Safe + Sound First Aid Training Ltd.

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas to our wonderful clients and instructors! We hope you’re all enjoying a relaxing holiday break. Wishing you peace, happiness and excellent health for 2026 and beyond!

03/05/2025

International Black Balloon Day, March 6, 2025

Black Balloon Day is observed annually on March 6 to raise awareness about the global toxic drug crisis and to honour those who have lost their lives to drug poisoning and substance use disorders. On this day, individuals and communities come together to remember loved ones and challenge the stigma associated with addiction.

Origins of Black Balloon Day

The initiative, which began on March 6, 2015, following the tragic death of Greg Tremblay, a 38-year-old father of four, due to an overdose, has since grown into an international event. In his memory, family members Diane and Lauren Hurley started Black Balloon Day. The growth of this initiative shows the impact individuals and communities can have when they come together.

The Ongoing Drug Overdose Crisis

The drug overdose crisis continues to have significant impacts worldwide. I’m based in British Columbia, Canada and here, unregulated drug poisoning remains the leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 59, surpassing deaths from murders, suicides, accidents, and natural diseases combined.

How is it possible that ten-year-olds are more likely to die from drug poisoning than any other cause?

In BC, the crisis disproportionately affects males, who accounted for 74% of the unregulated drug toxicity deaths in 2024. However, the impact is not limited to one gender or community. Additionally, the rate of death among females increased by 60% from 2020, reaching 21 per 100,000 individuals.

Addressing Stigma and Providing Support

Black Balloon Day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, recognizing it as a brain disease rather than a moral failing. This perspective encourages individuals to seek help without shame.

Every action counts in the fight against stigma. Support can take various forms, including educating oneself about the signs of high-risk drug and alcohol use, offering non-judgmental assistance to those struggling, and advocating for accessible treatment options. Changing the language used to discuss addiction can also reduce stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek help.

Community Engagement and Events

Community events, such as those organized by the TriCities Overdose Community Action Team (TC CAT) and MomsStopTheHarm, help raise awareness. They provide a platform for individuals to come together, honour those lost to overdose and poisoning, and support affected families. Your participation in these events makes a real difference.

Recognizing Black Balloon Day

Community organizations encourage the release of virtual balloons each year on Black Balloon Day to honour those lost to substance use. Individuals can participate by sharing their loved ones' names or stories on social media platforms using the hashtag . They can create a post or a story on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and use the hashtag to join the conversation and show support.

With continued awareness and action, the hope is that Black Balloon Day, along with the toxic drug crisis, will become a distant memory through our collective efforts and commitment to change. We can create a future where we no longer lose lives to substance use disorders and toxic drugs.

02/26/2025

Essential First Aid Skills for Dog and Cat Owners

As a dog or cat owner, ensuring the health and safety of your furry companions is a top priority. But would you know how to respond if your dog or cat faced a medical emergency?

The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online course from the Canadian Red Cross equips you with the knowledge and skills to handle common emergencies confidently. For a closer look at the essential first-aid skills every pet owner should master, please follow the link in the comments.

11/21/2024

You likely know someone who has diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation predicts that one in eight adults, or 783 million, will have the disease by 2045. When a person has diabetes, their body cannot process glucose (sugar) or maintain blood sugar within a normal range, which puts them at risk of experiencing a diabetic emergency.

You don’t need to be a doctor to help a person suffering from a diabetic emergency, but by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms and manage this life-threatening condition, you could potentially save a life.

This article explains why and how a diabetic emergency develops, what to look for and how to give lifesaving first aid.

You could save a life by learning how to manage this life-threatening condition

10/10/2024

October 10, 2024, is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme is 'It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.' Let's start giving mental health the same weight as physical health. Employers get their staff trained in physical first aid but how many take the extra step of organizing mental health first aid training?

Mental health first aid teaches people how to recognize when mental health is declining in a co-worker or themselves and take action to get back on the path to good health.

An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard has been proven to give participants:

- The tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
- The ability to talk about their mental health.
- The knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
- The confidence to reach out to these supports.
- The tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis.
- The knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one's own mental wellness.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Please contact us if you're interested in finding out about private group training. https://www.learnfirstaid.ca/private-group-training/

09/14/2024

It's ! Here are the critical steps you must take to give yourself the best chance of survival if you are alone and suspect you are having a heart attack. Please share this one-minute article (link below) with your loved ones— you may save a life.

07/30/2024

Sand Holes Can Be Deadly

If you're heading to the beach, avoid digging holes. Experts warn that sand holes are a death trap for kids, adults and animals. Read the article (link below) to learn the dangers of digging holes, how to rescue someone trapped in a sand hole and what beach activities are safer for kids.

07/29/2024

Walking on mudflats is dangerous. I once helped a mom with two kids and a baby whose children had become stuck in the mud. I held her baby while she rescued her kids. The kids aged around 5 and 7 were stuck up to their thighs and could not move. By the time they all finally got out they were covered in sticky black mud.

07/18/2024

Free first aid and safety tips at your fingertips!

I'm thrilled to launch my new newsletter, Safe and Sound! I look forward to sharing expert knowledge on first aid and safety topics with you to help keep you and your loved ones safe at home and work. Your feedback and suggestions are important to me, and I'm grateful for your support. I wish you a safe and happy summer!

Why subscribe and what to expect:

- First aid tips and refreshers

- Seasonal safety

- Online course spotlights

- Health and safety news

- Home and work safety tips

Sign up for our free newsletter here. https://bit.ly/3Ybpn6U

07/12/2024

Have you ever wondered whether it's best for a person to take aspirin or nitroglycerin during a heart attack? If so, this article will answer your questions. See comments for the link. Thank you for sharing.

07/09/2024

Good news for BC Employers!

Are You Aware of the Newly Updated First Aid Regulatory Changes? Read our short FAQ article (link in comments) to learn about the updates and how they will save you time and money.