Is the thought of your First Aid kit (or lack of one) stressing you out? This is a sign that you need to get your First Aid preparedness back on track - at work, at home or in your vehicle.
At Pacific First Aid, we believe that emergency preparedness is a combination of practical First Aid skills, and knowing how to use the items in your First Aid kit […]
Every year, Halloween is a fun-filled celebration that draws in adults and children alike. However, during Halloween, it is also important to remember to celebrate safely, especially if you have children. That’s why we have listed four different ways you and your family can stay safe during Halloween. 1. Pick the right costume […]
In Canada, 11% of Men and 16% of Women will experience major depression in their life. There are many different reasons someone may experience depression such as a traumatic event like a car accident, loss of a relationship or job, genetic condition, medication, and more. If someone you know is currently suffering from […]
With a growing number of seniors living by themselves and independently at home, it’s important to make sure they’re safe from harm. Falls, burns and accidental poisonings are just a few of the things that cause accidents for older people. On top of that, older adults who live alone can also become the victims of […]
If you’re an adventurer and enjoy off-road travel to remote locations, then make sure you take the extra time to prepare yourself. When heading to isolated destinations, you not only have to double check weather conditions and seasons, but you’ll most likely need extra equipment since you’ll be further away from civilization. Thankfully there […]
It’s hard to believe school is two weeks away and summer break is almost over. Although most kids are back to school and not always too enthusiastic about it, there are some things to be excited about - like fun school snacks. More and more, we are seeing more creative ways to be healthy, […]
Spring and summer are prime picnic and barbecue seasons. It’s a great opportunity to meet with friends and family and enjoy delicious food outdoors. However, there are a few food safety precautions to take note of before preparing and eating your food outside. To prevent yourself and others from any foodborne illnesses during the […]
Although most bug bites are harmless, some cause discomfort and even spread dangerous diseases. When it comes to spending your time outdoors, especially during the summer months, nothing is more annoying than the sound and bite of a mosquito (and other bugs). If you’re planning any outdoor activities like camping, kayaking or hiking, there are […]
What does it mean to be certified in first aid? When you become first aid certified, this means you’ll understand how to assess specific scenarios and how to react accordingly so you can help those around you. First aid courses give non-medical professional individuals the knowledge necessary to assist those with these types of […]
Camping is one of the best summer activities you can do. It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors while spending time with your family, friends or pets. However, if you’re not prepared or you’re new to camping, things can go awry if you’re not prepared. When it comes to camping or any outdoor […]
Teaching yourself as well your kids how to be safe online is crucial for any family with wifi access. Even though a lot of people use apps, understanding websites and basic internet safety rules are essential. Create an e safety plan for children by teaching them what they can and can’t do when using a […]
A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense physical and emotional reactions caused by intense fear and anxiety. When they do occur, it can feel like you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying. Most people have between 1-2 panic attacks in their lifetime. However, if you’re someone who’s had multiple panic […]
The start of spring normally means two things: warmer weather and exams. Exam season is often a stressful period for students as they focus entirely on their courses and studying. Even upper-level students who’ve gone through many exams go stir crazy after a while. Taking care of yourself not only helps your body physically but […]
Spring is here! And with the warmer weather, comes new blossoms and spring allergies. During this period, large amounts of pollen spread across cities can cause uncomfortable reactions for a lot of people. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the person. Some include: • Sneezing • Congestion • Itchy throat […]
The more time you spend outdoors playing with your kids or involving them in sports and activities, the more likely they will end up in sticky situations. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as it’s an opportunity for them to learn about first aid basics. Cuts, bruises, scrapes and falls can happen at any point, […]
Stress is a natural part of being human and we all feel it to varying degrees. Stress can be a source of motivation in certain situations but when it gets to be too much, it can be debilitating. Whether you’re feeling stressed out about work, family life, job loss or a painful life event, it’s […]
For many youths, babysitting is their first unofficial job. Whether they’re taking care of younger siblings or other kids they know, it’s a great way to gain work experience and take on more responsibility. Taking a Babysitting course teaches babysitters the basics and what to do in emergency situations. At Pacific First Aid, we offer […]
In a lot less serious cases, it’s often easier to recover from physical injuries compared to psychological ones. Recovering from emotional trauma, stress and abuse is not easy and can even take years. With Pacific First Aid’s Psychological First Aid Course, students will learn about different types of coping skills and how to handle stressful […]
Food poisoning, otherwise known as foodborne illness, is an illness caused by eating contaminated or poorly cooked food. If you’ve ever had food poisoning, it was most likely due to bacteria, viruses or parasites (or their toxins). These infectious organisms and their toxins can contaminate food at any point during the production or cooking process. […]
Having first aid measures in place to help deal with accidents and incidents in the workplace is essential to the overall health of your employees and business. First aid regulations can be complicated which is why having trained first aiders on site is key to keeping everyone safe. This article will help you understand how […]
It’s that time of year when we’re deep into winter and the risk of getting the flu or cold is more common. That’s why taking the necessary precautions and having a healthy lifestyle is key to avoiding getting sick. Keeping your immune system up is one of the best things you can do. Following […]
It’s that time of year again when Black Friday and Cyber Monday are just around the corner. Most people take this time to take advantage of the sales and get their holiday shopping done. Whether you're a workplace safety professional or a homeowner, we have the first aid products you’re looking for. This year, Pacific […]
This article originally appeared as a members-only email to Pacific First Aid subscribers. Subscribers get exclusive access to my best First Aid resources as well as monthly promotions. To join us, sign up now. One thing I really leaned into during the pandemic is the importance of being prepared for something that is beyond […]
If you’re planning a ski trip to the mountains this winter, it’s important to have a basic grasp on what you should do if you or someone in your group gets injured from skiing. Keep in mind that even the most experienced and skilled skiers and snowboarders can also get injured on the slopes. So […]
Opioid Poisoning Awareness Workshops are a recent addition to our Standard First Aid and Emergency First Aid courses. This is a one-hour workshop. Workshop modules include: 1. Opioids 101 - the basics 2. How to know when there is opioid poisoning 3. How to help when there is a suspected case of […]
It’s that time of year again when kids dress up as their favourite characters and go door-to-door for treats and candy. Unlike October 2020, Halloween is back - sort of. According to the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, families have been given the green light to partake in this year’s Halloween festivities. […]
As parents, we want to be able to protect our kids from all the dangers of the world. However, First Aid is an essential skill that everyone benefits from learning – even toddlers. From as young as when your child is a toddler, you can show your child what to do when they have […]
You never know when an earthquake will happen - especially a “Big One.” Experiencing an earthquake can be frightening, but with some preventative measures, you can help reduce its impact. However, the threat of an earthquake doesn’t end right after it’s happened. Aftershocks, landslides and tsunamis can occur. With all this movement, even a minor […]
What is an AED? Aed stands for Automated External Defibrillator. AEDs deliver a therapeutic shock to the heart as a treatment for those in sudden cardiac arrest (also known as SCA). AEDs are safe and easy to use and can often be found on the walls of public venues and corporations across North America. […]
Concussions are more complex than we think. Concussions can take on various symptoms and have permanent effects on the brain for the rest of one’s life. If you or someone you’re with is experiencing a concussion, it’s important to know the signs so you can take action right away and apply first aid for a […]
