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Saving Hearts, Saving Lives: 9-1-1 and National Heart Month

Saving Hearts, Saving Lives: 9-1-1 and National Heart Month

February 19, 2024 by Kristin McKinney in /

February is National Heart Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about heart health. the prevention of heart-related conditions, and education about what to do in situations in which a heart-related health concern arises. As we focus on caring for our hearts, it’s important to recognize the critical role emergency response systems like 9-1-1 have in saving lives, especially during cardiac emergencies. 

Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally, claiming millions of lives each year. During cardiac emergencies, every second counts. Contacting  9-1-1  immediately upon recognizing the signs of a heart attack or cardiac arrest can significantly improve the chances of survival. 

Heart Attack: Symptoms of a heart attack can vary but may include chest pain or discomfort, upper body pain, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Cardiac Arrest: Cardiac arrest is often sudden and can lead to loss of consciousness and the ceasing of breathing. If you witness someone experiencing these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and begin CPR immediately.

Educating communities about the signs of heart attacks and cardiac arrest, as well as the importance of calling 9-1-1, is crucial. By raising awareness and providing education, we can empower individuals to take action and potentially save lives when they witness a heart-related medical emergency.

How You Can Help:

  • Learn CPR: Taking a CPR course can equip you with the skills to provide immediate assistance in a cardiac emergency. To view local CPR classes, visit the Red Cross website to learn more. 
  • Spread Awareness: Share information about heart health, the signs of heart attacks and cardiac arrest, and the importance of calling 9-1-1.
  • Support Heart Health Initiatives: Participate in events or fundraisers that promote heart health and raise funds for research and education.

As we observe National Heart Month, let’s not only focus on our own heart health but also on being prepared to help others. By recognizing the signs of cardiac emergencies, calling 9-1-1 promptly, and providing immediate assistance, we can make a difference in saving lives. Together, let’s work towards a heart-safe community where everyone knows how to respond in a cardiac emergency.

 

This blog post was written with the assistance of an AI language model.

New Year, New Safety Resolutions: A Comprehensive Guide to a Safer 2024

New Year, New Safety Resolutions: A Comprehensive Guide to a Safer 2024

January 11, 2024 by Kristin McKinney in

As we step into the New Year, let’s usher in a renewed commitment to safety with our ‘New Year, New Safety Resolutions’ initiative. Together, we can make a difference by taking small yet impactful steps towards building a safer community, because your well-being matters.

Resolution 1: Creating a Safety Plan with Your Household

Our first New Year, New Safety Resolution encourages you to create a safety plan with your household. It’s essential to educate children on how to respond in emergency situations, including when and how to call 9-1-1. Practice evacuation drills and establish a family meeting point. By prioritizing safety at home, we contribute to a secure and resilient community.

Resolution 2: Building an Emergency Preparedness Kit

In addition to a safety plan, it’s crucial to build an emergency preparedness kit. Our second resolution emphasizes the importance of staying active in creating a comprehensive kit. Include essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, flashlight, first aid supplies, and important documents. Regularly check and refresh your kits to ensure they are up-to-date and ready for any unexpected situation.

Resolution 3: Winter Safety Precautions

As part of our third New Year, New Safety Resolution, we urge everyone to prioritize safety during the winter months. Take extra precautions while driving on icy roads, ensure your homes are well-prepared for cold weather, and stay informed about weather updates. By being proactive in winter safety, we contribute to a secure environment for ourselves and those around us.

Resolution 4: CPR and Basic First Aid Training

Our fourth resolution encourages you to consider taking a CPR course and learning basic first aid. Equipping yourself with these invaluable skills not only enhances your own preparedness but also contributes to building a stronger, more resilient community. Your dedication to learning can make a real difference in emergencies, creating a network of individuals ready to respond effectively. Let’s make 2024 a year of safety, knowledge, and shared well-being.

As we embark on this fresh start, let’s collectively commit to making 2024 a year of safety and preparedness. By implementing these New Year, New Safety Resolutions, we not only enhance our individual well-being but also contribute to the creation of a safer and more resilient community. Your efforts matter, and together, we can create a positive impact on the world around us. Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s make 2024 a year to remember for all the right reasons.

