Now Providing Advanced Life Support Services

Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. Becomes The First Private, Non-Transport ALS Agency In Kern County

No one ever wants to have a medical crisis, but it can’t always be avoided. And if the time ever comes when you need to call 9-1-1, you want to have the confidence that Emergency Medical Services are ready and available to provide the care you need… when you need it. However, during a time of crisis, there are several factors that can affect the availability of EMS teams: increased volume of 9-1-1 calls, availability of ambulances, patient offload times at hospitals, and hospital staffing shortages. And because of an additional increase in COVID-19 cases, Kern County once again finds itself in the midst of a surge capacity for medical care.

When this surge capacity was first reached at the end of 2020, Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. was able to step in as an additional emergency response agency for lower acuity calls when ambulances were not available. However, as a provider of Basic Life Support services, Pro Safety & Rescue was limited in the scope of medical services that it could deliver to a patient. This is why Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. has been working with Kern County EMS over the past several months, and has invested in the training and equipment necessary to become an approved provider of Advanced Life Support services.

Greater Capacity, Greater Service

By increasing our EMS status from BLS to ALS, Pro Safety & Rescue has made itself available to provide professional medical care to a greater number of people in our community. And being able to provide this higher level of care allows us to partner with other EMS agencies to keep more ambulances on the streets. Plus, this greater capacity allows our teams at Pro Safety to positively impact more people in our community.

“The pandemic has changed health care all around the world.” Says Arnold Thomas, EMS Program Director at Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc, “As a BLS agency, we were helping our community the best we could. But we wanted to do more. So we sat down and said, ‘how can Pro Safety help?”

In asking this question, the team at Pro Safety & Rescue discovered that by increasing our capacity of care, we could provide the assistance and relief that our partner agencies needed by being available to take on a greater load of emergency calls. “Now that we are ALS,” Thomas explains, “we can respond to more calls, more critical calls, instead of just BLS calls. We can respond to everything, from a heart attack, to a stroke, to a shooting, to even someone giving birth.”

Impacting our community

It’s important to us at Pro Safety & Rescue that you feel confident in your Emergency Response Services when you need them. And the EMS teams here in Kern County have done an excellent job at earning your confidence over the years.That’s why, when the pandemic came in and put pressure on these teams, we felt that one of the ways that we could serve the community was by supporting these EMS teams, and keeping your confidence levels high. As Arnold Thomas puts it, “We went through the process of becoming an ALS agency so that we can go out there and do more than just respond to BLS calls. We can do more to help our community. We can do more to help our EMS partners. We can do more to help everyone.”

We at Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. are honored and humbled to be approved as the very first private, non-transport ALS agency in Kern County. And we promise to work hard to help bring professional Advanced Life Support services to our community, and to assist our fellow EMS partners during this time of crisis, and beyond.

Introducing procovidtesting.com

So here we are, living and working in the midst of a surge of COVID-19 cases in America. We are all doing our best to stay healthy by maintaining social distance according to the guidelines, as well as wearing our masks and washing our hands regularly. But still, life happens; and what do we do when we find ourselves in the situation where we need to be tested for COVID-19?

We are pleased to introduce a new option for COVID-19 testing. Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. has been providing COVID services to private companies since the beginning of the pandemic, and has just expanded its services by offering COVID-19 testing to the public. Our designated website for public COVID testing, procovidtesting.com offers a hassle-free way to schedule your appointment.

Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. is a CLIA Approved Laboratory that has the facilities and technology to administer and process results for both Antigen and RT-PCR molecular tests.

You read that correctly, Pro Safety & Rescue can process in-house RT-PCR molecular tests and provide results the same day. And with our easy drive-up testing, you can get tested without even leaving the comfort of your vehicle.

RT-PCR molecular testing is the gold standard of COVID-19 testing and is capable of providing the most accurate results by identifying the COVID-19 RNA present in the host at a much earlier stage of the viral infection. Molecular tests are highly recommended by the FDA and are often required in order to comply with travel restrictions. Nearly all RT-PCR tests are sent away to a third party lab in order for the results to be processed, and it can take days to get results back. Pro Safety & Rescue can offer same-day results for the most accurate test available with our in-house RT-PCR testing machine. You will need to call for an appointment as well as for pricing, as these rapid RT-PCR tests are in limited supply.

We also offer other forms of COVID-19 testing including standard RT-PCR molecular tests and rapid antigen tests. With several antigen testing machines in-house, our technicians can administer multiple antigen tests at a time, providing quick results for several patients at a time.

Antigen tests, though not as accurate as molecular tests, can provide a fast and less-expensive way to test large numbers of people, especially on a regular basis. The FDA has determined that repeated antigen testing is a suitable strategy for maintaining a healthy worksite. And Pro Safety & Rescue can provide on-site antigen testing to your worksite or business as part of our Concierge COVID Services.

Our Concierge COVID Services are available across California, and we can provide COVID-19 testing and pre-entry screening to your worksite, office, movie set, or event with professional technicians and set medics. And you can count on the professionalism and discretion of our Concierge service technicians to bring reliable COVID-19 testing right to your home for your convenience.

Don’t be fooled by companies offering COVID-19 antibody testing.

These companies are offering finger-prick ANTIBODY tests and promoting them as COVID-19 tests. These antibody tests are only designed to find evidence of past exposure to the COVID-19 virus and are not reliable in determining if you are currently infected. According to a study by UK firm BMJ, one in five of these antibody tests produce inaccurate results for past infection. And an investigation by the National Covid Testing Scientific Advisory Panel found that when these tests are used to determine current COVID-19 infection, they can have an accuracy rate as low as 55%. People could be receiving negative results from these antibody tests and walking out with a false sense of security, thinking that they are not infected when they very well might be.