Swimming is a great activity that is enjoyed by many across Canada. Whether it’s at home in your private pool, the beach or a lake, swimming is an excellent way to cool off and enjoy the sun. Many people use swimming as their primary form of exercise for its low-impact way to increase stamina and […]
In Canada, we share many provincial parks with wild animals. British Columbia is home to both grizzly and black bears. Bears in particular are very sensitive to human activities and the best thing you can do is avoid bear encounters altogether to protect both you and the bears. In this post, we outline what you […]
The buzz of a mosquito can be one of the most irritating sounds to the human ear. If you’re in a zone where mosquitoes can transmit disease, it can also be a dangerous one. If you’re planning to camp, canoe, hike or garden, you can prevent mosquito bites before you even step outside. According to […]
Photo Credit: Andrzej Kryszpiniuk We’ve all heard of them and know they can be deadly: riptides. A riptide, otherwise known as a rip current, is a narrow, fast-moving channel of water that starts near the beach and extends offshore through the line of breaking waves. One minute you’re swimming normally and out of nowhere, […]
Photo Credit: Toomas Tarted Summer is officially here and many people are spending their time outside. With the rise in popularity of outdoor activities during quarantine, it’s important now more than ever to be prepared when you’re hiking in the backcountry. No one ever expects to get lost, get stuck hiking in the dark […]
Photo Credit: Benjamin Deyoung Having a campfire is one of the best parts of camping. It’s where some of the best memories are made with friends and family. With this quintessential part of camping, comes a responsibility to put fires out correctly. Leaving your campsite or going to sleep before extinguishing your fire properly […]
Photo Credit: Peter Idowu Summer’s here! With the days getting longer and school coming to an end, it’s important to be extra sun smart, especially for your kids. After spending many months indoors, everyone’s excited to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. Before sending your children outside this summer, you’ll need to be careful […]
Photo Credit: Ross Sokolovski Coyotes can be found in rural and urban areas across North America. In general, they don’t pose a threat to people, but they can hurt your pets (including cats, rabbits and small dogs). They’re active during both the day and night and help control the rodent and rabbit populations. So, […]
Whether you’re hunting or doing a multi-day trek through the backcountry, you’ll need a pack full of essentials to keep you prepared. To determine what you’ll need on your outdoor adventure, think about how far you’ll be from your car and closest town and make sure to check the weather forecast. No matter the […]
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the most common causes of death in North America. It occurs most often among adults in their late 30’s and 40’s and affects men twice as much as it does women and is rare for children. Thanks for first aid safety training, you can help minimize the risk […]
In the last 20 years, the modern office has gone through many changes. From the fall of the cubicles to the rise of open floor plans and collaborative spaces, many people in today’s workforce have a new definition of what makes an office environment. As office trends come and go, one thing that does […]
Photo by Charles Deluvio With so many of us working remotely during the pandemic (4 in 10 Canadians according to StatCan), the need for mental health support is essential. Financial uncertainty, volatile job markets, health concerns, it’s a turbulent environment around us. It is becoming vital during these times to be prepared, and to be […]
Photo Credit: Minnie Zhou Knowing how to perform CPR on a baby is an essential first aid skill. There are many reasons why a baby might stop breathing: from choking on foreign objects, respiratory issues (such as asthma) to food. When it comes to CPR for adults and children, there isn’t much of a […]
Photo Credit: Michael Jin A very common question among first aid students is why does the course change so often. When it comes to all things first aid, the ILCOR, otherwise known as the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, does a scientific review of the process every 5 years. When there are updates, it’s […]
Photo Credit: Frank Romero Most people have dealt with some form of anxiety or depression in their lifetime. It’s more common than we think. Whether it’s stress from work, school, family and relationships (the list can go on), these things can feel overwhelming for anyone at any time. We offer a few different courses […]
Photo Credit: Dan Meyers When the days get shorter and the weather gets colder, many people feel a shift in their energy. They can lose motivation, feel down and tired. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of seasonal depression that’s triggered during the winter months. Many of the symptoms start in the fall […]
Photo Credit: Kevin Paes After completing any course, there can often be feelings of apprehension. Sometimes people will question “Am I ready to take action out of the classroom?” The best way to gain confidence, no matter what you’re studying or pursuing, is by practicing. At Pacific First Aid, our Standard First Aid Course […]
Knowing the ins and outs of Zoll AEDs will not only save lives, but they guide you through the CPR process. Zoll AEDs combine advanced CPR feedback technology as well as reliability to support you throughout the rescue. When people are both properly trained and receive feedback, it more than doubles survival rates from cardiac […]
Photo Credit: Giorgio Trovato In North America, many of us live in ignorant bliss when it comes to clean food and how it’s prepared. We don’t normally second-guess every restaurant we go into and assume it’s going to make us sick. On the rare occasion it does happen, it’s important to be aware of […]
Photo Credit: Mason Mulcahy For those who love camping and hiking, nothing is more satisfying than setting up camp near crystal-clear water after a day of trekking. Whether it’s a lake, stream or waterfall, it’s the most ideal spot to take a break. Most multi-day hikers depend on these sources of water to fill […]
Photo Credit: Guillaume Muckensturm Medical emergencies can be some of the most frightening experiences when you’re out in the wilderness far away from civilization and the nearest hospital. Accidental injuries and unexpected medical issues are the most common in the backcountry. No matter your skill level, everyone could benefit from first aid classes. At Pacific […]
Photo Credit: Thomas Park Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to meet someone who doesn’t own some sort of Smartphone. Kids especially are starting to get cell phones at a younger age compared to previous generations. Keeping yourself and your kids safe online is becoming a bigger conversation as more and more people start using the internet. […]
Photo Credit: Sidney Pearce Nothing is more rewarding and satisfying than building a fire after a long day of hiking. What’s even better is when you see the results of your learned skills turn into a fire right in front of you. Depending on the laws and permits of your province, you can have […]
Photo Credit: Stormy All There’s a common misconception that first aid classes and CPR are only meant for teenagers and adults. According to an article published by ABC News, at the age of, kids can retain the skills and knowledge needed to perform CPR. Even though many children don’t have the strength to carry out […]
Photo Credit: Gaelle Marcel Whether you’re the cook in your family or work in a restaurant or cafeteria facility, basic kitchen safety is always a priority. No matter how much training you’ve received, you can still cut, burn or hurt yourself and others. Pacific First Aid offers a Food Safety online course that provides food […]
Photo Credit: Asoggetti In recent years, ski touring has become more and more popular. The idea of escaping into nature without paying for a lift ticket and scoping out the untouched snow is a skier’s dream. If you’re looking to get into back-country skiing or split-boarding this season, then it is strongly recommended you […]
Photo Credit: Alexander Krivitskiy Mental health awareness is on the rise, but few people can recognize a panic or anxiety attack in the moment. According to a research study from Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, mood and anxiety disorders are the most common types of mental illness in Canada. Both of […]
Photo Credit: Oziel Gómez Whether you’re embarking on your next big trip or going on a local hike, it’s best practice to have some form of first aid kit. You can find different types of kits that will suit your needs from sports first kits, outdoor first aid kits or general first aid products. […]
Photo Credit: Laura Chouette When packed efficiently, your hiking bag can swallow an impressive amount of gear. But what goes where? There’s no right or wrong answer. To start, lay out all your camping gear and equipment and try out different loading methods until you find one that works best for you. If you’re camping for […]
