.