You want to be sure that you are receiving the best options available, and you can count on Pro Safety & Rescue to provide real COVID-19 solutions for you, your family, or your business. And we are uniquely qualified to offer you these options at your greatest convenience. We are your solution for fast, reliable, professional COVID-19 testing in California. And it is our goal and our passion to serve our customers and our community by providing professional safety and testing services you can count on. Visit our new website procovidtesting.com to schedule an appointment today. Or contact us to see how we can bring our professional Concierge COVID Services to you.

Pro Safety Joins Kern County EMS as First Responders

As the last vestiges of 2020 started coming to an end a few weeks ago, there seemed to have been an unspoken expectation that things would magically return back to normal as the clock rolled over to 12:00:01 on January 1, 2021. That somehow, the cosmic universe understands, and would even base its operations upon, our human concept of time and the cycle of the moon around our pale blue orb. Sadly, this is not the case and, as it turns out, reality is not confined to the hopeful wishes or frustrated timetables of the disillusioned inhabitants of this planet.

2021 has arrived, and we are still in the middle of a medical crisis that is taking its toll on our tired and weary unsung heroes donned in gowns and masks, located in hospitals and clinics across the country. People are continuing to get sick and more and more are needing medical attention. And this is beginning to become an overwhelming need, requiring new systems and new procedures if we are going to be successful in keeping this dilemma abated.

Keeping this in mind, Kern Public Health has launched a new program that expands its ability to maintain proper emergency response for those in need of care. And Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. is honored to be a partner in this new paradigm of Emergency Medical Services in Kern County.

Facing the Critical Issue at hand

Because of an increase in COVID-19 cases, Kern County currently finds itself in the midst of a surge capacity for medical care. According to Kern Public Health, there are four factors in defining when a surge capacity is determined. These four factors are: volume of 9-1-1 calls, availability of ambulances, patient offload times at hospitals, and percentage of staff impacted by COVID-19. And kern Public Health has stated that the last factor, percentage of staff impacted by COVID-19, is the only factor to have yet been triggered. However, the increased volume of 9-1-1 calls, combined with the longer patient offload times at hospitals due to a reduction of available beds, has caused a shortage of ambulances that are able to respond to emergency medical requests.

Because of this shortage during a time of surge capacity, and without the assistance of any intervening agency, the Kern County Emergency Response System would not be able to respond to low acuity 9-1-1 calls when sufficient resources were not available. And if an ambulance could not be dispatched, the caller would be informed of the situation and provided other options for obtaining care. Because of this potential shortage of care, Kern County EMS determined that there was a need to integrate an additional emergency response agency into the system for lower acuity calls when ambulances are not available. And this is where Pro Safety & Rescue has the ability, and the honor, of stepping in to serve our community in a greater capacity.

EMTs from Pro Safety were already helping to relieve staffing pressures at local hospitals by supplementing additional shifts needed at those facilities. And according to Kern Public Heath Public Relations Officer Michelle Corson, when Kern County EMS decided to take this historical step in integrating an additional emergency response agency into their 9-1-1 system, Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. was their first call.

A New Paradigm in Emergency Medical Services

“We are excited that we’ve got the opportunity to partner with an agency like [Pro Safety] during these unprecedented times,” said Corson, “and we were just excited for the partnership and were hopeful that it really expands our system and allows us to do the work and to respond the way our community needs us to.”

As of December 31st, 2020, Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. has been activated as an additional emergency response agency into the Kern County 9-1-1 system for lower acuity calls when ambulances are not available. According to Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. EMS Program Director Arnold Thomas, the EMTs and EMS vehicles at Pro Safety were already contracted with Kern County EMS as non-transport BLS (Basic Life Support) and could immediately provide additional assistance to our county’s overwhelmed 9-1-1 system as first responders.

When a person calls 9-1-1 during this level of surge capacity, the emergency operator will check the current availability of ambulances. If there are less than two ambulances available in the system, and the patient is determined by the operator to be non-acute, then an EMT strike team from Pro Safety would be dispatched to the location to determine the best course of action for the patient.

“Upon arrival, we do a full assessment, and do whatever we can to help that person with what they need.” Said Arnold Thomas of Pro Safety, “And if we determine that this person is definitely having a critical emergency and they need to go to the hospital and need an ambulance, then we will call an ambulance out.”

Community First

So far, according to both Kern Public Health and Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc., most people receiving emergency assistance seem to understand and appreciate this new partnership, knowing that a certified professional medical worker is still available to attend to their emergency need. Without this new partnership, and during this level of surge capacity, the possibility existed that their situation may not merit the dispatch of a medical team. But for now those fears can be alleviated, and our community can rest assured that first responders are on the way.

“The goal here is to make sure that everyone who calls 9-1-1 that’s having a life-saving emergency gets the treatment that they need.” Concluded Thomas, “And for every call that we respond to and determine that there are options available for alternative care, that just keeps more ambulances on the street.”

It is our honor and our privilege at Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. to accept this historic new partnership with Kern Public Health and Kern County EMS, in keeping our community safe. No change of this kind has ever been made in the emergency response system in our county before. But it is during times of crisis like these, that we all rise up together as a community to meet these challenges head on. This new partnership is an example of how Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. lives out our passion of serving our customers and our community by providing professional rescue and safety services. We are honored to be entrusted with your emergency medical needs and our first responders promise to provide the care and support you deserve.