Photo Credit: J. Kelly Brito WHMIS was designed to ensure the safety of both employers and employees in the workplace. This system teaches workers about the dangers and hazards associated with chemicals and substances that they might come into contact with while on the job. Depending on your career path, you may have to […]
Photo Credit: Jude Beck Mental health first aid (MHFA) is provided to people who are either experiencing a mental health crisis or who are developing a mental health problem. Just as physical first aid is used to handle an injured person before further medical treatment, MHFA is given until the crisis has been resolved […]
Photo Credit: Tomas Martinez Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, food businesses have had to pivot and implement many new health and safety regulations. Whether it’s for a take-out or dine-in service, business operations have had to adapt to keep both their customers and employees safe. Depending on which province or territory you […]
Photo Source: George Pagan III No matter the situation or activity, the body is susceptible to injury. Whether you’re out hiking, backcountry skiing, mountain biking or climbing, it’s best to have some level of first aid training. The most well-trained athlete can still injure themselves. It is vital to have someone with you that […]
In cities, it takes an ambulance about 8 minutes to reach its destination while rural areas average 25 minutes. When it comes to yours and public health, those moments are vital. Having an AED in both the workplace and public spaces would help save the lives of many people. If someone receives defibrillation through an […]
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema Hand Sanitizer is back in stock on the Pacific First Aid shop! Here are 3 facts about hand sanitizer: "If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Why? Many studies have found that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are […]
Photo Credit: Janko Ferlič According to Stanford's Children Health Statistics “Each year, about 2,000 children ages 14 and under die as a result of a home injury. Unintentional home injury deaths to children are caused primarily by fire and burns, suffocation, drowning, firearms, falls, choking, and poisoning.” Is your child ready to stay […]
Photo Credit: Janko Ferlič According to Stanford's Children Health Statistics “Each year, about 2,000 children ages 14 and under die as a result of a home injury. Unintentional home injury deaths to children are caused primarily by fire and burns, suffocation, drowning, firearms, falls, choking, and poisoning.” Is your child ready to stay […]
Photo Credit: Christin Hume Have you ever had a bad case of food poisoning? Well, then you will know how brutal and dangerous it can be! Food Safety is not a joke, nor is at a subject in the kitchen to take lightly. Food safety training is essential to make sure that you, your […]
Photo Credit: Matt Wang Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: "Today, we are announcing 12 new cases, including one epidemiologically (epi) linked case, for a total of 2,990 cases in British […]
Photo Credit: Matt Wang Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: "Today, we are announcing 12 new cases, including one epidemiologically (epi) linked case, for a total of 2,990 cases in British […]
Photo Credit: Karen Zhao British Columbia film buffs can now take in a movie for the first time in months, with theatres reopening under Phase 3 of the province’s COVID-19 restart plan. Movie giant Cineplex is opening eight theatres around the province Friday, while Landmark Cinemas is opening 13. Vancouver’s independent Rio Theatre resumed screenings […]
Photo Credit: Max Bender Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: "Today, we are providing case updates for three 24-hour reporting periods. In the first reporting period from June 26 to […]
Photo Credit: Giorgio Trovato The B.C. Centre for Disease Control has been testing waste water for the novel coronavirus over the past five weeks. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the centre was working with the Canadian Waste Water Association in a bid to detect COVID-19 RNA in feces and urine, based on […]
Photo Credit: JC Gellidon B.C.’s top doctor says an outbreak at a fast-food restaurant serves as a “wake-up call” on workplace safety measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday that four or five workers at a fast-food restaurant tested positive for COVID-19. She said she is not aware […]
Photo Credit: Aditya Chinchure VANCOUVER -- British Columbia has gone another day without any fatalities from COVID-19, but health officials have identified 11 more infections. Tuesday's update from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix includes 10 new cases and one epi-linked case, which together bring the total number […]
Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing 16 new cases who have tested positive for COVID-19, for a total of 2,709 cases in […]
Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing 16 new cases who have tested positive for COVID-19, for a total of 2,709 cases in […]
Photo Credit: Victor He Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are providing case updates for three 24-hour reporting periods. “In the first reporting period from June 5 to June […]
Photo Credit: Victor He Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are providing case updates for three 24-hour reporting periods. “In the first reporting period from June 5 to June […]
Photo Credit: Arturo Rey Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing one new case, for a total of 2,632 cases in British Columbia. One case from yesterday’s total […]
Photo Credit: Arturo Rey Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing one new case, for a total of 2,632 cases in British Columbia. One case from yesterday’s total […]
Photo Credit: Alora Griffiths TORONTO -- Ontario has recorded a dip in the number of new COVID-19 cases after a concerning spike over the past two days. Health officials reported 338 new cases on Wednesday, bringing the total number of patients in the province to 29,047. It is an increase of 1.2 per cent […]
Photo Credit: Gabe Pierce Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.’s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing four new cases, for a total of 2,562 cases in British Columbia. “There are 228 active cases […]
Photo Credit: Spencer Watson VICTORIA -- Four more people have died of COVID-19 in British Columbia, health officials announced Monday, bringing the virus's death toll in the province to 161. The four deaths recorded since Saturday afternoon all occurred in long-term care homes, according to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry. The provincial health […]
Photo Credit: Engin Akyurt VANCOUVER -- Health officials in B.C. announced 12 new cases and three more deaths from COVID-19 have been recorded over the last 24 hours. There have now been 2,479 test-positive cases and 152 deaths from the virus in B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix and provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry […]
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we have two new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 2,446 cases in British Columbia. “There are 325 […]
Photo Credit: Patrick Van Brussel B.C. health officials say passengers will not be permitted to disembark if cruise ships arrive at the province's ports later this summer although it's still unclear if the federal government will decide whether to resume the cruise ship season on July 1. On March 13, Transport Canada and the Public […]
Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are reporting seven new cases, for a total of 2,360 cases in British Columbia. “There are 397 active […]
Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are reporting seven new cases, for a total of 2,360 cases in British Columbia. “There are 397 active […]
Photo Credit: Mika Baumeister Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are reporting seven new cases, for a total of 2,360 cases in British Columbia. “There are 397 active […]
Photo Credit: André Ravazzi Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing 34 new cases, for a total of 2,087 cases in British Columbia. “Every health region in […]
Photo Credit: André Ravazzi Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “Today, we are announcing 34 new cases, for a total of 2,087 cases in British Columbia. “Every health region in […]
Photo Credit: Maya Tani 43 complaints about possible infractions to public health orders Fifteen people have been turned away at the Yukon-B.C. border since the Yukon government banned non-essential travel into the territory on April 17, says a government spokesperson. So far, none have been turned back at Erik Nielsen International Airport in Whitehorse. […]
Photo Credit: Mélissa Jeanty Experts recommend taking extra precautions and practicing good hygiene when handling food for cooking. When it comes to food, the coronavirus outbreak has halted many everyday activities, like going out to eat at restaurants. It has also dramatically altered tasks like shopping for groceries. But should it change how we […]
Photo Credit: Lesly Derksen BC Parks is immediately closing all provincial parks in response to the widespread call for increased action to address COVID-19. The closure responds to both the federal and provincial directives that people should stay close to home to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk. This temporary measure means people should not be going […]
