Winter is quickly approaching. The chill is already here and it will most likely only get colder. Please be aware of carbon monoxide and its dangers.

Carbon monixide alarms can warn you of dangerous levels of an odorless, colorless, and tasteless poison. Because it is impossible to see, taste, or smell, the toxic fumes of carbon monoxide can kill you before you are aware it is in your home and is therefore commonly known as the "silent killer".

At lower levels of exposure, carbon monoxide causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, and fatigue. The effects of carbon monoxide exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health, and the concentration and length of exposure.

Install carbon monoxide alarms on each level of your home according to the manufacturers recommendations. Change batteries twice each year and test the alarm once a month along with your smoke alarms. Replace the alarm according to the manufacturers recommendations, generally after five (5) or six (6) years.

Call 911 immediately if you suspect the presence of "CO" in your home or business. Keep warm while keeping safe.

The October EMS Drill topic was trauma. EMS members practiced traumatic injury scenarios in order to sharpen their skills and make sure that when the situation arises they are prepared to handle it.

The two main scenarios were a fractured wrist and a subject fallen from a roof with multiple life-threatening injuries, including fractured femur and tension hemopneumothorax. EMS providers obtained pt information from each patient and proceeded to treat their injury(ies). Inustructors assisted with any questions and provided the members with an excellent hands-on training experience.

QAHVFC EMS has placed into service two (2) Garmin StreetPilot 7200 GPS units, one on each ambulance. The units each boast a 7" touch screen display and text-to-speech, turn-by-turn directions.

If YOU have a Flu-Like Illness Including: Fever greater than or equal to100ºF (37.8ºC)  AND COUGH OR SORE THROAT

 And History of travel to an affected area within 7-10 days of illness onset
 
OR Contact with an ill person fitting the above travel description within 7-10 days of illness onset
 
Then Stay Home and CALL your Doctor 
 
 IF no link to affected areas or travelers from affected areas, but you are mildly sick with flu-like symptoms – STAY HOME and recover, unless you have the following worrisome WARNING SIGNS:
 
In children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include: 

• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color (for fair tones)and grayish skin color (for darker tones)
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash

 In adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:   

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting

 Common Sense Precautions Include:

•  Wash your hands often, especially after coughing, sneezing, and wiping or blowing the nose.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Use paper tissues when wiping or blowing your nose; throw tissues away after use.
• Stay away from crowded living and sleeping spaces, if possible.
• Stay home and avoid contact with other people to protect them from catching your illness. 

 More information:

•  Centers for Decease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/swineflu  
• Maryland Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene www.dhmh.state.md.us/swineflu  

At 1714 hrs Station 80 was alerted for an Ambulance and Engine response in Box 8-10 for a Traumatic Injury. A80 responded with a full crew , Officer 809 (A. Verigan). Rescue 84 responded with a full crew, Officer 804 (D. Lister). Upon arrival, A80 crew along with Caroline Co. PM392 assessed the patient. Patient was deemed by personnel to be a Category B trauma patient with possible head injury and altered level of conciousness. Aviation was requested. The crew from Rescue 84 responded to the Queen Anne Armory to establish the LZ. Officer 805 (C. Morgan) had LZ command. Patient was loaded and transported to the LZ by A80 and was flown by MSP Trooper 4 to Shock Trauma, Baltimore. Patient was admitted by Shock Trauma for the injuries sustained.