Tag: omaha

In any city, workplace safety is a critical concern — and Omaha is no exception. From downtown office towers to bustling warehouse districts, emergencies can strike unexpectedly. Whether you’re an employee, manager, or business owner, being prepared can make all the difference. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common workplace emergencies in Omaha and how you can respond effectively.

1. Severe Weather (Tornadoes and Winter Storms)

Why it’s relevant in Omaha:
Omaha is located in Tornado Alley and regularly faces severe thunderstorms, hail, and even blizzards during winter. Tornadoes are a real threat from spring through early summer, and snowstorms can cripple operations in colder months.

How to Respond:

• Have a weather emergency plan in place. Know the location of your storm shelter or designated safe areas within the building.
• Monitor local alerts from the National Weather Service or apps like CodeRED (used by Douglas County).
• Practice drills regularly so employees know how to act fast when sirens go off.
• Keep an emergency kit stocked with essentials like flashlights, radios, and first aid supplies.

2. Medical Emergencies

Why it’s relevant in Omaha:
With a diverse and aging workforce, medical incidents such as heart attacks, strokes, or allergic reactions can happen at any job site — from corporate offices near Aksarben Village to industrial zones in South Omaha.

How to Respond:

• Train employees in basic first aid and CPR. Organizations like the Red Cross offer frequent training sessions in Omaha.
• Keep AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) accessible and ensure staff know how to use them.
• Have a clear incident response protocol — including how to call 911, who will guide emergency personnel, and how to report the event internally.

3. Fires and Gas Leaks

Why it’s relevant in Omaha:
Older buildings in Midtown and warehouse facilities in North Omaha may have outdated electrical or gas systems. Fire hazards can stem from overloaded outlets, industrial equipment, or even kitchen appliances.

How to Respond:

• Install and maintain fire alarms and extinguishers. Test them regularly.
• Conduct fire drills twice a year — the Omaha Fire Department can help review your safety plans.
• Train staff to shut off gas lines and evacuate calmly and quickly.
• Ensure clear access to emergency exits at all times.

4. Active Shooter or Workplace Violence

Why it’s relevant in Omaha:
Unfortunately, workplace violence is a rising concern nationwide. Schools, offices, and even medical centers in Omaha have recognized the need for stronger prevention and response plans.

How to Respond:

• Implement a zero-tolerance policy for threats or violence.
• Conduct active shooter training (e.g., “Run. Hide. Fight.”) and invite local law enforcement to lead workshops.
• Establish clear reporting channels for suspicious behavior.
• Consider offering mental health resources to employees through local providers or EAPs.

5. Chemical Spills or Hazardous Materials

Why it’s relevant in Omaha:
With a strong manufacturing and agricultural sector, many Omaha-area businesses deal with hazardous materials — from cleaning agents to industrial chemicals.

How to Respond:

• Use Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensure all employees know where to find them.
• Train staff on spill response procedures and proper PPE (personal protective equipment).
• Partner with local organizations like the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) for training and compliance updates.

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Final Thoughts

Emergencies can happen anywhere, but in Omaha, being prepared is part of being a responsible member of the community. Whether you’re working in a skyscraper in downtown or on the production floor in Sarpy County, having an emergency response plan in place could save lives.

Take time today to review your organization’s procedures — and make sure every employee feels empowered, educated, and ready to respond. Be sure to contact us today when you are ready to get certified in first aid and CPR!

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid are critical life-saving skills that every workplace should prioritize. Despite the increasing importance of workplace safety, there are still numerous myths and misconceptions about what CPR and First Aid really entail. These myths can deter people from getting trained or, worse, cause them to mismanage a critical situation when help is needed the most.

Let’s dive into some of the most common myths surrounding CPR and First Aid in the workplace—and debunk them once and for all!

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Myth 1: CPR is Too Complicated and Only for Medical Professionals

The Truth:
One of the most common misconceptions about CPR is that it’s too complex for an average person to perform, or that it requires medical expertise. While CPR is certainly a skill that requires some training, it’s not as difficult as many people think. The basics—chest compressions and rescue breaths—are simple to learn, and can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.

In fact, many CPR courses now focus on “hands-only” CPR, which only requires chest compressions and doesn’t involve mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This method has been shown to be just as effective as traditional CPR, and it removes a barrier that might prevent people from helping in a crisis.

Heartland Safety and Wellness offers accredited CPR courses that are straightforward and accessible. With just a few hours of training, you’ll be ready to act in case of an emergency.

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Myth 2: First Aid is Only for Major Emergencies

The Truth:
First Aid is a broad set of skills that cover a wide range of situations, from minor cuts and burns to more severe injuries. Many people think of First Aid as something reserved only for serious accidents, like broken bones or heart attacks, but it’s actually helpful for far more everyday situations.

For instance, if someone at work gets a paper cut, a First Aid-trained individual would know how to properly clean and dress the wound to avoid infection. Similarly, if a colleague experiences a mild allergic reaction or a small burn from a hot cup of coffee, First Aid knowledge can be crucial in managing the situation and preventing it from worsening.