Photo Credit: Alec Favale Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “We are announcing 66 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 725 cases in British Columbia. “Every health region in […]
Photo Credit: Alec Favale Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “We are announcing 66 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 725 cases in British Columbia. “Every health region in […]
Photo Credit: Martin Sanchez Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “We are announcing 48 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 472 cases in British Columbia, since we last reported […]
Photo Credit: Michael Amadeus Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: "We are deeply saddened to announce that three people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have recently passed away, all […]
Photo Credit: Ani Kolleshi Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “We are announcing 11 new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 64 cases in British Columbia. The individuals are […]
Photo Credit: De an Sun Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) response in British Columbia: “We are announcing seven new cases of COVID-19, for a total of 46 cases in British Columbia. The individuals […]
Photo Credit: Claudio Schwarz To protect people in B.C. against novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and mitigate the impact of this illness on communities, the B.C. government and the provincial health officer have developed the British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Co-ordination Plan to respond to the evolving outbreak. Premier John Horgan has appointed a deputy ministers' committee to […]
Photo Credit: CDC Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, and Dr. Bonnie Henry, B.C.'s provincial health officer, have issued the following joint statement regarding updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in British Columbia: “We are announcing one new presumptive case of COVID-19 for a total of 13 cases in British Columbia. The individual resides in […]
Photo Credit: Jorge Zapata Consumers who purchase ground beef from the grocery store expect the meat to be bright red, but sometimes the product may have a brown or purple color to it. The off-color doesn’t automatically mean that the ground beef is bad, says Kansas State University Research and Extension food safety specialist […]
Photo Credit: Priscilla Du Preez Injury rate for new workers three to four times higher in first month TORONTO (CP) — Canada may still be in the depths of winter, but for high school, college and university students across the country, now is the time to prepare for summer jobs and post-graduation employment. Amid […]
Photo Credit: Kim Gorga It includes bags & cartons! If you have Sealtest dairy products in your home, you might want to take a look at the UPC. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced a milk recall in Ontario and Quebec. This is due to the possible presence of sanitizer. Agropur Cooperative, the parent […]
Photo Credit: Vladislav Nikonov Nutrition Excellence Canada is recalling its Nuts ‘N More peanut spread over possible Listeria contamination. In a statement posted Tuesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said the recalled product was distributed across the country and should not be consumed. If you have the recalled product in your home, […]
Photo Credit: Adrian Infernus Contaminated blood from slaughterhouse pigs infected with hepatitis E could be reaching the human food supply chain, according to researchers. “. . . 40 percent of U.S. slaughterhouse pigs (sampled) were seropositive for HEV (hepatitis E virus), indicating prior HEV infection of the pigs on the farms, which was consistent with […]
Photo Credit: Angel Luciano A pet is an important member of your family, so it’s vital that you are prepared to help if they get hurt. Before there’s ever an accident, have a first aid kit prepared for your pet just in case, said Cliff Redford, a Toronto-area veterinarian. “If you take your dog […]
Photo Credit: Jessica Lewis Google Home and Alexa more reliable than Siri and Cortana, U of A researchers find. Virtual assistants don’t yet live up to their considerable potential when it comes to providing users with reliable and relevant information on medical emergencies, according to a new study from University of Alberta researchers. “We […]
Photo Credit: Ben Amaral The new rules, which replaced 14 commodity-based food regulations, are said to be the largest regulatory reform initiative in Canadian history. Cancellation of an Ontario meat processor’s licence under the regulations has created capacity shortages in the province The Canadian Food Inspection Agency conducted 3,306 investigations between Jan. 15, 2019, […]
Photo Credit: Ronit Shaked In a cruel twist of irony, some of the world's healthiest food – leafy greens – have become some of the riskiest in terms of foodborne illness.This is so on-brand for modern humans. Seventeen of the top 20 most nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables are leafy greens (according to research from […]
Photo Credit: Maria Teneva Your refrigerator can get pretty jammed with food and some items that get pushed to the back may have you questioning whether they're still safe to eat. There are about four million cases of food poisoning each year in Canada and food safety experts say there are many things you […]
Photo Credit: Brent Lloyd With a new year comes new goals and with a new decade brings even greater goals! Are you feeling intimidated by the pressure of the to do list? Here are some tips to help treat your self to some self-care! Take time for you! Treat yourself, not everything is […]
Three projects that aim to improve shellfish-related food safety have been funded by Canada’s Ministry of Agriculture and Genome British Columbia. Oyster-related illnesses pose risks both to human health and to the $62 million BC shellfish industry. Several outbreaks from 2015 to 2018 resulted in severe cases of gastroenteritis, and serious viral or bacterial […]
Photo Credit: Thanos Pal VANCOUVER -- The company responsible for President's Choice brand products is recalling some 300-gram logs of goat cheese "due to a risk that they may contain foreign material," according to a release issued Wednesday. Loblaw Companies Limited, which distributes the product, said it was recalling the PC Cranberry Goat's Milk […]
Photo Credit: Benjamin Davies ‘Eliminating the mental health stigma is about more than just starting the conversation’ Starbucks is now providing Canadian employees with a free subscription to the meditation app Headspace. The tool offers guided meditations, informative videos, articles and animations on topics such as sleep, focus and anxiety to help users […]
Photo Credit: Richard Bell The P.E.I. Federation of Agriculture hopes to expand its Farmer Assistance Program this year to include mental health first-aid. The confidential program currently provides qualified counsellors to farmers dealing with a number of issues ranging from depression and anxiety to concerns about finances or relationships. "We want to come forward with […]
Photo Credit: Christin Hume Take a close look at the recipes in your favorite cookbooks. Can you tell what is missing from most of the recipes? If you said safe food handling directions, then you are correct! In a study that reviewed 1,497 recipes that included a raw animal ingredient from 29 popular cookbooks, […]
Photo Credit: Rachael Gorjestani Almark Foods is expanding its recall of hard boiled eggs to include products sold directly to consumers, but the company continues to downplay whether its contaminated plant is behind a Listeria outbreak. Some of the eggs do not expire until late March, so public health officials are concerned they may be […]
Photo Credit: SJ Baren Tips to enjoy holiday meals and avoid food-borne illnesses caused by salmonella, E. coli and other germs As family and friends gather over the holidays, food scientists say there are ways to make breaking bread both festive and safe. If turkey and its side dishes will be served, there are a […]
Photo Credit: Vlad Kutepov On the afternoon before Easter, SaraBeth Griesacker slid a bunny-shaped cake into the oven and offered her 3-year-old a taste from a batter-coated beater. He declined. “More for mom,” she remembered saying, as she licked the beater and spatula clean. Griesacker, who is a mother of three, said she woke […]
Photo Credit: Ben White You have an important presentation coming up. You’re up for a performance review. Your boss drops an unexpected check-in meeting on your calendar. These are all scenarios that can cause symptoms of anxiety (sweaty palms, shaky hands, palpitations, etc.). We all experience a certain level of stress at work, […]
Photo credit: Lulucmy Eating healthy can be tricky. And it's proven to even be dangerous for some Canadians. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued an E. coli food recall for Fresh Express-brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits after 16 people fell ill after eating the product. 10 of those 16 were based in […]
Photo Credit: Taton Moïse The event was also held in Williams Lake in 2019 at the Stampede Grounds Williams Lake City Council approved funding for the City of Williams Lake to act as the host community for the BC Provincial Mine Rescue Competition again next year. Council approved the amount of up to […]
Photo Credit: Jef Wright Update: On Nov. 26, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the number of illnesses in this outbreak increased from 40 to 67 and hospitalizations from 28 to 39. Six people have developed a form of kidney failure, but no deaths have been reported. Two new states were […]
