American Medical Response Yakima

AMR Yakima and its predecessor companies have provided emergency medical service to Yakima County for more than 60 years and today marks another milestone as we begin service as the sole source 911 provider in Yakima County Trauma Response Area #1. Our Team celebrated with system partners today of the momentous occasion. We are beyond proud to provide care to the citizens of Yakima County and to continue to grow with the Yakima County EMS System.

It’s time to start planning for Back to School! American Medical Response Yakima offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and successful school year:

• Walking to and from school: remind children to always walk on sidewalks or paths and cross at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Teach them to put away electronic devices and look left, right and left again when crossing the street. Remind
them to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street and watch for cars that are turning or backing up.

• Hand hygiene: routine hand-washing with soap and water or regular use of hand sanitizers continues to be an essential part of staying healthy before, during and after school.

• Nutrition: select healthy and nutritious options for breakfast and lunch to ensure children receive the essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients their bodies require for healthy growth and development.

• After school: if children will be home alone after school, make sure they know how to dial 911 and know their address and phone number, as well as name, location and phone number for parent(s), trusted neighbors and an emergency contact, such as a grandparent or family friend.
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Camping is a great way to get fresh air and enjoy the local sites in and around Yakima. However, this activity comes with potential hazards, so it’s important to take steps to maintain safety while exploring the great outdoors:

• Pick the right campsite. Consider the terrain and climate. Avoid campsites that are unsafe to travel to or with conditions that will push members of the group beyond their physical abilities. Research the campsite and determine what gear may be necessary.

• Pack appropriate gear. Bring a map of the campsite, a compass, sunscreen, insect repellent, a flashlight or headlamp, a first-aid kit, and extra food and water. Bring the right gear for your activities such as hiking, biking, paddle sports, climbing and so on. Research the campsite and determine what other gear might be necessary.

• Stay hydrated. Physical exertion, heat and sun exposure cause quicker dehydration than normal. Remember to drink water often. Know where to find potable water near the campsite.

• Avoid contact with wildlife. Do not feed wildlife. Store food in secure containers and out of reach to avoid attracting wildlife. When watching wildlife, maintain a safe distance.

• Clean up properly. Take only pictures, leave only footsteps. Pick up all garbage and food scraps from the campsite and make sure to dispose of them properly. Do not leave any personal items or trash behind. If there is a campfire, be sure to put it out completely before leaving the campsite.

American Medical Response Spokane always prioritizes the health and safety of the communities we serve. For more
information on camping safety, visit nps.gov.
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Whether at home, in the car or on the go, having a well-stocked first-aid kit helps treat injuries and prevent medical emergencies from escalating. Local pharmacies and outdoor retailers often carry first-aid kits, but building a kit at home is simple and ensures that it contains all the necessary items.

American Medical Response Yakima recommends having a first-aid kit to help treat injuries while waiting for medical care. Keep these tips in mind when building a first-aid kit:

👉Make sure the kit has essential items. Bandages, gauze, dressings, ointments, antiseptic wipes and non-latex gloves are necessary for treating injuries.
👉Regularly check and replace contents. Frequently check the first-aid kit to ensure that it is well-stocked with essential items and that products have not expired. If an item is missing or out of-date, replace it as soon as possible.
👉Include personal items. Emergency phone numbers, insurance information and medications are all essential personal items to have in a medical emergency.
👉Know where to locate kits. If you can’t bring your kit with you or happen to forget it, know where to find first-aid kits at work or in public places.
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August 6-12 is National Stop on Red Week. This week-long observance was created to highlight the significance of red traffic lights and to curb the deaths caused by breaking the red light rule. During this important week, American Medical Response Yakima wants to remind you that a yellow light doesn’t mean speed up, and a red light ALWAYS means “stop.”
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August is , established to promote the enjoyment of motorsports, while also serving as a reminder of the measures that should be taken to keep
participants safe.

American Medical Response Yakima encourages motorsports enthusiasts to follow these safety tips before and during their ride:

• Take a motorsports safety course.