Embracing Radiance: A Year of Encouragement and A Daily Sunrise

Embracing Radiance: A Year of Encouragement and A Daily Sunrise

December 21, 2023 by Kristin McKinney in

For years I have had a word of the year.  I pick one that can crossover in my personal and professional life and we try to live it out in our NCT9-1-1 culture.  There are many methods for choosing a word of the year and some year’s I go through a process.  Other years I am struck with a word after little thought and know that is the one right away.  This was one of those years.  I choose my word of the year during my year end reflection.  At the end of 2022, I was sad.  As I reflected, I was disappointed that “the new normal” still held more negative than I was willing to accept.  I’m devastated with the rise in suicide and that we have been unsuccessful in teaching the vital life skill of resiliency.  I was shocked at the number of people who quit going out into the world and stopped engaging with people face to face.  I don’t mean during lock down but still today.  I am amazed at how bad the staffing crisis is in public safety and throughout most other industries in our nation. And I could go on. . . And on. . .

 

However, I am an eternal optimist, full of hope for a good future and my mind will not allow me to wallow in these negative observations.  So I focused on what I could do to turn some of the sadness around.  That’s when I got my word of the year for 2023.  Encouragement.  We all need more encouragement to get through hard times and prepare for our bright futures.

 

What encourages you without any external intervention from others?  For me it is the sunrise and sunset.  As a transforming morning person, I have discovered sunrise for the first time in my life in the past three years.  The transformation was not on purpose and I was not trying to be awake and outside to experience sunrise on a regular basis.  I was building a positive habit of walking outside twice a day (morning and evening).  I quickly learned that walking during sunrise was amazing!  Not only fresh air, exercise and an opportunity for professional growth and learning through listening to podcasts and audio books, but also taking time to recognize the beauty of the sunrise and the sky all around it.  The ability to see the amazing colors and cloud formations calms me and makes me smile.  It gives me a sense of peace and wonder.  It makes me stop and give thanks.  The greatest thing is that it happens every day!  Each sunrise and sunset is different but these amazing and beautiful acts of nature occur every single day.  It is a constant, something I can depend on.  Sunrise and sunsets encourage me.  No matter my life circumstances or worries, there has never been a day that there wasn’t a sunrise and sunset.  No matter how bad I feel, I know that tomorrow is a new day that will be introduced by a sunrise.  I also know the sun will set on every bad day and with it is the hope for tomorrow.

Something I love about encouragement is that it is contagious.  If I am encouraged, I can pass it on.  If I have on my rose-colored glasses (that I wear most of the time) I can see the good in others and can focus on either reinforcing that good or looking for potential.  I can recognize and appreciate the good works of those around me.  I can share with them about their potential and cheer them on as they are growing.  I can even share positive and inspirational stories about others to remind someone of the good in the world and the possibilities.  I can brainstorm with others to paint a picture of a better tomorrow.

We have all been told that our words are powerful, and they are.  Verbalizing encouragement to others doesn’t cost us anything or take too much of our time.  But kind words that are sincere and authentic can make a person’s day (or more). I’m not just talking about complimenting your friend on her new hairstyle, although that is encouraging. I’m talking about taking the time to encourage someone you don’t know or maybe even don’t like. When was the last time you encouraged a co-worker?  Some people haven’t heard a kind word today and may really need one.  Sometimes people are walking around on the edge just trying to keep it together.  We never know what others are thinking or experiencing at any given moment.  But we do know that an encouraging word can make a difference.  There are people all of us admire and respect but have never told them.  Let’s take the time to do that.  Let’s encourage others.

I did something new this year and I tracked my progress on practicing my word of the year.  In fact, it was a habit goal for me this year.  I developed a list of people I could encourage and how and I journaled who I tried to encourage each day, even when it was a stranger.  I was intentional on this so I could practice encouragement daily instead of just every now and then.  Tracking and journaling my gratitude really stepped up my game in that area and I knew this would help me in practicing what I preach as well – my word of the year.