Photo Credit: Lucy-Claire B.C. woman thanks restaurant owner who saved her life A Port Coquitlam woman personally thanked the Vancouver restaurant owner who saved her life on Halloween night. Jordan Armstrong reports. A Port Coquitlam woman had an emotional reunion with the restaurant owner who saved her life on Halloween night. Joanne Lomas was […]
Photo Credit: Erda Estremera WINNIPEG -- According to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency since the beginning of 2018 there have been 32 recalls of leafy greens or salad products containing leafy greens. All were related to bacteria, mostly E. coli O157:H7 and listeria. To get a snapshot of what’s on store shelves today, CTV […]
Photo Credit: Greg Rosenke Alex Romero-Gomez suffered sudden cardiac arrest in July and was brought back to life, thanks to the actions of three lifeguards and a weight room attendant at the Surrey Sports and Leisure Centre and an AED machine. Ryan Uppal remembers the exact moment Alex Romero-Gomez came back to life. Uppal, […]
Photo Credit: Caleb Woods Posting recall No. 23 for beef because of the risk of E. coli infections, Canadian officials continue to repeat vague information about the situation that now includes 875 individual products. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency also continues to report that it has not received any information about confirmed illnesses in […]
Photo Credit: CDC The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) has recalled Compliments brand fresh-cut vegetable products because of a possible health hazard risk of listeria in the food. The compliments brand is sold by company Sobeys Inc. in nine provinces across Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, […]
Photo Credit: David Menidrey EDMONTON - Edmonton’s Fraser Community has set up a network of safe houses for the night of Oct. 31 to support neighbourhood trick-or-treaters. More than a dozen residents have signed up to be designated as a Halloween safe house. On Halloween, trick-or-treaters will be able to visit a safe house […]
Photo Credit: Ja Ma Auditor Steritech flags top problems across supermarket departments The influx of more fresh and prepared offerings has made upholding food safety a more complicated task for supermarkets, according to food safety auditor Steritech.In nearly 3,000 assessments conducted last year, Charlotte, N.C.-based Steritech found common mistakes in food safety practices across […]
Photo Credit: Allie People failing to wash their hands after going to the toilet, rather than undercooked meat or other food, is behind the spread of antibiotic-resistant E.coli according to new research. Humans and animals carry E. coli bacteria in the gut. It is usually harmless, but some strains cause food poisoning, others cause […]
Photo Credit: CDC Whole Foods is the latest grocery chain affected by a recall of hundreds of beef and veal products across Canada due to possible E. coli contamination. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has added more than 50 beef products sold at the chain to the list of 800-plus recalled items. Potentially contaminated […]
Photo Credit: Amber Kipp Those who manage biosecure livestock barns are careful to have visitors suit up properly, but statistics show employees might not be as careful when entering and leaving barns. A University of Montreal study of poultry farms showed biosecurity mistakes can lead to contamination throughout a barn TORONTO — Many food […]
Photo Credit: Sean Kong Good health is not just a reflection of the body but a reflection of the mind as well. Today is Mental Health Awareness day! Take time to sit down with a friend, a family member, someone at school, someone at work and ask how they are doing. Something so simple, […]
Photo Credit: Kimberly Farmer First aid lessons begin in schools ahead of roll-out 12 September 2019 Trials of first aid lessons in English schools begin this month, with the classes becoming compulsory from 2020. A total of 1,600 schools from around the country are taking part. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said the new health […]
Photo Credit: Kinga Cichewicz CALGARY -- Standard first aid training has been a requirement in many workplaces for years to ensure someone is able to stabilize injuries before the professionals take over. Now, a new certification, psychological first aid, is being endorsed by the Red Cross. The course helps people learn how to navigate […]
Photo Credit: Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen UN study documents implications of warming oceans, fast-melting ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica A landmark study about the impact of global warming on the Earth's oceans, permafrost and glaciers paints a bleak picture of environmental devastation. But an Edmonton professor who was part of the research team says the […]
Photo Credit: Tim Bish “Don’t wash your chicken,” is one of the important tips that the Partnership for Food Safety Education encourages consumers to follow to prevent food-borne illnesses. These illnesses, commonly called food poisoning, affect over 40 million Americans each year. Gastrointestinal problems is the most common symptom of a food borne illness […]
Photo Credit: Ana Azevedo The federal government finalized a new rule for most U.S. pork processing plants Tuesday that allows meatpackers to remove limits on the speed of production lines and place more animal inspection and food safety tasks with company employees. The first significant processing rule changes in 50 years were long overdue, […]
Photo Credit: Darko Djurin Globalization and antibiotic resistance are new challenges in keeping consumers healthy, but new technology using whole genome sequencing (WGS) will help react to outbreaks more effectively. This is according to Brian Katzowitz from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Disease, who spoke to […]
Photo Credit: Sebastian Coman Photography This year’s theme for National Food Safety Month is Controlling Risk: The Elements of a Food Safety Management System (FSMS). Having an FSMS in place can provide a framework for everyone on your team to know and implement practices that keep everyone safe. Take this quiz to see how you’re […]
Photo Credit: Nadine Primeau Potential danger from bone fragments in animal shaped chicken nuggets spurred Maître Saladier Inc. to recall an undisclosed volume of the product, which is now thought to have been distributed nationwide in Canada. Initially the recall of the frozen, uncooked chicken nuggets included product distributed to retailers in Ontario and Quebec. […]
Photo Credit: CDC A child advocacy organization has compiled a list of the top 10 threats to Canadian children and is calling for the creation of an independent commission to ensure the rights and well-being of youth. On Tuesday, Children First Canada released the 'Top 10 threats to childhood according to Raising Canada: Election […]
Are you enjoying your Summer? Well good news, summer just got a whole lot better! Pacific First Aid welcomes you to come visit us at our booth at Vancouver's PNE at 2901 E Hastings St. The Pacific First Aid team will be happy to have you come by and say hi, and get yourself a […]
Photo Credit: Kolar.io Food poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated food, which can result in a whole host of gastrointestinal symptoms. "The signs and symptoms are usually abdominal cramps, nausea with or without vomiting and diarrhea," said Dr. John Pandolfino, chief of gastroenterology and hepatology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Symptoms also include feeling weak […]
Photo Credit: Jason Leung In August 2010, thousands of people across the United States were poisoned by eating eggs unknowingly tainted with Salmonella enteritidis bacteria. Following a lengthy investigation, the owners of the facility where the outbreak began, Jack and Peter DeCoster of Quality Eggs, LLC, were sentenced to three months in prison. This […]
Photo Credit: Eirik Uhlen Canadian weather has a way of tending to the extremes. Traditionally (and perhaps stereotypically), the country is associated with extreme cold, ice and wintery conditions. However, the summers can be just as intense and come with a unique set of circumstances that require safety planning. National Summer Safety Week is […]
Photo Credit: Vince Lee Major retailers including Whole Foods Market and Costco were among those where Consumer Reports found leafy greens contaminated with the potentially deadly bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The pre-eminent consumer watchdog group gathered 284 samples of fresh leafy greens and tested them for the pathogen, according to a statement from the organization. […]
Photo Credit: Maddi Bazzocco As consumers across the globe look for safer and healthier food options, innovative Canadian companies, such as Agri-Neo Inc., are developing solutions to safely feed the world. Agri-Neo Inc. received a FedDev Ontario contribution of $570,000 for the commercialization of their innovative food safety solution. Agri-Neo Inc., a Toronto-based company, […]
Photo Credit: Claudio Schwarz On May 11, Shannon Willner and her sisters took their mother shopping in Leduc for her Mother’s Day present when their family outing turned into a nightmare. “My mom became short of breath. When her lips turned blue, my one sister called 911.” While one sister was on the phone […]