• Look over all equipment before you set out on a ride.

• Stay off paved roads while driving ATVs and only ride during the daytime (or on a well-lit track).

• Never allow children under the age of 16 to ride adult ATVs.

• Follow manufacturer guidelines when carrying passengers on your ATV.

• Equip your ATV with a flag to ensure visibility to other riders.

• Make yourself as visible as possible on a motorcycle.

• Wear a proper helmet and protective gear.

• Never drink alcohol while riding or driving.

• Watch your speed and ride within the limits of your own skill.

• Make sure you can call for help in case of an accident (take a fully charged phone and portable charger with you).

We hope you enjoy your favorite motorsport activities this month. Ride smart and stay safe!
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August is MedicAlert Awareness Month. MedicAlert tags or bracelets are a form of
medical IDs that can alert first responders or healthcare professionals of a patient’s medical
conditions during an emergency. The non-profit organization, MedicAlert, provides vital medical
identification services to individuals with underlying medical conditions, allergies or specific
healthcare needs. If you are interested in learning more about the MedicAlert Foundation and
these forms of medical identifications, please visit https://www.medicalert.org/.
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UV Safety Month is a reminder to prioritize your well-being and protect yourself from the
harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Whether you're engaging in outdoor activities or
simply basking in the sun, American Medical Response Yakima would like to encourage everyone to practice UV safety
by keeping these valuable tips in mind:
• Shield yourself: Seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours. Limit
direct exposure to the sun's rays to reduce the risk of UV damage.
• Wear clothing that covers your arms, legs and other sun-exposed areas.
• Take extra care to shield children from UV rays. Dress them in protective clothing, hats
and sunglasses.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, head, ears and neck.
• Wear sunglasses with proper UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful rays.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Ensure it protects
against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or
sweating.
• Avoid tanning beds altogether, as they increase the chances of skin damage and the
development of skin cancer.
Make UV Safety Month a time of heightened awareness and action. For more information on
UV safety, visit Sun Safety | Skin Cancer | CDC
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Today, we celebrate National Swimming Pool Day, a perfect occasion to cool off and have a
splashing good time in backyard and community pools. While swimming and playing in the
pool, it's important for both children and adults to prioritize safety. Here are some essential tips
to keep in mind:
• Watch children at all times
• Know the basics of lifesaving, including CPR
• Learn how to swim, and teach your child how to swim
• Teach children basic water safety tips
• Keep children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings to avoid entrapments
• Keep a cellphone close
• Share safety instructions with family, friends and neighbors
For more information on pool safety, visit GMR - Community Safety Guides
(globalmedicalresponse.com)
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Today is International Paramedic Day a time to celebrate and acknowledge the vital role of our ground and flight paramedics. In an emergency, every second counts and our paramedics are trained to provide the highest level of emergency medical services. We are thankful for the countless hours our paramedics sacrifice to provide care to the communities they serve! We appreciate our paramedics each and every day! ❤

Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 19-25)
Lightning is a common and dangerous weather phenomenon that can occur at any time, particularly during the summer months. American Medical Response Yakima offers a few safety guidelines to help you protect yourself from the dangers of lightning:
• Seek Shelter: If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter immediately. Avoid open areas, including beaches, lakes and golf courses.
• Wait It Out: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before leaving shelter.
• Avoid Conductors: Avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances and plumbing.
• Stay Low: If you are caught outside during a lightning storm, stay low to the ground, away from trees, poles, and other tall objects.
• Protect Your Head: If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm and cannot find shelter, crouch down with your head low and hands on your knees.
• Educate Yourself: Learn more about lightning safety and be prepared for thunderstorms. The National Weather Service provides helpful resources, including lightning safety tips and information on thunderstorm warnings and watches.
For more information on lightning safety, visit Lightning Tips (weather.gov)
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Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful fathers who hold a special place in our hearts!
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Get Paid To Get Your EMT with YAKIMA AMR !