Kern Public Health press release concerning new EMS surge plan
https://kernpublichealth.com/2019-novel-coronavirus-ems-system-surge-plan/

‘Tis the Season to Stay Safe

Christmas time is upon us and even in this era of uncertainty and chaos, we can find joy and cheer in the midst of this holiday season. Setting up decorations around the house, stringing lights along the eves, lighting a yuletide log in the fireplace, or if no fireplace is available, playing one of those burning fireplace videos on YouTube; all of these activities can bring a little spark of Christmas to your home. And of course let’s not forget the biggest holiday tradition of them all, sitting with the whole family around the TV watching that classic Christmas movie… Die Hard.

And depending on your perspective, or geography, one of the joys of the Christmas season is the onset of winter and the nip in the air that it brings. The cold against our skin makes us want to snuggle with loved ones and drink a hot beverage in a tacky ceramic mug adorned with snowmen, while the oven warms the house and the smell of cookies flows into every room. However, that winter nip also brings with it a few added dangers that we need to be aware of so that we can keep enjoying the season while staying safe and healthy.

What to Look Out For

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most common winter injury is falling. Depending on where you live, snow and ice create very slippery conditions which make it difficult for both walking and driving, and it is suggested that you wear proper shoes for the weather. Rubber soled shoes with lots of grip work best, especially if these shoes also provide adequate ankle support. Avoid wearing shoes with flat, hard surfaces which are prone to slippage, like heels or dress shoes. Keep a short stride, avoid taking long steps, and don’t be in a rush. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you need to go.

And even if you don’t live in an area that get’s much snow or ice, there are still some winter dangers to look out for. Exposure to cold weather brings along with it susceptibility to hypothermia and frostbite. Both of these cold-weather dangers can sneak up on you if you are not planning ahead for them.

The CDC says that Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures. And when exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous because a person may not know that it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it. And while it is assumed hypothermia only happens in extreme cold conditions, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40 degrees) if a person becomes chilled from rain or sweat.

Frostbite is another cold-weather danger that can take you by surprise. While hypothermia is a condition involving your core temperature, frostbite involves the freezing of skin tissue due to lower circulation in your extremities like your fingers, toes, nose, and ears. As your body tries to conserve heat at its core, it pulls blood from your extremities, leaving them vulnerable to the freezing cold.

Both of these winter dangers can be mitigated by planning ahead. And whether you are taking your family for a play day outside, or your job requires you to spend long times exposed to cold temperatures, here are a few steps to keep warm and safe in cold weather.

How to Protect Yourself From Cold Weather

Wear several layers of loose clothing for better insulation; take layers off if you begin to sweat and put them back on when you cool down. Inner layers should be wool to wick away moisture; synthetic fabrics can work for this purpose as well, but should be avoided in some work environments involving flammable materials, as synthetic fabrics are not fire resistant and will in fact cause serious burn injury by melting into the skin. Along with multiple inner layers, outer layers of clothing should be chosen that are wind and water-resistant to help keep out the elements.

Protect the ears, face, and hands by wearing hats, gloves, and face coverings. Be sure to wear appropriate versions of these accessories in accordance to your environment. Wearing gloves or hats that are too thin, or don’t cover all the areas of the hands or head, will do little good in colder conditions. And it can be overlooked that wearing articles of clothing, or accessories, that are too thick or too heavy, can cause you to sweat, or even make you want to remove those items, exposing you to the cold environment and thus making themselves ineffective.

And don’t forget that keeping your feet dry is one of the most important things you can do to not only stay comfortable in cold weather, but to also stay safe and healthy. Multiple layers of socks can help insulate your feet from the cold, but if they get wet they will only act to trap that moisture around your feet. Be sure to choose shoes or boots that are water-resistant, or even consider wrapping a layer of water resistant material around your socks, like a plastic bag, to add a barrier of protection from any wetness that may penetrate your footwear. Dry feet will keep you happy and healthy.

Enjoy the Season

Colder winter weather is part of what makes Christmas a wonderful and whimsical season to enjoy. Whether there are mounds of beautiful snow on your doorstep, or the glistening of cold morning dew on your palm trees, the Christmas chill can put a smile on your face and bring out the child inside. Just be sure that during your winter frolicking you are prepared for the potential dangers that it can also bring. We hope that these few, simple safety tips can help you, your family, and your worksite stay safe and healthy during the winter chill, and that you continue to find enjoyment in this time wherever you are, and whomever you are with.

Merry Christmas, from Pro Safety & Rescue.

Sources:

CDC Natural Disasters and Severe Weather

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/index.html

CDC NIOSH PDF for Preventing Cold-related Illness, Injury, and Death among Workers

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2019-113/default.html

CDC PDF for Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/pdf/extreme-cold-guide.pdf

Contact us to see how we can help keep you and your teams equipped for the cold weather.

COVID Testing: What is the Best Choice?

As we are entering the eighth month of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, pandemic fatigue can become a real concern. As a society, we can become lax in our vigilance to maintain proper health and safety standards. However, simple preventative measures like handwashing and social distancing, in addition to accurate COVID testing, are all important steps in slowing the spread as we wait for an effective vaccine to be developed. 

As you know, social distancing, wearing masks, handwashing, and self-quarantining are things we can do within our own abilities and resources, but getting accurately tested for COVID-19 remains just outside of the window of self-care. With so many places to go, and multiple types of tests available, how do we know which test is the right test, and when? The answer to these questions are directly related to your personal preference and priorities. These include how accurate you want the test to be, how quickly you want to receive the results, and what level of discomfort you are willing to endure in order for the test to be taken.

