Occupational health and safety: The fisherman

In many parts of the world and the U.S., fishing is not seen as a hobby; it is a job. Some fishermen rely on their catch for their daily income. And those who have had fishing as an occupation long enough know that it is not without its dangers, occupational health and safety expert Martin Lloyd Sanders explains.

Image source: Spoutfire.com

Image source: Cabelas.com

The obvious threat to fishermen is the weather. Among all workers in the U.S., fishermen are more affected by the weather than almost anybody else. Some employers have groups of fishermen out there on a single vessel to help, which is much safer than a single fisherman independently going about his daily routine.

It is also important to note that being on the boat itself presents several safety hazards. From slipping to being thrown overboard to having loosely tied equipment tumbling around, being a fisherman is by no means a safe job. It is a good thing there are safety equipment that fishermen are required to have with them at all times, such as life jackets and non-slip boots.

Martin Lloyd Sanders also mentions that fishermen are at the mercy of the elements, and not just with the dangers of the weather. Fishermen are exposed to all kinds of temperature, which can weaken their immune system and make them susceptible to the flu. This is why in every boat, first aid kits and basic medicine should always be available.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is an expert in biological safety, field medical operations, biosecurity, occupational safety and health, infectious disease epidemiology, and environmental health services. For related posts, visit this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

Essential medicines that should always be in a first aid kit

Having a first aid kit at home, in the office, in the car, or even inside one's daily bag allows a person to prevent sickness and injuries fast. Public health and safety professional Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, shares the most important medicines that should always be inside your first aid kit.

Image source: timesnownews.com

Image source: timesnownews.com

Pain-relievers
Ibuprofen, paracetamol, and acetaminophen are some of the most common pain relievers one can easily stock up on. Some of these medications can also address the discomfort caused by cough, colds, and flu. These medications are necessary to prevent inflammation, fever, and body pain.

Antihistamine and autoinjectors
If the individual or someone in the family has a known allergy, it's always important to have extra tablets or epinephrine shots nearby. These medications can address simple to severe allergic reactions, bringing quick relief especially for those who experience symptoms such as itching and breathing difficulties.

Antacid
An upset stomach, indigestion, heartburn, and hyperacidity don't always require a trip to the emergency room. With the right medication, one can be relieved of the discomfort caused by these ailments.

Anti-diarrhea medication
This is important for those who are fond of camping or traveling. Since there's a high chance for outside food to be contaminated, it's best to have anti-diarrhea tablets in the kit to prevent pain and discomfort.

Ointment, creams, and lotions
According to Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone, antiseptic creams, and other topical medication should be in the first aid kit to protect irritated skin due to injuries, insect bites, and allergies.

Instead of not knowing where to get supplies when the need arises, it's best to keep an inventory of the items inside the first aid kit. Having a well-stocked kit will help people address sickness and injury quicker.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and has rendered over 10 years of service in occupational safety and health. For more articles like this, check out this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

What to do during a flash flood

Image source: nbcnews.com

Over the past few years, the weather has become more and more unpredictable. As the world combats this climate crisis, there are now unique and old threats to public safety. A lot of places that weren’t prone to floods before are starting to get affected, and people need to know how to respond to these emergencies appropriately. Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders believes that knowing what to do during these emergencies can keep you safe. If you are caught in a flash flood, here is what you need to do.

If you live in a low and flood-prone area, tune in to your local weather or TV station and pay attention to the weather updates. Local officials will advise residents on what steps to take and inform people of any relevant weather activities.

If you are stuck inside a vehicle inside a flood and you notice that the water is starting to rise quickly, vacate your vehicle and seek higher ground. Regardless of how big or heavy your car is, it can easily get swept away by fast-moving water. The last thing you want to be in is inside a vehicle getting swept away into deeper parts of the flood.

Image source: public.wmo.int

If you are outside and the water starts to rise, stay away from the direction of the floodwater’s flow. Don’t force your way into a flood as it is possible to get hit by debris being carried by the fast-moving water.

Lastly, always have an emergency kit in your home at all times. Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders notes that an emergency kit should have at least a gallon of water per person, medication, toiletries, a power bank for your phones, extra cash, blankets, clothes, map of the area, and a list of emergency contact numbers.”

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, formerly held the position of Director for Safety, Environmental Compliance and Emergency Management in Federal Occupational Health (FOH/PSC). He has the task of overseeing department-wide safety, environmental compliance, and emergency response policy. For more reads on emergency procedures and public safety, visit this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

How to help a person overcome a panic attack in public

Image source: Bbc.co.uk

So many people suffer from panic attacks that occur unexpectedly. When in public, companions need to provide support for someone who might be experiencing an attack. Capt. Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, suggests these methods that will help a person recover from an episode.