Photo Credit: Jasmin Schreiber The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a food recall warning of Eat Smart’s Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Bag Kit due to possible Listeria contamination. The recall applies to the salad bag kit sold across New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Quebec. Parent company […]
Photo Credit: Jamie Street Pet food products widely available in Canada are being investigated in the U.S. for possible connections to a disease that can be deadly for dogs. The Food and Drug Administration has received more than 500 complaints about cases of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) potentially linked to consumption of certain brands […]
Photo Credit: Shattha Pilabut Plenty of people subscribe to what some may refer to as an “alternative” diet; a diet excluding common ingredients such as wheat, dairy, eggs, meat, tree nuts and countless other items. Maybe a personal preference to some, but for others, lives could depend on such diets due to allergies or […]
Photo Credit: Sebastian Coman Photography MONTREAL -- China is targeting another Canadian pork producer by temporarily halting imports allegedly over food safety issues at a time when diplomatic tensions are intensifying between the two countries. The decision follows the reported discovery of ractopamine, a food additive banned in China, in a shipment of frozen pork […]
Photo Credit: Laura Anderson African Swine Fever has made it's way into European countries, Russia, and all began in China. It's not a danger or threat to humans, though if pigs or hogs contract the illness, it's fatal. The Canadian Meat Council is working closely with the government of Canada to keep the disease […]
Photo Credit: Matthew Lakeland OTTAWA, June 1, 2019 /CNW/ - Seoul Trading Corp is recalling certain Daesang brand rice seasoning mixes from the marketplace because they contain egg which is not declared on the label. People with an allergy to egg should not consume the recalled products described below. The following products have been sold in British […]
Photo Credit: Rodion Kutsaev Quebec has seen a series of food recalls in recent days due to raspberries potentially contaminated with norovirus, a dangerous pathogen. The raspberries in question come from Chile. Yesterday, recalls were issued for the France Délices brand Choco-Raspberry Crunchy. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued a warning to consumers who bought the product up […]
Photo Credit: Mark DeYoung The Salmonella outbreak has been linked to frozen raw breaded chicken products, and a new food recall warning has been made with relation to illnesses reported in the outbreak investigation. The Public Health Agency of Canada is collaborating with provincial and territorial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) […]
Photo Credit: Marko Blažević Summer is finally upon us! Whether your beach body is ready or not, you should take some time to soak in those beautiful rays of sunshine. just like the food you eat, the sun makes an amazing difference on your health! Here are 3 benefits of getting some sun! Keep […]
Chick-fil-A is using a customized artificial intelligence system that provides the company with algorithms to analyze social media posts for potential food safety issues across its system. The system was created to enable the company to be more proactive in identifying and addressing food safety risks, according to VentureBeat. Davis Addy, the chain’s senior principal […]
Photo Credit: Adelia Rosalinda A significant percentage of food borne illnesses are the result of mistakes in the kitchen, researcher says Cookbooks may be a good source of new recipes, but they are not a reliable source of information about safe cooking practices, according to a study out of the University of Guelph. The […]
Photo Credit: Aral Tasher Food-borne illnesses keep millions of Canadians in their bathrooms – and sometimes the hospital – every year. Although many of them cause similar symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea, there are many bacteria and parasites that can make you sick. According to a recent report from the Centres for Disease Control, […]
Looking to get up to date on all off the latest news in the first aid and safety industry? Well you won't have to wait much longer, because for the 8th year in a row CCM will be putting on their Safety & Secure Living fair at Aberdeen Center Saturday May 4th from 11:30AM-4:00PM! Get […]
Looking to get up to date on all off the latest news in the first aid and safety industry? Well you won't have to wait much longer, because for the 8th year in a row CCM will be putting on their Safety & Secure Living fair at Aberdeen Center Saturday May 4th from 11:30AM-4:00PM! Get […]
Photo Credit: Clayton Tonna Sofina Foods Inc. is recalling Janes brand Pub Style Chicken Nuggets across Canada due to risk of possible Salmonella contamination. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued the food recall on Wednesday, March 21, warning consumers not to eat the product described by the food product supplier. Specifically, consumers should not eat […]
Photo Credit: AM FL A CBC Marketplace investigation has found worrying levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on imported shrimp bought at major grocery stores across Canada. Global demand for shrimp has exploded in recent decades, worth an estimated $39 billion US and growing. Canada alone imports about $700 million in shrimp every year, with the […]
Photo Credit: Clay Banks Have you ever felt drained, tired or like stress is weighing down on you, making it hard to focus and keep a positive attitude? It can be difficult to stay in a good mood when life doesn't seem to be going your way or your just having a bad day. Well […]
Photo Credit: Plamen Ivanov Customers flag bottled water smelling of 'old socks' and 'urine,' but CFIA says it poses no health risk Safeway, Loblaws, Dasani and a host of smaller firms sold stinky water, according to CFIA inspection reports Some of Canada's big brands have sold bottled water that smells like "urine," tastes […]
Photo Credit: Brian Chan March arrived in Canada with reports of two new Salmonella outbreak investigations linked to raw chicken including raw frozen breaded chicken products, according to reports by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The two new outbreaks of Salmonella Enteritidis in Canada are in addition to 15 others that were just […]
Photo Credit: Zafer There are days that you can just feel off you’re A-game and just out of it. It can be challenge to pull oneself out of this sluggish state, although there are some tricks you can use to boost your cognitive function and bring you back to a sharp state of mind. […]
Photo Credit: Deyse The deadly multistate outbreak of multiple drug-resistant Salmonella infections linked to raw turkey products continues to expand, according to the latest update from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. The outbreak dates back to last July and the most recent of four associated recalls occurred only […]
Photo Credit: Adam Stefanca UH-OH here comes more snow! Thought winter was over? Well it’s back and it has brought a lot of snow with it! Here are 5 things to keep in your car while driving through this winter wonderland! For more first aid, first aid training, first aid training course sign up, […]
Photo Credit: Olivia Herlambang-Tham 'The percentage of incidents just keeps rising at each point in the supply chain,' says Robert Hanner Do you actually know what's for dinner tonight? We are all victims of food fraudWhen it comes to seafood in Canada, there's a very good chance what you think you’re buying isn’t what you’re […]
Photo Credit: Krista Stucchio The tragic story of a 20-year-old Belgian man who died after eating days-old spaghetti is getting renewed interest after an American professor highlighted the story on his popular YouTube page. The person who posted the video, who claims to be an adjunct clinical professor at the University of Illinois, based […]
Photo Credit: Oleg Magni A new app is allowing Canadians to get the dirt on their favourite eateries. The Tomati app provides public data on health inspection reports for food establishments that are pulled from health authority websites. The restaurants are then given a score based on the reports. Software developer Egor Philippov said […]
Today is Bell’s Lets talk day! In September 2010, Bell Let’s Talk was started! Intended to be a new dialogue about Canada’s mental health and mental health awareness in general. In 2010 the landscape for discussion on mental illness was very sparse to say the least. The level of awareness to mental health and […]
Photo Credit: Juan Manuel Giraldo Grisales A food scientist has revealed that according to his research, double-dipping might be a health hazard after all. Those who remember the epic Seinfeld confrontation-turned-meme between Betsy’s brother Timmy and George Costanza engage about double-dipping will be shocked to learn Timmy might have been right after all. Paul […]
Photo Credit: CDC Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) have uncovered how Bacillus cereus works and how to combat it. The team found out how the bacteria interacts with the immune system, discovered how it sustains itself and how symptoms might be treated. The work was published in the Nature Microbiology journal.Lead researcher […]
