Public Education Outreach

Resources
A variety of safety tip sheets are available to download, print and share by clicking here

Tip of the Month

HOW TO AVOID HEAT EMERGENCIES
Hot weather triggers a variety of medical emergencies. Heat-related incidents steadily increase during this time of year. Even healthy people should be cautious in high temperatures. Those with respiratory and other health problems should be especially careful. Drink extra fluids but try to avoid beverages with caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine and alcohol may cause dehydration. Stay out of the sun as much as possible.

The most effective ways to prevent a heat stress emergency are:
• Drink fluids often and before you are thirsty.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• If you must work outdoors, attempt to do so in the cool hours of the day or evening.
• Wear a hat and loose fitting clothing.

Heat-related injuries fall into three major categories:
• Heat cramps
• Heat exhaustion
• Heat stroke

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen and often precede heat exhaustion. Treatment for heat cramps is to rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray person with water and massage the cramping area.

Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion they will perspire profusely and most likely be pale. It is best treated by taking the person to a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating their feet and giving the patient fluids.

Heat stroke is the worst heat-related injury. The brain has lost its ability to regulate body temperature. The patient will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. Their temperature will be high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency: call 911. The emergency care of heat stroke is to cool the body as quickly as possible. One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the patient in cool, wet sheets.

Public Education Programs

CPR/AED Classes:
The Bedford Fire Department offers a CPR class on a monthly basis. Upon completion of the class, students will receive their certification from the American Heart Association Heartsaver/AED Program. Firefighter/Paramedics Stephanie Balochko and Joe Sisak are American Heart Association Certified Instructors and are responsible for the program.

Please contact the fire department at (440)232-1214 or firedepartment@bedfordoh.gov for additional information or assistance.

Smoke Detector Program:
The Bedford Fire Department strives to insure that no resident in the community is without an operating smoke detector. The Smoke Detector Program is designed so that Bedford residents who have no smoke detectors in their homes can contact the department in order to obtain a detector. Individuals will only need to provide proof of residency in order to obtain a free detector. If residents are unable to install the smoke detector firefighters will come to their home to perform the installation. The Fire Department will provide a battery for residents who have a smoke detector but are unable to obtain a replacement 9 volt battery at the appropriate time. If a resident is unable to change the battery in their smoke detector, firefighters will come and change the battery in their smoke detector.

Please contact the fire department at (440)232-1214 or ssolar@bedfordoh.gov for additional information or assistance.

Child Car Seat Installation and Inspection Program:
The Bedford Fire Department provides child car seat installation and safety check services to the community. A Child Restraint Technician will correctly install and inspect the installation of child car seats. A Child Restraint Technician (CRT) is certified by the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition. They utilize safety training standards developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. The technician is trained on the most current child restraint systems, recalls and manufacturer’s model changes. Bedford Firefighter/Paramedic Nick Schkurko holds the CRT Certification and conducts inspections and installations at your convenience.

Please contact the fire department at (440)232-1214 or nschkurko@bedfordoh.gov for additional information or assistance.

Home Fire Safety Program:
Bedford Firefighters are available to come to your home, and evaluate it for some of the most common home fire safety problems. They can also offer advice on Home Fire Escape Planning.

Please contact the fire department at (440)232-1214 or ssolar@bedfordoh.gov for additional information or assistance.