By understanding and implementing basic First Aid, workers can address everyday injuries and provide immediate care before professional help arrives.

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Myth 3: If You Call for Help, You Don’t Need to Do Anything Else

The Truth:
While it’s important to call for medical assistance when needed, waiting for professional help without taking action can be dangerous—especially in the case of severe injuries or heart attacks. Seconds count in emergencies, and CPR or First Aid can make a huge difference while waiting for emergency responders to arrive.

For example, in cases of cardiac arrest, every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by about 10%. Immediate chest compressions can double or even triple the chances of survival. Knowing how to provide first response actions while waiting for medical professionals can literally save lives.

It’s also worth noting that certain workplace environments (like construction sites or remote offices) may have delayed access to emergency services. Having employees trained in First Aid and CPR ensures a quicker response in these situations.

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Myth 4: CPR Always Requires Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

The Truth:
The thought of giving mouth-to-mouth can be intimidating for many people, leading them to hesitate when someone needs CPR. However, recent guidelines have made it clear that “hands-only” CPR can be just as effective, especially in cases where the rescuer is unwilling or unable to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in most cases.

In fact, when a person suffers a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, the majority of the oxygen in their body is still present in the bloodstream for the first several minutes. Therefore, chest compressions alone are often enough to help circulate that oxygen and keep the brain and heart alive while waiting for professional help.

If you are comfortable giving rescue breaths and trained to do so, you should, of course, continue to do so. However, the main takeaway here is that the act of performing CPR—whether it’s hands-only or with rescue breaths—can make a life-saving difference.

An exception to this is drowning victims. They require ventilations to increase their chance of survival!

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Myth 5: First Aid and CPR Skills Don’t Need to Be Updated

The Truth:
Medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and so are the techniques for performing CPR and First Aid. Just as your workplace needs to stay current with safety protocols, your First Aid and CPR training needs regular refreshers. CPR certifications should be renewed every two years to ensure that you’re up-to-date on the latest techniques and guidelines.

Workplaces should also regularly assess the need for First Aid equipment and training, as changes in workplace environment or personnel may require different emergency response protocols. Having current training and readily available First Aid kits ensures your team is prepared for any situation.

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Conclusion: Why CPR and First Aid Training Are Crucial for Every Workplace

Workplace safety isn’t just about preventing accidents—it’s about being prepared when the unexpected happens. Understanding the facts about CPR and First Aid can help create a safer environment for everyone. The myths around these life-saving skills often lead to hesitation, confusion, or inaction when it matters most. By debunking these myths and promoting training in your workplace, you empower employees to take action when a crisis strikes.

Remember: CPR and First Aid are for everyone, not just medical professionals. The more people who are trained, the safer the workplace will be for everyone involved. So, don’t let myths keep you from being a part of the solution. Get trained today, and be ready to make a difference when it matters most.

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Have you or your workplace undergone CPR and First Aid training? Contact us today to schedule training!

Accidents happen—even in the safest homes and schools. Teaching children basic first aid skills not only prepares them for emergencies but also empowers them to take action with confidence and calm. While young kids aren’t expected to respond like adults, age-appropriate first aid education can make a real difference.

Here are the essential first aid skills every child should know:

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1. How to Call for Help

The most important first aid skill a child can learn is knowing how and when to get help.

Teach your child to:

• Call 911 (or your country’s emergency number)
• Know their full name, address, and a parent’s phone number
• Speak clearly and calmly to emergency responders

Tip: Role-play emergency call scenarios so your child gets comfortable with the idea.

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2. Treating Small Cuts and Scrapes

Kids are always getting minor injuries. Teach them how to keep small wounds clean and safe.

Steps they should know:

• Wash hands first (or use sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available)
• Rinse the wound with clean water
• Apply antiseptic (if available)
• Use a bandage or plaster to cover the wound

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3. What to Do If Someone is Bleeding

Understanding how to help someone who’s bleeding can be life-saving.

Basic instructions:

• Call for help or alert an adult
• Apply firm pressure using a clean cloth or gauze
• Keep the injured part elevated (if possible)

Important: They should never touch open wounds without protection, so keep gloves in your first aid kit.

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4. Choking First Aid (For Kids 8+)

Older children can learn how to help someone who is choking, and how to prevent choking hazards themselves.

What to do:

• Encourage the person to cough
• If they can’t breathe or talk, call for help immediately
• Tell an adult right away or perform the Heimlich maneuver if trained

Also: Teach them not to give food or small toys to babies or toddlers.

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5. Recognizing Allergic Reactions

Even if your child doesn’t have allergies, they should know the signs in case a friend does.

Symptoms to watch for:

• Swelling of the face or tongue
• Difficulty breathing
• Rash or hives
• Dizziness or fainting

What to do:

• Tell an adult right away
• If they’re trained, they can help someone use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen)

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6. Burn Safety and First Aid

Burns are common at home—especially in the kitchen.

Steps for minor burns:

• Run cool (not ice-cold) water over the burn for 10–15 minutes
• Never apply butter or toothpaste!
• Cover loosely with a clean bandage
• Tell an adult immediately

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7. Staying Calm in Emergencies

Children often look to adults for cues in emergencies—but sometimes they’ll be the first on the scene.