Photo Credit: Aaron Burden Have you been making good on your new years resolution for another new year? Has your 2019 kicked off to a successful and productive start? Well here are 5 easy habits to incorporate into your daily grind that may help you to make sure your hitting those goals! Because without […]
Photo Credit: Natalie Rhea Riggs Editor’s note: Today Food Safety News takes a look back at the Top 10 most important food safety news events for 2018. Since 2009 we’ve shared our rankings with our readers. As in past years, our Top 10 list for 2018 is not merely a list of individual stories […]
Photo Credit: Kari Shea Sale alert! Just in case you missed the chance to shop for all your first aid needs on boxing day, we have extended the sale to Saturday the 29th of December! So, don't miss out on this STORE WIDE Sale on Pacificfirstaid.ca This is our way of saying a Happy […]
Photo Credit: Lina Verovaya It is that time of year again, the holidays are here and their is so much to do! Are you ready for Christmas, have you finished all of your holiday shopping yet? Don’t miss Pacific First Aid’s boxing day sale! Get discounts on EVERY item in our online store! Although […]
Photo Credit: Daniel Fazio NEW YORK — After repeated food poisoning outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce, the produce industry is confronting the failure of its own safety measures in preventing contaminations.The E. coli outbreak announced just before Thanksgiving follows one in the spring that sickened more than 200 people and killed five, and another […]
Photo Credit: David Holifield Public Health says it’s not safe to eat romaine lettuce in Ontario and Quebec. So why isn’t it being recalled? People in Ontario and Quebec shouldn’t eat romaine lettuce, even if they buy it in a grocery store or it’s served to them in a restaurant, the Public Health Agency of […]
Photo Credit: Harshal S. Hirve By News Desk on November 29, 2018 Canadian officials say a Salmonella outbreak associated with fresh cucumbers appears to be winding down, but they are continuing their investigation in hopes of pinpointing the source of the bacteria that infected 55 people across the country. No recalls were initiated in relation to the outbreak. Confirmed […]
Photo Credit: Lana Graves Michelle Hill was about to grab a loaf of bread and hand it to the grocery store cashier Tuesday when she saw it wiggle. She took a closer look and, with a scream, jumped back — a live mouse was in the bag, munching on a slice of bread. "It […]
Photo Credit: Armando Ascorve Morales Doubts had been raised on the safe temperature for cooked beef, but new research has settled the question Your burger is still done at 71 C. New research has concluded that all E. coli pathogens are killed at that temperature. “The last time people wrote articles about this in […]
Photo Credit: Stephanie Studer The benefits for all of foodservice could be huge. There’s no denying that foodborne illness outbreaks are on the rise. Recently, 6 million pounds of ground beef were recalled due to salmonella contamination. Last spring, there was a widespread romaine lettuce investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to […]
Photo Credit: Fikri Rasyid Although there are systems in place to ensure our food is safe to eat, all too often it feels as though the onus is placed on consumers to safely navigate grocery store aisles The scale was staggering: more than 300,000 babies sickened and 54,000 hospitalized. Kidney damage claimed six young lives. […]
Photo Credit: Steve Buissinne Manitoban's might want to reconsider taking a bite out the cucumber in their fridge. An investigation is underway into an outbreak of salmonella infections involving five provinces, mostly in the west. Many of the people who became sick reported eating cucumbers. As of Friday, Health Canada says there have been […]
Photo Credit: Robina Weermeijer Are you interested in learning more about first aid for mental health and self care? Looking for new ways to handle stress and pressure? Well you may be interested in attending Pacific First Aid’s Psychological First Aid (PFA) course! As this course teaches strategies on how to help those who […]
Photo Credit: Nathan Dumlao Friend of the barfblog and fresh food safety advocate Keith Warriner of the University of Guelph has been recognized by the Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) with an award. U of G and Moyers Apple Products were awarded the 2018 Mind to Market Award for Outstanding Research Collaboration and Commercialization […]
The FDA has taken a first step towards consideration of adding sesame to the list of allergens required to be identified on food labels. The effort could help protect individuals with sesame allergies.1 FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said the agency is seeing evidence that sesame allergies may be a growing concern in the United States. […]
Photo Credit: Matthew Tkocz With the change of seasons comes a renewed focus on the flu and the ways we can protect ourselves against infection. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection. Up to ten per cent of the Canadian population is affected by the flu each year. Those that are generally healthy will […]
Photo Credit: Andrea Piacquadio Are you looking to gain some great first aid skills? Then do we have the course for you! The Standard First Aid Course is a 16-hour course that is spread out over two consecutive days and includes CPR skills and certification. The course provides comprehensive first aid & CPR techniques […]
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Hepner 8 Tips to Avoid Getting Sick and Spreading the Flu or Cold! Trying to make it through the year without getting sick? Cold and flu season are right around the corner, so here are few tips to help you to prevent the spread of germs and sickness! Sneeze […]
Photo Credit: Denny Franzkowiak It’s sad to say summer has come to an end, with fall and winter creeping in the temperature begins to drop. Although this may seem like a dread to go back to, after enjoying a beautiful summer in sandals and shorts, but there are actually some health benefits to cold […]
Photo Credit: Markus Spiske Need a jack of all trades tool with you at all times? Want to be prepared with a tool equipped for various situations? Well then you may need your very own multi-tool! A multi-tool is an easy to carry and versatile tool to keep on your person for times in […]
Photo Credit: Alfonso Cerezo Love hitting the trails? Planning some hikes this autumn to see the beautiful changing colors of the leaves? If so may be looking to set yourself up with some new gear! If that’s the case, you may want to add a trekking stick or more commonly referred to as a […]
Photo Credit: CDC If you’re spending some time out on the deck this summer, you may have experienced the unfortunate feeling of stepping on splinter! Ouch, not only are splinters painful but can be very tricky to remove! Here are three easy tips you may not have learned in first aid training or a […]
Most hikers and campers have an essential list of items they always carry in their kit when going into the woods. Although their may be one surprisingly useful and versatile piece of kit that’s been overlooked. The emergency blanket, is a multi-tool in itself and well worth the space it takes in your pack. The […]
Photo Credit: Drew Beamer You never know when an emergency is going to take place, that is why it is best to be well prepared. Having a first aid kit in one’s workplace or office is a great reassurance to allow for a safer work environment. Here are three reasons to keep your very […]
Photo Credit: Einar H. Reynis Do you have a long commute to make before and after work? Are you working a job that requires you to be behind the wheel for long periods of time? Well then you’ll be familiar with the terrifying feeling when you start to feel sleepy and your head begins […]
Photo Credit: Evan Wise Understanding food safety and getting certified food safety training is incredibly important. Having the skills that a food safety course provides can prevent all sorts of foodborne illnesses from effecting someone enjoying your food! Here are three top reasons to sign up for a food safety course: Preventing foodborne […]
Photo Credit: Gabriel Lamza Enjoying the last months of summer? Trying to get the last few days in the sun in before fall and winter come in to spoil the fun in the sun? Well you better wear your sunscreen! There are a multitude of reasons to protect your skin with sun screen, here […]
Photo Credit: Thanh Tran Heading out into the mountains this summer? Hitting the trails for a weekend of adventure and exercise? Well make sure to pack an emergency situation. One piece of kit you should always carry when heading into the woods is a knife. Although it can be dangerous, a knife can be […]
Photo Credit: Denis Kirichenko Adventuring into the great outdoors? Well then, you will know the importance of having the ability to build and maintain a campfire. Having a fire can be the difference between life and death in a survival scenario in any remote area. Here are three easy ways to build a fire: […]
Photo Credit: Chris Abney Getting out in the wilderness and going for a long winded hike or setting up a camp and living in the peace and solitude of the great outdoors for a weekend can both be very refreshing. Although when venturing out into these untamed woods it is very important you come […]
Photo Credit: Murillo de Paula Ever feel like you can’t seem to get out of bed or are you crashing at work in the middle of the day? Never feel like you have enough energy to make it through the day? Well here are 5 tips that could help boost your energy levels throughout […]
