Magen David Adom is prepared for winter and the colder weather expected to face many areas of Israel this week. MDA is prepared to tend to emergencies of people hurt as a result of the colder weather. MDA Director-General, Eli Bin, has instructed teams operation on the field to take several precautions in order to remain as highly prepared as possible to provide rapid, professional and full emergency medicine services to anyone in need.

MDA Director-General, Eli Bin: “With the beginning of winter, we ask the public to remain cautious in order to avoid accidents and injuries caused as a result of the cold weather, rain and strong winds. As in every year, MDA is prepared for any case and scenario. I call the public to pay special attention to the elderly, especially those who reside alone, and make sure they are protected against the cold and rainy weather. We call the public to assist anyone and call MDA teams at any time of need. For any medical emergency call MDA at the 101 emergency line, MDA EMTs and paramedics at the dispatch venter will quickly answer your call and provide rapid and professional response. I wish a warm and safe winter to the general public.”

Following the weather shift, MDA shares various safety guidelines for a safer winter, in order to learn how to protect ourselves and our loved ones at home, while on the street and more.

To Avoid Bodily Injuries: In case of a power shortage, for patients connected to respiratory machines at their homes, ensure that backup batteries are available and prepared for use.

Strong Winds: While strong winds blow around Israel, many objects may detach from their placement. Ensure to fasten objects found outdoors that may blow in the wind. Beware when opening and closing windows as they may slam due to the strong wind.

Electric and Heating Devices:

Carbon Oxide poisoning is lethal. The gas may emit due to use of a stove or coal-based heating devices. The gas lacks color and smell, and isn’t noticeable prior to the appearance of poisoning symptoms. Follow the following safety guidelines:

– Ventilation –ventilate and ensure air circulation while using heating devices

– Prevent a fire – keep heating devices based on fire away from flammable objects, do not leave clothes to dry over such devices and make sure the electricity socket being used is in order. Keep away from the accessibility of children.

– Keep electric devices away from water (especially in the kitchen and bath)

– Do not leave electric devices on while you sleep

– Poisoning symptoms: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, a general bad feeling. In severe cases – loss of consciousness. This is a dangerous emergency situation.

– Alertness can save lives! In case these symptoms appear, immediately shut down the heating device, ventilate the house and call MDA using the 101 emergency line or “My MDA” mobile app

Body Heat of the Elderly, Babies and the Disabled:

Make sure to dress the elderly, babies and the disabled appropriately in light clothing that allows movement that creates heat. Cover them with a light blanker and make sure the room is at 24 degrees Celsius. Attention – do not cover babies with many layers or a heavy blanket as it may cause asphyxiation. Additionally, do not leave objects in the baby’s. Signs of decrease body temperature: decreased functioning, confusion, decrease appetite or thirst, change in behavior and sleepiness. If these symptoms begin to show, immediately call MDA using the 101 emergency line or “My MDA” mobile app.

Safe Driving: On especially rainy days, roads are slippery and drivers face a risk of sliding even when driving slowly. Pay attention to steam that accumulates on the windshield and may block the driver’s view. The avoid that, allow ventilation in the vehicle and defrost constantly. Drivers must drive with the lights on. Additionally, pulling over at the side of the road is prohibited and dangerous, only stop in designated areas. Pay special attention to pedestrians and give the right ahead – especially children near educational institutes. Additionally, do not drive into puddles even if they do not seem deep. Vehicles may drift easily in flooded areas and the driver may lose control over the vehicle. Do not remain in the car in the cold in order to avoid falling asleep and suffering from hypothermia.

Injuries Resulting from Cold Weather: Here’s how you can provide preliminary treatment to individuals hurt as a result of the cold weather.

Hypothermia:

– High risk groups: elderly, babies, alcoholics, homeless, soldiers and athletes

– Major symptoms: decreased consciousness, strange behavior, decreased discretion, trembling, slow pulse, decreased motor control, slow breathing pace, pale and blue skin

– Treatment: in case the patient is wet change their clothes and warm them up. In any case, the patient must be dressed, dry and warm.

Cold Frosts:

– Signs: cold limbs, pain, numbness.

– Treatment: defrost organs with warm water, fixation of the organ. Do not massage the organ.

In any case of unusual behavior or suspicious signs, immediately call MDA using the “My MDA” mobile app or dial 101 to reach MDA’s emergency line and adhere to the instructions of the EMTs and paramedics at the dispatch center until the arrival of a team to the scene.

If one downloads the “My MDA” mobile app, one has direct contact the EMTs and paramedics at the emergency dispatch center and it shares one’s precise location with MDA teams.

Anyone can download the app (free of charge) and plug in valuable medical data into the in-app mini medical record such as: chronic diseases, allergies, sensitivity to medication, ECG, previous illnesses and more. The app allows the speaking and hearing impaired to easily call for help by text messaging with the EMTs and paramedics at the MDA dispatch center.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)