There are three types of tests available: molecular, antigen, and antibody. And there are three different ways to acquire a sample for testing: spitting into a collection device, a deep nasal swab, or extraction of blood intravenously. Each one of these tests have their advantages and disadvantages based on accuracy, price, and method of sampling. We will cover these differences below to help you make the best decision for you.

 

Am I Currently Infected?

If you are experiencing symptoms or have been around somebody who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, there are two types of diagnostic tests you can take: molecular tests, and antigen tests.

 

Molecular Tests (also called PCR tests, viral RNA tests, or nucleic acid tests)

These tests can be administered in multiple ways including nasal swabs, throat swabs, and tests of saliva or other bodily fluids.

This type of test can be performed at a hospital, clinic, or other medical type office either in the facility or while you wait in your car. You can even have qualified technicians test you at home or at your place of business.

Molecular tests look for specific genetic material (ribonucleic acid or RNA) that comes only from the virus.

Molecular testing is the most accurate diagnostic test delivering both a very low rate (as low as 2%) of false negatives – which is a test result that says you don’t have the virus when you actually do have it – and a near-zero rate of false positives – that is, a test that says you have the virus when you actually do not. Molecular tests are rated by the FDA at 99% accurate and many travel restrictions require a molecular test be conducted prior to arrival.

A molecular test, using a deep nasal swab, is usually the best option due to its accuracy rate however this can be fairly uncomfortable. Other diagnostic sampling methods like throat swabs or saliva are available but can produce less accurate results.

Depending on lab capacity, results from molecular testing may be available the same day. However, there are only a few labs that process molecular testing, so additional time to ship the sample to a certified lab as well as heavy testing times can extend the time it takes for you to get your results. The Molecular RT-PCR test is the gold standard of COVID-19 testing, and it is for that reason that Pro Safety & Rescue (a CLIA certified laboratory) has invested in providing you with the best testing in the shortest time possible.

 

Antigen Test (also called Rapid Test)

These tests are also done through nasal or throat swabs, however, require longer time inside the nasal cavity of the patient which can greatly increase discomfort.

Just like with molecular testing, antigen tests are performed at hospitals, clinics, inside your car, or even in your home or workplace through concierge medical services.

Antigen tests identify protein fragments (antigens) from the virus that trigger the body’s immune system.

The reported rate of false negatives is as high as 50%. This can be attributed to testing too early as there is not yet a detectable level of antigens present even though the virus itself is present. The graph below shows the time the virus has entered the patient to when the antigens are detectable. This can be as high as four to five days. Any test administered during this time would show as negative, even though the patient, in fact, is positively infected with the virus. A molecular test, however, can detect COVID-19 RNA even while the patient is asymptomatic.

 

A graph depicting the difference in coronavirus detection between RT-PCR and Antigen tests

For this reason, antigen tests are not favored by the FDA as a single test for active infection and they suggest an additional molecular test be taken when receiving a negative result from an antigen test*. However, since the antigen testing is quicker and requires less complex technology to perform than molecular testing, frequently repeated antigen testing is considered an acceptable strategy. And like molecular testing, the false positive rate of an antigen test is near zero, so positive results from an antigen test are much more reliable than a negative result.

The technology involved in antigen testing is similar to a pregnancy test or a rapid strep test, so results are usually available in less than 15 minutes. Rapid antigen testing is good way to quickly identify if someone has a positive infection so that quarantining and contact tracing can begin sooner.

 

How can we help?

Pro Safety & Rescue is here to assist you and your company in preventing a Coronavirus outbreak and can provide large-scale rapid antigen and RT-PCR testing at your location. Contact us to find out more.

 

Testing for Past Infection

Antibody tests (also called serologic testing)

Antibody tests require blood to be drawn from the patient by a certified phlebotomist and must be done at a doctor’s office, a testing lab, or hospital.

These blood tests identify antibodies that the host body’s immune system has produced in response to the infection. While a serologic test cannot tell you if you are currently infected with the virus, it can accurately identify a past infection.

Results of a Serologic test are usually available within a few days, however, having an antibody test done too early can also lead to a false negative result because it usually takes a week or two after an infection for the host body’s immune system to produce antibodies. And while a positive serologic test proves that the patient has been exposed to the virus, it’s not yet known whether such results indicate a lack of future contagiousness, or the existence of any long-lasting protective immunity.

 

The Verdict

Deciding which test is best for you can be confusing, because the options are rapidly changing. As previously mentioned, evidence shows the molecular RT-PCR test to be the gold standard accepted by the FDA and most entities seeking a confirmed negative result. However, a regular schedule of antigen testing can be an alternative strategy for your workplace. Our team is dedicated to staying on the forefront of COVID testing and are ready 24/7 to assist you and your company in being pro-active to maintain proper health and safety for you, your employees, and your clients. Contact us to schedule a consultation. 888.269.5095

 

Much of this content was sourced from Robert H. Shmerling, MD, Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing.https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/which-test-is-best-for-covid-19-2020081020734
For more information about coronavirus and COVID-19, see the Harvard Health Publishing Coronavirus Resource Center.