Photo Credit: Edward Howell Staying on a strict diet is no easy challenge, it is an uphill battle! One of the hardest things to fend off are all the cravings that come along with any food restrictive diet. One of the best ways to avoid giving into these cravings is snacking! Believe it or […]
Photo Credit: Jenny Hill Do you have a hard time waking up in the morning? Are you hitting the snooze over and over, to enjoy just a few minutes more of sleep? Well here are some tips for all non early birds to try out, that could help you become more effective in the […]
Photo Credit: Dmitry Grigoriev Have you been out enjoying the summer heat this year? It’s great to spend some time in the sun at the beach or at a BBQ, although it can be annoying when those pesky bugs are out and biting. Here are a few simple first aid tips for bug bites. […]
Photo Credit: Scott Broome Are you living your healthiest life? Is it possible you could trim the fat, so to speak? Here are 5 easy tips to incorporate in to your daily lifestyle to make sure your as healthy as can be! For more first aid, first aid training, first aid training course sign […]
Photo Credit: Jess Bailey Sometimes being in bad mood is more than just emotions or the situation your in, it can actually be caused by poor diet and not living a healthy life style. Here are some health tips that you may not learn from first aid training or attending a first aid course. […]
Photo Credit: Johnny Cohen Fainting can be caused by a number of different reasons, from emotional overload to heat exhaustion. Fainting can be very dangerous and should be treated with care and caution. If you don’t have any first aid training or attended a first aid course, then here are a few first aid […]
Photo Credit: Harlie Raethel You don’t have to be an extreme athlete in a dangerous sport to break bones. Broken bones are a common occurrence and have a large variation in levels of severity. If you have never had any first aid training or taken a first aid course, then here are some tips […]
Photo Credit: Danka & Peter It’s the perfect time of year to get out into the sun and enjoy the great outdoors. If you are a hiker or a camper, it’s best you know these important first aid tips whether you have had first aid training or attended a first aid course. How […]
Photo Credit: Andrew Tanglao With the sun out, it’s a perfect time to get out your running shoes and go for a run! Anyone who has ever participated in any sort of long distance race should have some basic first aid knowledge from first aid training or a first aid course. But if you […]
Photo Credit: Adrian Swancar Do you find yourself feeling sleepy all the time? Or feeling multiple crashes in energy throughout the work day? Here are a few reasons you may be experiencing this seemingly random fatigue, that they may not teach you in your mental health first aid course or first aid training. […]
Photo Credit: Emilio Garcia Drowning is the number one cause of injury based cause of death in children from ages 1-4. It doesn’t take a deep pool for a child to drown it can happen in as little as 5cm of water. For those parents who want to teach their children to swim at […]
Photo Credit: Siamak Working in a restaurant is one of the most fast paced and stressful jobs out there. Although it may look like fun on the food network, it is actually a work place with a multitude of potential hazards. When a breakfast, lunch or dinner rush hits a kitchen it is sent […]
Photo Credit: Chris Curry One of the most common human fears if not thee most common is the fear of snakes, also known as Ophidiophobia. Here are some first aid tips you should know when studying first aid training or taking a first aid course. These tips could save your life in a potentially […]
Photo Credit: Robin Higgins There are times in our lives when we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, heavy hearted or just an overall feeling of negativity towards life and whatever it throws at us. Although there are so many ways to get out of this way of thinking, here are three ways we suggest to […]
Photo Credit: Jordan Wozniak With the sun on it’s way and the summer months approaching rapidly, you tell yourself you really want to enjoy this year’s summer more than ever before. Although sometimes mental health issues: depression, anxiety and other feelings that cause us not to want to leave the house get in the […]
Photo Credit: Gregory Pappas Although it may seem counter productive to take an afternoon nap when you are trying to get things done. But in fact sleep studies have shown a short afternoon nap can boost productivity and creativity. With that being said there is a right way and wrong way to nap, napping […]
Photo Credit: Finn Here are 5 easy tips you may not have learned at your mental health first aid course. HALT Halt Is a principle taught in mental health first aid training, that is basic and simple in approach but effective. Don’t allow yourself to be: H ungry A ngry L onley T ired […]
Photo Credit: Thomas Kinto Accidentally touching a hot stove or getting splashed by boiling hot water are two of the most common household causes of burns. If you or a family member is burned it is important to identify what kind of burn it is. Here are few tips to treat burns that you […]
First aid training is a great skill to have in any emergency situation. It can prevent the worst from happening in a horrific situation. So whether you have first aid training, first aid certificate or not, these next tips will give an idea of what to do in the situation.
You should ask your self if you and your family are prepared for disaster to strike. In any disaster or state of emergency it can take first aid respondents awhile to get to you. You should be 72 hours ready, as it is essential you are able to take care of yourself in a disaster […]
Photo Credit: Marcin Ciszewski There are many reasons for wanting to own a pleasure craft. Although before you go and get one it is very important you understand the rules, regulations and processes for acquiring one so you don’t end up breaking the laws in place. Here are a few tips to keep in […]
Photo Credit: Paul Hermann As the weather gets better and people start coming out of their homes to spend time with friends, you start to get the urge to get the BBQ out and have all your friends around for a day of eating in the sun. Although it is important you brush up […]
Photo Credit: Allen Taylor Have your parents or guardians help you decide if you are ready to take on this important job. With their help, you should think about what you will and won't be able to handle as a babysitter. For example, you may decide to only watch children ages 3 and up or […]
Photo Credit: Elevate 1. Be Prepared When operating a forklift, it is important to take every safety precaution. Proper training is essential before getting behind the wheel, as driving a forklift can be just as hazardous or more so than operating a motor vehicle. There are several locations that provide fork lift training Vancouver. […]
Photo Credit: Joyce McCown By Shelly Makrugin Knowledge, equipment, and skill. Those are the three things that can help you stay safe on the ice and survive if you fall through it. That’s according to Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht, who operates the Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Medicine at the University of Manitoba and was the […]
Photo Credit: Jimaro Morales Progress in winning the war on foodborne disease has stalled, while “mega trends” in food safety will influence the world of microbiology for years to come, said Frank Yiannas, vice president of food safety at Walmart, at a Feb. 6 meeting sponsored by 3M Food Safety Yiannas identified the key […]
Sourced From: Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau celebrityaccess.com Feb. 11, 2018 EDMONTON (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — A study by ESPN has taken Rexall Place to task for having the worst food safety record among the top all major Canadian arenas and stadiums. According to a report by CBC, Edmonton health inspectors found numerous violations at the venue during […]
Photo Credit: Pixabay Unhealthy batch of raspberries could possibly be why 100's of Quebecers have been sick final summer time, report says luxoraleader.com, Feb. 11, 2018 A batch of frozen raspberries from China that was recalled by the provincial government could have made hundreds of Quebecers sick last summer, according to a recent (report). More […]
Photo Credit: Pixabay When everyday health emergencies occur, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed in the moment – but it’s important to be prepared in order to spring into action to save a life.
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema I got a cold in September; early enough for others experiencing similar symptoms to question if it was their allergies but, as I don’t get allergies,
By Kayleigh Montgomery Last year, Robert Falconer went into anaphylactic shock. “I didn’t know what to do or how to react. I had to call 911 and be taken to the hospital." He was then diagnosed with a rare condition called idiopathic histamine response syndrome. This is a severe allergy to an unknown substance in the […]
Pacific First Aid is partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to serve you in your first aid certification needs. We specialize in private group training sessions at our current facility or at your own. We also carry a great variety of First Aid supplies and can create customized kits in order to fit your needs.