Ways to teach calmness:

• Practice deep breathing
• Rehearse emergency scenarios
• Use books, videos, or classes to familiarize them with first aid basics

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Make It Fun and Age-Appropriate

Use games, stories, or songs to help reinforce first aid skills. For older children, consider enrolling them in a certified basic first aid course offered by the Red Cross or a local safety organization.

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Final Thoughts

Teaching children basic first aid doesn’t just prepare them for emergencies—it builds confidence, responsibility, and compassion. By giving them these tools early in life, you’re helping to create safer communities and more capable future adults.

Start small, practice often, and lead by example.

For a diabetic emergency, particularly when someone is experiencing either hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), the following steps can be taken:

1. Assess the Situation: Approach the person calmly and assess the situation. Determine if the person is conscious and responsive.
2. Check Blood Sugar Levels: If the person is conscious and able to communicate, ask if they have a glucose meter and if they have checked their blood sugar levels recently. If not, and if you have access to a glucose meter, you may check their blood sugar level if they consent.
3. Recognize Symptoms:
   • Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Symptoms may include confusion, dizziness, sweating, weakness, trembling, irritability, or loss of consciousness.
   • Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar): Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, fruity-smelling breath, nausea, vomiting, or confusion.
4. If Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):
   • Give them a fast-acting carbohydrate source immediately, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, honey, or sugar candies.
   • Avoid foods with fat as they can delay the absorption of sugar.
   • Recheck their blood sugar after 15 minutes. If it remains low, repeat the treatment.
5. If Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar):
   • Encourage the person to drink water to stay hydrated.
   • Monitor their condition closely. If they have high blood sugar levels and exhibit symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening complication of diabetes, seek medical help immediately.
6. Stay with the Person: Monitor their condition closely. If they become unconscious, call emergency services immediately.
7. Seek Medical Help if Necessary: If the person’s condition doesn’t improve or if they lose consciousness, call emergency services immediately.
8. Provide Support: Offer reassurance and support to the person throughout the process.

Remember, it’s crucial to act promptly and seek medical assistance if needed, especially if the person is unconscious or if their condition doesn’t improve with initial treatment. If you’re unsure about the appropriate steps to take, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional medical help. For more information, be sure to take a first aid course!

Quickly providing care to a victim who is in respiratory or cardiac arrest is very important. Allowing too much time to pass before care is provided can make the difference if a victim survives respiratory and cardiac arrest.  Some lifeguard programs advocate providing ventilations in the water before the victim is removed. This is based on guidelines from the 2011 United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition.

With that stated, the 2011 USLSC clearly states the survival rate is increased in open water settings.  The studies cited advocating in-water ventilations were conducted in open-water settings where victims were minutes away from shore.  No research has been shown (or done that we can find) to show in-water ventilations improves outcomes for drowning victims in swimming pools.  Unless you are a lifeguard with specific training in this skill, responders should remove the victim from the water and provide care.

If you employed by a facility and are operating within the standard of care that has sufficient staff trained to properly remove a victim from the water, we cannot see the time spent providing in-water ventilations vs removing a victim and providing care to have a meaningful improved outcome.  This makes the skill unnecessary in a pool setting.  Care can certainly be provided more effectively on land-especially for CPR and airway management. 

A more updated review of in-water ventilations, as well as, other resuscitation interventions for drownings, have found the efficacy of in-water ventilations to be inconclusive.  In fact, the study most cited by advocates of the skill from Brazil “was assessed as providing very low certainty evidence.”

For more information, be sure to take a CPR class today!

Hands-only CPR, also known as compression-only CPR, is a method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that focuses solely on chest compressions without the incorporation of rescue breaths. It’s designed to simplify the process of CPR for untrained bystanders in case of an emergency. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends hands-only CPR in certain situations, particularly for adults who suddenly collapse in an “out-of-hospital” setting. Here’s a brief guide on how to perform it:

1. Check the Scene and the Person: Ensure the scene is safe before approaching the person. Check if the person is responsive by shouting at them and shaking their shoulder gently. If there is no response and the person is not breathing or only gasping, call for emergency medical services (if you’re alone, use a mobile phone on speaker mode so you can continue to assist the person).
2. Position Your Hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest (on the lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlocking your fingers.
3. Start Chest Compressions: Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Use your body weight to help you administer compressions that are at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, but not more than 2.4 inches (6 cm), at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. The AHA suggests compressing to the beat of a familiar song that matches this tempo, like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
4. Continue Compressions: Keep performing chest compressions until professional help arrives or an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and ready to use. If you become exhausted, try to find someone else to take over compressions.

Hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR (which includes breaths) in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest in adults. This method is not recommended for infants or children, victims of drowning, drug overdose, or people whose cardiac arrest is due to respiratory problems. In those cases, conventional CPR with breaths is more appropriate.

The simplicity of hands-only CPR increases the likelihood that bystanders will take action in an emergency, which can significantly improve the survival rates of individuals experiencing cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting.