This next story comes to us from Linda Turgeon from Inspiring Solutions Staging & Redesign.

"A few winters ago my daughter Raelyn and I were very excited to get our tubing gear out after many, many inches of snow. We packed everything up and headed for a hill that everyone loved to sled on. On the ride there we talked about our lunch plans and what we would do for the rest of the day. When arriving at the hill it looked perfect for tubing. There were several families there that were just as thrilled about all the snow we had gotten. We bundled up and got our gear out of the car and heading for the top. I don't remember how many runs we got in going side by side, but the last one we decided to hold on to each other tube. It started out fast and continued to pick up speed. This certainly was the fastest run yet! There was no stopping us when we hit a plowed snow banking and went up and over. We were both airborne, my daughter hit the icy pavement first and I landed across her. A scream came from her that sent chills running up my spine. I got up and told her not to move until I could understand what she was screaming about. Calmly, I spoke to her and repeated that she look directly at me and tell me where she was hurt. It was her leg, one look at it; I knew by the way it was off to one side, it was broken. I took off my jacket to cover her and sweater to put under her head. I calmly told her that I was going to run to the car to get my phone. She began crying and asking me not to leave her. At this point a woman had come over to see if we were alright. I ask her to stay with Raelyn so I could run to get my phone. As it turned out she had her phone close by. I ask her to please call for help. The words that came out of her mouth next shocked me. Lady: "Who should I call?" Me: (Thinking in my head,  is she serious?) "911" Lady: "What do I say?" Me: "Tell them someone got hurt sledding and you need an ambulance." Lady: "Where are we?" Me: "PLEASE GIVE ME THE PHONE" I gave 911 the information, the ambulance came and off to the hospital we went. After a couple of operations, screws in her ankle and a cast for months, she recuperated perfectly. She only carries two small scars on her ankle! The scars that I carry, are inside me forever.

 One of the things I have learned from Safety Trainers since this accident; be a better communicator with the person who has the phone and the 911 operator. What I should have said was "call 911 explain to them what happened." "Make sure you give them your phone number in case you get cut off." "The address is.....

 We never expect to encounter situations like this, but take the time to prepare yourself, because when they happen, they happen fast and the only way to be in control is to be prepared with Safety Trainers expertise."

This story can teach us two lessons. First, the proper way to handle a situation. Linda did a great job of staying calm and keeping her daughter calm. She assessed what the problem was and knew she needed to call for help. Also, using people around you USUALLY will help the situation.

Second, The importance of making a 911 call and knowing what to say. The individual that had the phone seemed completely clueless on how make a 911 call. That is the most important thing to do in all emergences, call for help.

Thanks to Linda for sharing this with us. I hope that everyone who reads this can take something from it. I know I did.

When I saw this article in the news today it really got to me. A 22- year- old young man was shot today when responding to a truck fire in a suburban area outside St. Louis. When he gets out of the firetruck a gunman opens fire and fatally struck Ryan Hummert and hitting two others including a police officer.

This is such a tragedy. This young man finished Fire Academy in March. He was dedicating himself to help others and this is  what one sick person did when he responded to put the fire out in his truck.

Our dedicated firefighters, EMTs, Police officers and Paramedics allow us to have a sense of safety knowing help is a phone call away. My hat is off to all of those heroes out there.

For the full article you can visit Fox News.

According to the American heart Association the first link in the chain of survival is recognizing an emergency and calling 911. . Some people hesitate because they are scared or not sure if it is important enough to call. In our classes we talk about some major points to take into consideration:

1. Calling 911 from a land line telephone vs. cell phone
2. What the differences are when you do call from a cell phone.
3. The four(4) basic questions you will need to answer.
4. Response times in your area.

The 911 section covers more than these four questions but that should start to raise questions like:

•  Do I know what to do?
• Where should I call from?
• Can I get in trouble if I call?
• How long will it take for help to arrive?

We will help prepare you in the event of an emergency.

Do you have an I.C.E. sticker on your phone for protection?

 Contact Safety Trainersfor further information on our training courses.