Keep calm and do not leave the person

Those who suffer from panic attacks might cause others to believe that they need space while they wait for the symptoms to pass. However, it is better to have someone who will stay by their side, especially when the physical symptoms seem to be intense. When the companion is composed, they can offer help, medication, and even lead the person having an attack to take deep breaths until the panic subsides. Going to a quiet and hidden place will help the person regain composure.

Communicate with the person

A person going through a panic attack may not be able to think clearly, according to Capt. Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP. Asking straightforward questions will help them say what they need. It might also be good to ask them about the cause of their attack. Sometimes, verbalizing what's on their mind might shift their perspective, causing them to recover from anxious, overpowering thoughts. Offering water or medication might just be exactly the help they need.

Image source: Today.com

Encourage positive thoughts

Aside from leading the person to monitor breathing to ease the symptoms of a panic attack, reassuring him or her with encouraging words will allow for a faster recovery. Letting them know that they are brave for riding it out will cause them to open about what triggered the experience. When speaking with them, it's important to inform them that though what they have gone through was intense, it was not dangerous.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and has rendered over 10 years of service in occupational safety and health. For more articles like this, check out this page.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

The importance of cleanliness in schools

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is all about safety in the workplace. He believes that it should be a priority for everyone everywhere. He even shares his extensive knowledge via his blog series to help raise awareness of safety and security.

Capt. Sanders notes that one of the most overlooked issues regarding safety – cleanliness in schools. Schools are places where many young people are packed in rooms almost every day. Because of this, it’s easy for viruses to go around, making schools a potent breeding ground for illnesses.

One way to prevent, or at least lower the chances of the spread of disease in schools is to focus on making these establishments as clean as possible. Capt. Sanders explains that this is, of course, easier said than done. Unlike offices wherein employees are mostly adults who know how to follow the rules of sanitation, schools, especially elementary schools, are filled with children who are not too focused on keeping themselves clean.

Children love to play, as they should. Because of this, it’s the school’s responsibility to make sure that its facilities, areas where children mostly play are kept clean. When these places are sanitized, the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses is lowered.

Capt. Martin Lloyd Sanders understands that schools have budget concerns and may not be able to comply with strict sanitation, but he also believes that cleanliness should be a priority. After all, there may be no more important thing in the world than the health and safety of children.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., CSP, is a multi-awarded scientist and a US Army veteran. He is an expert in biological safety, field medical operations, biosecurity, occupational safety and health, infectious disease epidemiology, environmental health services, and occupational health and wellness programs. Visit this page for more articles like this.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government.

What to do during an active shooting

The U.S. is the country with the highest rate of public shooting in the world. Public shooting has been reported in the news too often. According to Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, an expert in public health, citizens should know how to react to such acts of violence. Here is what you should do if you are caught in an active shooting scenario.

There are a lot of things you can do, but what you can do is limited to your location and your distance from the shooter. If you are at a safe enough distance, you should call 911 and alert local law enforcement of the crime being committed. If you are at an advantageous position where you can see the shooter but the shooter can’t see you, stay on the line and keep giving law enforcement information on the shooter’s location and direction.

If you think you do not have time to call law enforcement due to your situation, evacuate immediately. If you know your surroundings, think of an escape route with plenty of cover and not wide open spaces. Leave your belongings if they will hinder your escape. And if you see wounded people in the location, do not attempt to move them unless you are trained to do so.

In the instance where evacuation is not an option, the best thing to do is to find a hiding place, one that is away from the shooter’s view. According to Martin Lloyd Sanders, the best place to hide is a location where the door can be locked, items can be used to barricade the entrance, and you also have other means of escaping like a window.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., obtained his degree in zoology at the University of California and his doctorate from the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health. To know more about Capt. Sanders, visit his profile here .

Disclaimer:  This site was prepared by Martin L. Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, or the United States government. 

More Important Tips In The Event Of a National Calamity

The city of Frederick in Maryland is a great place to live in. Ask its residents. It’s a peaceful place with a rich history and a vibrant culture. However, it’s had its share of calamities, with hail storms and flooding hitting the county recently.

Here are some tips for homeowners in the area, just in case they are confronted with natural disasters.

Bolting down

Bolting down the roofs, fortifying windows, and any points of entry can protect the home against hail. Installing secondary wooden covers for windows allows homeowners to cover glass windows and prevent them from shattering.

However, homeowners can go that extra mile and bolt down features inside the house, such as heavy pieces of furniture and refrigerators. That way, they can also be safe in case an earthquake hits. Just be sure that the bolts can easily be taken out if these fixtures need to be moved, in case of flooding.

 Speaking of flooding.

Switching off

For people living in low-lying places vulnerable to flooding, it’s important that homeowners have easy access to their circuit breakers if they need to shut it down. Almost always, in homes that get flooded, electricity is the first concern. Once the power is off, homeowners can take care of the rest of the things, such as moving appliances and furniture to the second floor.

Captain Martin Lloyd Sanders, Ph.D., is an officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and has rendered over 10 years of service in occupational safety and health. For more articles like this, check out this page.