Think Safety First – Winter Safety Tips

by: Michael A. Loiz, Director of EMS

When you need to call 911 for a medical emergency, Stratford EMS wants you to “Think Safety First” with these simple reminders:

Reminder 1: Clear the way — Snow and untrimmed bushes can impede the ability for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to get to you. Have someone plow or shovel as soon as possible after it snows. Trim bushes and low hanging trees by your driveway.  Keep stair ways clear and in good repair.

Reminder 2: Make your house is a beacon — Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s) have detailed maps and GPS devices to help them get to you quickly.  Bad signage and lighting can still make it difficult and cause delays. Ensure there is abundant lighting.  Consider using reflective numbers or mark the curb using reflective paint.

Reminder 3: Don’t lock out EMT’s — EMT’s and Firefighters will break down a door to reach you if necessary, but that takes time that patients in crisis may not have. Make a key available. Stow a spare in a small lockbox outside the house.  You can tell the dispatcher where to find it so they can alert responders. Call Stratford EMS and ask us to note the lockbox combination in our database.

Reminder 4: Declutter your home — Clutter can keep EMS from getting a stretcher into the room where it’s needed — and even delay lifesaving CPR. Clear a path to all rooms where people spend time and provide an open space around a bedbound person to allow EMS to do their work.

Always remember: After you’ve dialed 911, whether you or a family member or caregiver calls: stay on the line to answer all of the dispatcher’s important questions and follow their directions.  Lock pets away if you’re home. Unlock the front door and make sure the front lights are on.

For more information visit: stratfordems.org