 

Graph adapted from data presented by SYNLAB
https://www.synlab.com/news-publications/sars-cov-2/antigen-tests-for-sars-cov-2-detection
and America’s ER
https://americaser.com/covid19/

 

*Coronavirus Disease 2019 Testing Basics pamphlet from the FDA https://www.fda.gov/media/140161/download

Event Safety Tips

Although event safety has always been something that is necessary, lately the incentive to have a safe and well-managed event is even higher. With tragedies like the Las Vegas shooting taking us unawares, event safety is on the forefront of everyone’s minds. Attendees of a large event will appreciate seeing things like metal detectors, security, and on-site emergency medical services. As an event organizer, you have many tasks to juggle, but making event safety a top priority will allow everyone to rest a little easier and enjoy the event. Even better than having a fun event, is having an event where everyone from the attendees, to the staff members, to the talent, get home safely. Large events such as races, sporting events, concerts, and community events can be more challenging because of the sheer volume of attendees. These large events require trained staff such as security and emergency medical personnel on site. Below we will discuss some safety tips for your large event.

Have a Site Safety Plan

First things first, you need to examine your venue to see if there are any potential hazards. Are there cords that present a tripping hazard strewn about? Is there anything blocking the emergency exits? Is all of the equipment in good repair? Having a safety professional do an inspection of your venue before the event is a great way to bolster event safety. In addition to this, it is important to have a recognized chain of command and safety protocol for staff in case of emergencies. This can save a great deal of time if an emergency occurs. You should also consider things such as where security is going to be stationed, where the medical area will be, and how long will it take for an ambulance or the fire department to arrive, should their assistance be required. These are all things to consider before the event ever takes place.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Being prepared for any and every emergency can be a challenging task because the possibilities of bad things that could happen at a large event are almost endless. Although it is a big job, It is extremely important to spend some time on this and to consider and plan for any foreseeable threats. Terrorist attacks such as active shooters and bombings are, unfortunately, a thing that every large event should take into consideration. In addition to these more sinister human threats, there are things like natural disasters as well as injuries and life-threatening situations to take into account. It’s important to have a plan in place in case a serious medical emergency arises. While we cannot plan for everything, we can still do our best to be ready for anything.

Attendee Screening

Another important part of event safety is attendee screening. Screening guests before they ever enter the venue is a proactive and extremely effective security measure. This becomes even more vital if the event is free, since many free events allow anyone and everyone to walk in off the street without any sort of pre-screening process. An integral part of attendee screening is having bag checks and metal detectors. Checking bags is a way to prevent unwanted objects and substances such as non-metallic weapons, alcohol, and drugs. Metal detectors, whether they are walk-through or hand-held, are a staple in event safety because they give security the ability to catch concealed metallic weapons such as handguns and knives that could pose serious risk to event attendees.

Trained Security

Having well-trained security staff is essential for event safety. Security personnel should be equipped with radios and provided with a site map so that they are aware of the locations of all restrooms, exits, and concession stands, as well as where medical services are located. In addition to this, if there are multiple activities taking place on the premises, they should have a schedule of when and where each activity is taking place. Keeping an open line of communication with security is important. Security personnel should be in contact with, and answer to, a member of your team who you have designated to be the security manager. This clear understanding of who is in charge will eliminate confusion and help things to run much more smoothly.

Emergency Medical Personnel

No matter how well you plan an event, medical emergencies can always occur. Whether it is a person suffering from heat exhaustion at an outdoor event on a hot day, a person falling and breaking their leg, or an attendee going into cardiac arrest, having on-site emergency medical services is crucial. A team of certified emergency medical technicians can provide immediate medical care as well as basic life support before the ambulance or fire department arrive. Having EMS on-site to administer immediate CPR or AED can mean the difference between life and death in certain cases, where seconds count. Keep in mind that different regions may have slightly different protocols regarding on-site EMS for large events. Be sure to comply with regulations for your city, county, and state for on-site EMS.

Approachable On-Site EMS

Another aspect to having an effective medical team is ensuring that the team is friendly and approachable. It’s important to remember that uniformed personnel can be intimidating. Attendees should feel comfortable approaching first responders with their concerns and emergencies.

Need Help With Your Event Safety?

Event safety is an involved process and can feel a bit daunting at times. With so many potential things that could go wrong, it is important to enlist the help of professionals. We are here to guide and assist you through the process. Safety is our specialty. Pro Safety & Rescue inc. offers a variety of safety solutions including On-Site Emergency Medical Services, safety program development, safety inspections to assess your venue or existing safety plan, and much more. Contact us now to see how we can best serve you to ensure that your next large event has the utmost in safety and On-site EMS.

Why Construction Safety is Important

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields to work in. It is an industry where many workers are exposed to hazards on the jobsite daily. In fact, over 20% of all workplace deaths in private industry in America are in the construction industry. Because of this, it is important to have good construction safety practices. According to OSHA statistics, 2018 saw 1,008 construction worker fatalities. Many of these tragic fatalities are caused by what are known as construction’s “Fatal Four”.

The Fatal Four

Aside from highway collisions, these “Fatal Four” are responsible for almost 60% of all deaths in the construction industry. Greater awareness on the jobsite as well as better safety practices could prevent hundreds of deaths every year.

Falls

Construction work is often performed in high locations with a considerable drop. A fall from scaffolding, a ladder, or a rooftop can often mean death. Falls make up 33.5% of construction deaths. It is important for employers to have a good fall-prevention program in place for each unique jobsite.

Struck by an Object

The next leading cause of construction worker death is being struck by an object at 11.1%. This includes falling objects or building materials as well as suspended loads from cranes coming loose. In addition, being struck by heavy machinery in motion falls into this category. Because of these hazards, it is imperative that employees observe strict safety guidelines.

