January 2017 - St Mark James Training

Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD): What First Aiders Should Know

An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a battery-powered medical device designed to correct dangerous heart rhythms and help prevent sudden cardiac death. The device is implanted in the chest and connected to the heart through one or more insulated wires (leads) placed through a vein. An ICD may be recommended for individuals who have experienced a […]

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Heat Rash: Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid Care

Heat rash is a skin condition that appears as a red or pink rash on areas of the body covered by clothing. It develops when sweat ducts become blocked, trapping sweat beneath the skin. This can lead to swelling, itchiness, and discomfort. Heat rash is common in infants and young children, but it can also

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Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and First Aid Care

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that causes painful sores in or around the mouth and a rash or blisters on the hands, feet, legs, and sometimes the buttocks. The condition mainly affects infants and young children, but adults can also become infected. HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7–10 days and

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Lyme Disease: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention in Canada

Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection that can affect humans if they are bitten by an infected tick. While not everyone bitten by a tick develops Lyme disease, early recognition and treatment are critical to prevent long-term complications. In Canada, Lyme disease is becoming more common, especially in wooded, grassy, and rural areas. What

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Seizures: First Aid Response and When to Call 911 (Canada)

A seizure can be frightening to witness, but staying calm and knowing what to do can prevent serious injury. Most seizures are short-lived and do not last longer than 60–90 seconds, even though they may feel much longer in the moment. If you are assisting someone who is having a seizure, your role is to

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Diabetes and Foot Care: Why Daily Checks Matter

For people living with diabetes, proper foot care is essential. Foot problems are common among individuals with diabetes and can become serious very quickly if not addressed early. Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, especially in the feet. This makes it harder to feel pain, pressure, heat, or cold — meaning cuts, blisters, or

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Defibrillation: What It Is and When It’s Used

Defibrillation, also known as electrical cardioversion, is a medical procedure that delivers a brief electrical shock to the heart to help restore a normal heart rhythm. The shock is delivered through adhesive pads placed on the outside of the chest or, in some cases, handheld paddles. In hospital or controlled medical settings, individuals are

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Degenerative Disc Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe age-related changes in the spinal discs. These discs are soft, flexible cushions located between the vertebrae of the spine. Their role is to absorb shock and allow the spine to bend, twist, and move safely. Degenerative disc disease can affect any part of the spine, but

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Type 2 Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms, and First Aid Awareness

Type 2 diabetes develops when the body cannot properly use insulin or when the pancreas does not produce enough of it. Insulin is a hormone that allows sugar (glucose) from the bloodstream to enter the body’s cells and be used for energy. When insulin does not work effectively, glucose builds up in the blood instead

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Cough in Young Children: Causes, Warning Signs, and First Aid Awareness

A cough in young children is common and often more noticeable when a child is lying down. This usually occurs when mucus drains down the back of the throat during an upper respiratory infection. Children may also have a runny or stuffy nose, mild fever, or increased irritability. In most cases, home care and monitoring

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