Sept 2023 | Page 7

The Charbonneau Villager September 2023 7

Community Safety Series

By DAVE MAUK

What to do in a life-safety emergency

This is another installment in the continuing series on community safety in Charbonneau . It is one of three articles describing different scenarios about specific incidents or emergencies that may occur and what steps to take for your own personal safety . This month we will discuss what to do when confronted with a life-threatening emergency . This means an incident or situation that could result in serious injury or death to you or someone else . Neil Kennedy , Charbonneau safety coordinator , has reviewed and contributed to this article , as he will for the entire series .

A life-safety emergency can come in many forms . It could be an accident , health incident or natural disaster . Or it could be a bad guy with hostile intent . Having a plan before something happens , along with decisive action , trained intervention and implementing life-saving steps , can be the difference between life and death .

Start by assessing the potential dangers that are present in your life . Consider your health , lifestyle and activities . What ’ s your course of action if something goes wrong ? What can you do preventatively before an incident that might improve its outcome ?

Here ’ s a look at specific situations that can threaten the safety and security of your life , and how to deal with them .

Health events : Sudden cardiac arrest , choking on food , anaphylactic shock and a stroke are various health events that can threaten a person ’ s life ; know your own health risks , become familiar with the symptoms of these events , learn basic CPR and decide if an Auto External Defibrillator or EpiPen is appropriate in your home .

Home accidents : For household accidents , such as falling , a head injury , accidental poisoning , an electric shock and a cut with significant bleeding ( the number one cause of preventable death , have first aid materials where you can easily find them and learn how to treat wounds , staunch bleeding and steady a body going into shock .

Natural disasters : Charbonneau has an ongoing effort recruiting and training community volunteers organized as response teams for natural disasters . Know your EPPS kit and evacuation plan , use the “ OK ” or “ HELP ” signs , know who your EPPS volunteers are and communicate with them during an emergency .

Hostile behavior : a situation when a life-threatening emergency is present in the form of someone ’ s hostile , erratic or criminal behavior ; awareness and prevention are effective deterrents .

Here are the steps to take when one of these life-threatening scenarios occurs :

Assess the life-safety threat and take action that does not make the situation worse ; determine the cause of the emergency ; check yourself physically , mentally and your ability to get assistance .

Call 911 immediately or have someone call 911 for you . Use the speakerphone option , lay the phone down , continue speaking , answering questions and , following instructions while help is on the way , you will probably be asked your location and to describe the emergency .

Call Charbonneau ’ s Security Service : 503- 505-3327 and country club office : 503-694-2300 .

Follow the instructions given by the emergency operator , put your safety plan into action , wait for assistance and stay calm to prevent further injury or the onset of shock .

If necessary , or when in doubt , seek assistance from those you trust to make calls for you and / or come to your aid .

We live in a caring community with an excellent and constantly improving safety and security infrastructure that is here to help in almost any emergency . Using that ounce of prevention , and being aware , prepared and vigilant as individuals and neighbors are key factors contributing to a safe and secure household , as well as the Charbonneau community itself .

More than

40 years of Legal Experience you can trust

Estate Planning ~ Accident & Injuries Family Law ~ Wills , Probate & Trusts

Business Transactions Acquisitions & Accession Sales & Transfers

You are our # 1 Priority ! We are happy to meet with you in your home , the Charbonneau member lounge or in our Lake Oswego office .

John Moore Principal Attorney

Call for an appointment today !

4248 Galewood St ., Lake Oswego 503-675-4300 www . MooreLawGroupPC . com

ROOF MASTERS INC . Charbonneau Approved Lifetime Presidential Composition

• New Roof Installations

• Repairs

• Cleanings

" Quality Work With A Written Workmanship Warranty ”

FAST DEPENDABLE , QUALITY SERVICE LOCAL REFERENCES - FREE ESTIMATES

503-266-5848

LICENSED , BONDED , INSURED - CCB # 85663 FAMILY ORIENTED BUSINESS " SERVING THE LOCAL AREA SINCE 1986 " 1841 S IVY ST ., CANBY , OR 97013 www . roofmastersoregon . com