I hope you will join me in finding your constant encouragement and focusing on it daily.  I also challenge you to verbally encourage someone every day.  You have nothing to lose.  In fact, it really makes you feel good when you share kind words and see an emotional response as they say thank you.  It is wonderful when the recipient of your encouragement tells you that your words made their day.  It’s truly a win/win.  While 2023 is ending and I will have a new word soon for 2024, I hope I’ve made a lasting change by practicing encouragement that will last a lifetime. Have you encouraged anyone today?  Why not?  You never know, your words may be exactly what was needed.  They may even be the words that inspire that person to greatness!

Note from the author:  This was not generated by AI, but from my heart to yours.

Giving Thanks to Our 9-1-1 Heroes

Giving Thanks to Our 9-1-1 Heroes

November 16, 2023 by Kristin McKinney in

‘Tis the season for giving thanks, and it’s time to reflect on the unsung heroes who often go unnoticed in our daily lives – 9-1-1 telecommunicators. These dedicated individuals play a crucial role in our public safety system, providing a lifeline during emergencies and ensuring that help is just a phone call away. This season, let’s express our gratitude for the invaluable service they provide and acknowledge the reasons we are thankful for 9-1-1 and public safety.

Imagine the relief of dialing those three digits and hearing a reassuring voice on the other end, ready to help. 9-1-1 telecommunicators are the calming presence in the storm, offering guidance, support, and sometimes even life-saving instructions before first responders arrive. This season, let’s express our gratitude for the peace of mind they provide in our moments of crisis and explore ways in which the public can actively show appreciation. 

  1. Send a Heartfelt Thank You: Consider sending a heartfelt thank-you note or card to your local Emergency Communications  Center (ECC). Expressing your gratitude in writing can be a powerful way to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of 9-1-1 telecommunicators. If you’re feeling particularly generous, a gift card for a local coffee shop or restaurant could be a thoughtful gesture to brighten their day during long shifts. To find your local ECC, check out the map at the bottom of this blog. If you’re outside of the NCT9-1-1 region, visit your 9-1-1 authority’s website for more information.
  2. Engage on Social Media: In today’s digital age, social media provides a platform to connect and express appreciation. Many ECCs either have a social media presence of their own or share it with the police department or sheriff’s office that they are connected to – follow them, engage with their posts, and take a moment to comment with your words of thanks. Your positive comments not only boost morale but also help raise awareness about the vital role of 9-1-1 telecommunicators in the community.
  3. Stay Informed and Advocate: Knowledge is a powerful tool. Stay informed about the latest changes and advancements in 9-1-1 and public safety. By being aware of the challenges and improvements in the field, you can actively participate in discussions about the importance of supporting emergency services. Advocate for policies that enhance the capabilities of ECCs and contribute to the overall improvement of public safety infrastructure.
  4. Share Positive Experiences: Spread positivity by sharing your positive experiences with 9-1-1 on your social media platforms. Highlight instances where 9-1-1  telecommunicators went above and beyond to ensure your safety or the safety of someone you know. Your stories can inspire others to appreciate the vital role that 9-1-1 telecommunicators play in our communities.

Not only are we thankful for our hardworking 9-1-1 telecommunicators, we are also thankful for the advancements in technology that enhance the capabilities of 9-1-1 services. From GPS location tracking to the integration of video and text messaging, these innovations empower 9-1-1 telecommunicators to gather crucial information swiftly and dispatch assistance more effectively. This season of thanks extends to the continuous efforts to improve and modernize our emergency response systems.

Let’s also not forget the collaborative efforts of the entire public safety community. From police officers and firefighters to emergency medical personnel, the seamless coordination among these dedicated individuals ensures a comprehensive response to any emergency. The synergy between 9-1-1 telecommunicators and on-the-ground responders is a testament to the strength of our public safety infrastructure. Here at NCT9-1-1, we deeply thank all of the 9-1-1 telecommunicators and public safety professionals not only across our service area, but in the world!