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Guilford County EMS is committed to being an active force in Guilford County when it comes to promoting injury prevention programs and public health and safety awareness. We have a number of educational programs that are directed toward specific age groups. Within the school systems we offer “How to Call 9-1-1” and “When to Make the Right Call” for pre-school age and higher. Informational sessions on career opportunities with EMS are available at the high schools as part of a planned Career Day or on an as needed basis.
Our organization is committed to saving the lives of children through our child safety seat inspections and bike safety programs. Certified child passenger safety technicians are available Monday - Friday for child safety seat checks/installations. Call 641-7565 to make an appointment. Child passenger seat safety and bicycle safety are provided in conjunction with SAFE Guilford. Please check the SAFE Guilford website at www.safeguilford.org for additional information.
Senior citizens of our community can benefit from our fall prevention class called Matter of Balance. This program is designed to help older adults reduce their fear of falling thereby enhancing activity levels through physical exercise. Health related topics such as recognizing signs and symptoms of stroke and heart attacks, heat related and diabetic emergencies are a few of the programs we offer to our senior population. Do You Know the Warning Signs & Symptoms of… Stroke - Sudden weakness or numbness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side
- Loss of partial or full sight in one or both eyes
- Difficulty talking or understanding other people, confusion
- Sudden severe headache
- Dizziness, loss of balance or coordination or trouble walking
Call 911 RIGHT AWAY
Heart Attack - Chest discomfort –pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain
- Discomfort other areas – one or both arm, back, neck, jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY
Cold Weather Emergency – Hypothermia - Older adults can lose body heat very fast and a big chill can turn into a dangerous problem called hypothermia. This is what happens when your body temperature gets too low. Here are a few steps to lower your chances of getting hypothermia.
- Dress warmly, even if you are staying indoors. Wear lose layers outdoors that include a hat, gloves and scarf when outdoors.
- Set your thermostat to 68 degrees or higher.
- Keep active, eat properly.
- Talk with your doctor about health problems and medications that may make it harder to keep warm.
- If you live alone have a relative, friend or neighbor check on you daily.
Signs & Symptoms of Hypothermia:
*Impaired coordination, stumbling, clumsiness
*Confusion, disorientation, irrational behavior
*Slurred speech
*Cold, pale skin
* Shivering
*Sleepiness
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – The “silent killer”, odorless and cannot be seen - Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea/vomiting
- Cyanosis
- Confusion, lethargic, disoriented
- Seizures
- Unresponsive
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY
Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke - Hyperthermia
Practice heat safety measures. Do not spend too much time in the hot sun…do outside work during early morning or late evening hours. Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothes. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Keep well hydrated.
Heat Exhaustion - Fatigue, weakness, nausea, headache
- Thirst
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Confusion, anxiety, agitation
- Drenching sweats often accompanied by cold, clammy skin
- Slow or weak pulse
- Dizziness, fainting
Heat exhaustion requires medical attention but is not usually life threatening
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY
Heat Stroke - Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Vertigo
- Fatigue
- Hot, flushed, dry skin
- Rapid heart rate
- Decreased sweating and urination
- Shortness of breath
- Increased body temperature (104-106 degrees)
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Seizures
Heat stroke can occur suddenly without symptoms of heat exhaustion
Call 911 IMMEDIATELY
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