Electrocutions

Electrocutions are responsible for 8.5% of construction worker deaths. Contact with power lines and other energized sources such as exposed wires or defective equipment can cause the human body to act as a conductor. Because of this, it is vital that workers stay alert when working around potential electrical hazards.

Caught in/Between

Caught in/between deaths account for 5.5% of construction fatalities and include workers being caught in or crushed by heavy equipment or objects. It also encompasses employees killed in collapsing structures. Employees should take care when in the vicinity of or operating heavy machinery. In addition to this, having employees observing proper demolition safety etiquette is crucial.

Things to Consider and Prevention

Now that we have discussed the most common safety hazards, let’s talk about how to prevent them. It’s important to keep in mind that no two jobsites will be the same. Because of this, supervisors and employees alike should be well trained to adhere to the program. After all, if you have a safety program, but nobody follows it, it won’t do much good. Beyond having well trained employees, having a fresh set of eyes is always a good thing. Having regular worksite inspections and audits by a qualified safety professional is a great way to bolster construction site safety.

Safety for the Public

Keep in mind that construction workers aren’t the only people who could be in danger due to unsafe practices in a construction site. Many construction sites are in or around public areas. Because of this, it’s important to keep the safety of the general public in mind too. One example that we all experience often is road construction zones. If workers did not follow proper safety protocol such as putting up cones and signs as well as directing traffic, both the workers and motorists would be in a great deal of danger.

Getting Started

Getting started with a safety program may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a few simple steps that you can begin doing today to make construction safety a part of your company culture. If you adopt and adhere to these principles, they are sure to take your a long way.

Make Safety Your Top Priority

Let your workers know that their safety is your top priority. Be diligent to keep your work zones incident free. It is good business practice and your employees and clients will appreciate it.

Set an Example

Make sure you always adhere to proper safety practices. The “do as I say, not as I do” approach is never a good way to inspire employees’ adherence to safety rules.

Employee Training

Safety training for employees is essential to establish a safe workplace. People cannot do what they have not learned to do. Having a workforce of employees who are trained and knowledgeable in proper safety practices is one of the best things you can do to protect everyone on the jobsite.

Encourage Reporting

Make sure employees are able report potential hazards or unsafe practices without fear of any sort of retaliation. Allowing for anonymous reporting is a good way to do this.

Regular Inspections

Perform inspections of jobsites or hire a safety professional to perform regular inspections or audits. These inspections should not be a source of stress, dread, or a time for people to get in trouble. Rather use them as educational moments to help people learn and grow in their safety knowledge. This is a great way to continually reinforce and cement safe work practices for every employee on the jobsite.

Plan for Emergencies

Come up with plans for any foreseeable emergencies so that everyone knows what to do. A little preparation goes a long way. One example where this type of preparation can save lives is when dealing with confined spaces.

Always Strive to Improve

Regularly reassess and, when applicable, update your safety protocol. It is good to have a qualified safety professional review your plan to ensure that there is nothing you have missed.

The Bottom Line

Having good construction safety practices benefits everyone. For the business owner, it means less worker’s compensation claims and other loss associated with workplace injuries as well as a reputation as a professional company that cares for its employees and the community. For employees it means having a safer workplace and an employer that demonstrates regard for their wellbeing. For the public, it means that they are protected from construction hazards by proper signage and site boundaries.

We Can Help

Pro Safety & Rescue is here to help you establish a quality safety program that fits your needs. We offer a wide variety of construction safety solutions including on-site safety professionals, inspections and audits, safety training, behavior based safety, as well as writing and managing contractor safety programs. Contact us now to learn more.

Further Reading

Due to the high-risk nature of construction work, OSHA has a lot of useful information on this topic. Below are a couple of useful resources that pertain to construction safety. https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3886.pdf https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/construction/focus_four/

Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): How to Stay Safe

Everyone has been talking about the coronavirus lately, and for good reason. It seems to have come upon us overnight with many people seriously ill or dead. We at Pro Safety & Rescue thought it would be a good idea to put out some information in order to help you and your loved ones to stay safe. All information we will share in this blog post is from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and current as of the date of this post. It is, however, a good idea to stay up to date on the facts as doctors and scientists discover more about this coronavirus. You can find the links to the WHO and CDC websites posted at the bottom of this blog for the most up to date information.

What is a novel coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that infect both humans and animals. Some cause illnesses in people such as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), and even the common cold. A novel coronavirus simply means that this particular strain of coronavirus is novel or “new”, as far as we know. It is the first time scientists have seen this coronavirus in humans.

Where did this coronavirus originate?

This novel coronavirus, (2019-nCoV), first popped up in Wuhan city in the Hubei Province of China in December 2019. Since then it has spread throughout the world. China as well as many other countries are doing everything they can to stop the spread of this virus.It is unconfirmed just where the virus came from, but scientists believe it was first transmitted to a human from an animal. 

What are the symptoms?

The main observed symptoms are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing

There have been reports of a range of severity to symptoms, with some people having rather mild cases and others getting very ill and even dying.

Who is susceptible to getting sick?

Everyone has potential to catch 2019-nCoV, though elderly people and those with preexisting conditions such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes appear to be at a higher risk for getting severely sick.

How do I protect myself?

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself and others from the spread of the virus:

Wash your hands

 Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. Do this any time you have been in public or touched an object that is frequently touched by others like a door handle.

Cover your nose and mouth 

Make sure you cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue then dispose of the tissue in the trash. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterwards.

Social distancing

Don’t get into close contact with people who are sick. The CDC recommends keeping a distance of 6 feet between yourself and anyone that has symptoms.

If you’re sick, stay home

If you have any symptoms such as cough, fever, or difficulty breathing, stay home. It’s important to focus on getting better. With the coronavirus scare, your co-workers will appreciate you not going to work and getting them sick. In addition, if you have these symptoms, It’s a good idea to seek medical assistance as quickly as possible. It may not be the coronavirus, but better safe than sorry. 

Don’t touch eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

This is important as a general rule to keep from getting sick. It’s important to be even more careful with the added threat of the coronavirus.

Don’t eat raw or undercooked animal products 

Avoid raw or undercooked animal products such as meat and milk. Wash your hands after handling any such animal products.

Practice good hygiene when visiting markets with animal products or live animals 

Avoid touching sick or stray animals. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before eating or touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Should I wear a facemask?

The CDC has said that facemasks should be used for people who are contagious and people who are working with them such as medical staff. The CDC does not recommend that the general public who are well wear facemasks. If you are an EMS worker providing assistance to anyone who has coronavirus symptoms, make sure to wear the proper PPE as well as notify your supervisor.

If someone has the coronavirus, how long until symptoms appear?

According to WHO, the incubation period of 2019-nCoV is anywhere from 1 to 14 days, with median estimates of 5-6 days.

Are infected people with no symptoms contagious?

At this time it is believed that people who don’t show symptoms still could be contagious, However, based on the available data, it appears that people with symptoms are doing most of the spreading of the disease.

Can my pets get sick with and spread the coronavirus?

According to WHO, there is no there is no evidence that pets and companion animals such as dogs and cats can be infected with the new coronavirus. That being said, its always a good idea to wash your hands after touching animals to remove common bacteria such as salmonella.

Is there a cure?

As of yet there is no cure for 2019-nCoV. That being said, people who are infected with the virus can receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention early. This will allow for medical staff to give you the best supportive care available to help your body fight the illness.

Stay informed, stay safe

Pro Safety & Rescue wants everyone to stay healthy and safe. Find us on social media for more safety tips and ideas. For more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019

A Crash Course on Confined Spaces and Confined Space Training

Many occupations require employees to spend some amount of time working in confined spaces. It is important for business owners to understand what unique potential hazards exist in any confined space that people will be required to enter. In addition to this, having a good understanding of OSHA regulations and what types of training you and your employees should have before entering into a confined space is key.

What is a confined space?

A confined space is an area with limited or restricted means of entry or exit. In addition to this, it must be large enough for a person to enter and perform work, but not intended for continuous occupancy. Some examples of confined spaces include tanks, underground vaults, diked areas, silos, and manholes. Often times, employees working in confined spaces face a higher risk of serious injury or death from any combination of hazardous atmospheric conditions, engulfment and entrapment. Because of this, performing work in certain types of confined spaces without proper training is illegal.

Permit-required confined spaces

According to OSHA, a permit-required confined space is a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics:

  • Contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere
  • Contains a material with the potential to engulf someone who enters the space
  • Has an internal configuration that might cause an entrant to be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a 3 floor that slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross section
  • Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazards.

Non-permit confined spaces

These are areas that, although considered confined spaces, do not contain the hazards mentioned above. Because of this, they do not require permits for employees to enter, however workplaces with these types of confined spaces must still have a good safety plan in place. It’s important for workers who enter these places to consistently exercise caution.

Your responsibility as an employer

As an employer, you are responsible for your employees’ safety. If any of your employees work in a permit-required confined space, you must have a written safety program for the space. Some of the requirements of this written program include:

  • Identifying and evaluating hazards before allowing employees to enter
  • Putting up signs and preventing unauthorized entry
  • Testing atmospheric conditions of the space and monitoring it during entry
  • Provide employees with the necessary personal protective equipment as well as any other equipment needed for safe entry and exit.
  • Have at least one attendant posted outside the space while people are inside
  • Have a well-defined plan for professional rescue and EMS in case of emergency.

Find a more exhaustive list here: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3138.pdf

Who needs confined space training?

Anyone who is going to be working in a permit-required confined space must have the proper safety training. Furthermore, employers must evaluate employees after this training. This helps ensure that employees have a good understanding of what they learned and are able to perform their duties safely. Be aware that if any of the following changes occur, more training is necessary.

  • Employee’s duties change
  • A change occurs in the permit space, including any new hazard
  • The employee’s performance on the job diminishes in any way

Authorized entrant

Any person who is required to go into a permit-required confined space must be an authorized entrant. It is of vital importance that all of these people:

  • Know potential hazards in the space
  • Recognize symptoms of any harmful exposure
  • Wear appropriate PPE
  • Stay in contact with attendants who are monitoring them

Attendant

The duty of the attendant is remain outside of the permit space and monitor those inside. For this reason, it is a position of the utmost importance. The attendant must be trained, trustworthy and professional in order to properly protect the lives of those inside. The attendant’s duties include: Being aware of all workers in the space and staying in communication with them Performing non-entry rescues if appropriate with the company rescue procedures Knowing all potential hazards in the space and how they can affect those inside Order evacuation of the space when conditions inside or outside make being inside unsafe Notify rescue and other emergency services when necessary Keep unauthorized people out

Entry supervisor

Entry supervisors have a very important job. They are the ones that make sure everyone follows the rules around confined spaces. They are responsible for:

  • Knowing all potential hazards in the space and how they can affect those inside
  • Making sure an emergency plan is in place before anyone enters
  • Making sure that all appropriate entry conditions such as proper equipment, permits, tests, and procedures are met by everyone in and around the space.
  • Restrict access when operations in the space are completed or if there is a change in conditions.
  • Making sure rescue and emergency services are available and able to be reached.
  • Have systems in place to remove unauthorized people from the space
  • Make sure all workers in and around the space are adhering to the appropriate safety procedures.

Rescue service personnel

It is important to have a trained rescue team in case of emergency. This rescue team must be able to respond quickly. Depending on the conditions of the confined space, rescue personnel must either be on-site or on standby and able to respond within minutes. All rescue service people must be trained in CPR and first aid. In addition to this, they must have all necessary PPE and rescue equipment. They must be versed in authorized entrant training as well as rescue procedure for the specific space. They also must perform yearly practice for rescue procedures in the space.

Need help with confined space training or a rescue team?

Let us help you. Our team of safety and rescue professionals can guide you through every step of creating and maintaining a safe work environment. We can design a safety program for your workplace. as well as provide confined space training and rescue services. Our rescue team is available for round the clock assistance. Contact us or learn more about confined space rescue.

Additional resources

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/confinedspaces/hazards_solutions.html

To contact OSHA

To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek OSHA advice, assistance, or products, call (800) 321-OSHA

Another Chance at Life: Cardiac Arrest Survivor is Thankful for the Team Who Brought Him Back

“A series of very fortunate events” is how EMS Program Director Arnold Thomas of Pro Safety & Rescue described what took place at Mechanics Bank Arena on Saturday, January 18th. Richard Martinez was visiting from out of town for a funeral, ironically, and didn’t want to stay cooped up in his hotel room. But when he decided to go to the Condors hockey game that night, he had no idea the decision would probably save his life. Richard and his wife Corinne showed up to the game. She went inside, but he realized he needed to make a quick trip to the car. It might have been the last time the couple of forty-five years ever saw each other. On the way back from the car Richard experienced a strange feeling. Something wasn’t right in his chest. He was suddenly feeling bad, nauseous even, and he went to lean against a wall near a parking attendant who offered him a chair. “I’m not feeling well,” he told her. “You don’t look so good,” she confirmed and radioed for help. Soon, the on-site EMS were outside. The EMTs on duty that night were Chris Ramirez, Thomas Smith, Megan Vanducci, and Christopher King of Pro Safety & Rescue. The team started to talk with Richard, but less than a minute into the conversation he looked at lead EMT Chris Ramirez and said, “Something’s not right,” then lost consciousness. They checked his pulse and found that he was in full cardiac arrest! Immediately they started CPR, cut off his shirt to attach the AED, and called local EMS agencies. The AED instructed not to touch the patient because a shock was advised. After the shock was delivered the team continued CPR. It is very rare for a person who goes into cardiac arrest to ever wake up again, but after about a minute of CPR, Richard came to! He was alert and started to talk to the team and answer their questions. As they continued their assessment, Richard started to get fuzzy again; he was fading. The AED delivered another shock and he woke up a second time! By then, the ambulance and fire department were on the scene and the team handed Richard over to the ambulance crew who took him to Adventist Health Bakersfield. It was indeed a series of very fortunate events that night. “They were so attentive and they were working together so closely as a team,” said Richard’s wife Corinne Martinez about Pro Safety & Rescue’s EMTs. “It was difficult to see my husband like that, but they brought him back.” Had Richard passed out moments earlier while he was at his car, it likely would have been too late before anyone noticed him. As it was, the extra moments he was alert and able to get into the company of the parking attendant saved his life. Another happy coincidence was that there happened to be two events going on at the Mechanics Bank Arena that night and so, for a thirty minute window, there were two teams of EMTs on site. Having the extra hands helped the Pro Safety and Rescue team to begin CPR, initiate the AED process, and contact the local EMS agencies with the utmost speed. In the following days, members of Pro Safety & Rescue’s EMS team met with Richard and Corinne Martinez. There were hugs and the sense of gratitude for life in the room was palpable. Corinne explained that she and Richard had been married for forty-five years, and thanks to the EMTs on duty, they could continue their life together for more years to come. The couple was thankful for the little things that many of us take for granted, one of which was the chance to watch the 49ers game together. It was a heartwarming time and only days after the incident, Richard was in good spirits and even standing to get pictures with the EMTs who saved his life. He invited them to come fishing with him, which they agreed to do. Then he assured them was serious; he wasn’t just saying it to be polite. He really wanted them to come fishing with him. Sounds like a fishing trip is on the horizon! The couple couldn’t say enough good things about the people who saved Richard’s life. “They have it dialed in,” said Richard. “and we appreciate them so much—my grandkids appreciate them so much! Everybody there in Bakersfield, from the people who worked the parking structure, to the people at Pro Safety & Rescue. They’re like my sons and daughters now, in my heart they are. They’ll always be a part of me.” Cases like Richard’s are very rare, and for the few people who do wake up, recovery is often quite a bit slower. A story like this, such a series of fortunate events, is something to be celebrated. Pro Safety & Rescue’s EMS team take pride in the fact that they did their job well and as a result, Richard Martinez, a beloved husband and grandfather, was given another chance at life.

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I have nothing but wonderful experiences working with Pro Safety & Rescue, Inc. Whenever we need them, even last minute, they are there for us ready to work.

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