Join us as we celebrate the millions of people who donate blood to help save lives. Blood donors provide a crucial lifeline for patients in need, and their donations have a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide.
This year's theme is "Give blood and keep the world beating," highlighting the essential role of blood donors in maintaining community health and resilience. To become a blood donor, visit your local donation center or hospital. It's safe, simple, and takes less than an hour.
Thank you to all blood donors for their generous contributions and support.
To learn more, visit https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-blood-donor-day/2021.
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National Call Your Doctor Day, June 13th, is a great opportunity to schedule a checkup with your doctor, ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Taking care of yourself now can help you avoid serious health issues down the road.
To learn more about National Call Your Doctor Day, visit the official website at https://nationalcallyourdoctorday.com/. 🚑

Men often face unique health challenges that can be prevented or managed through early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and access to quality healthcare. Learn about the resources available that can help you make smarter decisions and stay ahead of potential issues. Learn more at https://www.menshealthnetwork.org/health-resources/health-library/mens-health-week/. 🚑

World Food Safety Day serves as a reminder to prioritize food safety to safeguard public health and minimize instances of foodborne diseases. For more information on World Food Safety Day, visit the WHO website: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2023 🚑

National Fishing and Boating Week (June 4-12)
National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors! As you enjoy your outdoor adventure, American Medical Response Yakima reminds you to prioritize safety, respect our natural resources and follow all rules and regulations for a safe and enjoyable experience.
To learn more about National Fishing and Boating Week and how you can participate, visit https://www.takemefishing.org/nfbw/. 🚑

Today is National Heimlich Maneuver Day (June 1)
Choking is an unexpected emergency that can happen anytime, anywhere. Knowing how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver can be the difference between life and death. Take a few moments to review the steps on how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver and be prepared for a choking emergency. For more information, visit Emergencyphysicians.org/heimlichmaneuver
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On Safety Tuesday of EMS Week, AMR Yakima offers the following tips to help you be prepared when calling 911.
• Stay calm: You will need to communicate clearly with the call taker
• Know the address of the house or building you are at, including the street address and unit/apartment number
• Know the phone number you are calling from
• Communicate the nature of your emergency and related details
• Tell the call taker if anyone needs medical attention
• Be prepared to follow any instructions the call taker might give you
• DO NOT hang up until the call taker instructs you to do so

As you plan to spend time with friends and family over Memorial Day weekend, AMR Yakima would like to offer the following tips to keep your gathering a safe one.

When grilling,
• Select a well-ventilated area outside your home away from children, pets and flammable objects
• Keep a fire extinguisher close by
• Never leave a grill unattended
When swimming,
• Never swim alone and don’t overestimate your swimming skills
• Only use approved flotation devices; do not rely on toys or inner tubes
• Swim only in designated swimming areas
While boating,
• Always wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device
• Never stand up in your small powerboat, canoe, or similar watercraft
• Avoid alcohol and drug use

We wish everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend!

This week we honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and recognize those officers who serve and assist others every day. We appreciate your commitment to keeping our communities safe.

Happy Mother’s Day from our family to yours. Thank you to all the mom's working today and those who step in as a mom, especially ours at AMR! We appreciate you ❤️

Temperatures in our region are expected to reach close to 90 degrees this Mother’s Day weekend. Often, people do not recognize they are over-heated and dehydrated until it is too late. American Medical Response Yakima wants you to be ready to stay cool with these safety tips:

• Take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned buildings to let your body cool down.
• Remain indoors during the peak heat of the day.
• Wear lightweight clothing.
• Have water and nonalcoholic fluids readily available.
• Make sure you drink water throughout the day and night to replenish fluids lost during activities.
• Listen to your body. When outdoor temperatures and activity levels increase it is vitally important to listen to your body and take breaks—especially if you start to feel light-headed, overheated or develop a headache. These are warning signs of dehydration. Don’t ignore them!
• Check on elderly family members, neighbors and friends at least twice a day and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Recommend they seek out an air-conditioned location and drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages throughout the day.