People More Apt to Perform "Hands-Only" CPR than Traditional Method

New American Red Cross survey shows majority of respondents more likely to give CPR without mouth-to-mouth contact.

Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of people say they would be more likely to perform CPR on someone if they did not need to have mouth-to-mouth contact such as through rescue breaths, according to an American Red Cross survey.

“Hands-Only CPR is an effective lifesaving technique especially for an untrained bystander who witnesses someone suddenly collapse,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “Full CPR is recommended for infants, children and those with respiratory problems.”

The national survey of more than 1,000 adults found that when needed, people are more willing to perform Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) than full CPR (series of chest compressions and rescue breaths) on strangers – regardless of age, gender or appearance of the person in need of help.

Among the findings:

• One in four respondents (25 percent) has been in a situation where someone may have required CPR;
• Less than half (46 percent) of those in such situations have helped give CPR;
• Three in five (61 percent) said they are confident they know how to help someone who is unconscious and in need of CPR; and
• While two-thirds (66 percent) of respondents have taken a CPR class, nearly half (45 percent) said they were last trained more than five years go.

The Red Cross recommends individuals take CPR classes every two years and refresh with online courses in the interim.

The survey findings were released just before the July 4th weekend, when many people travel or take part in outdoor activities.

“People need to know what to do in an emergency,” Markenson added. “Whether it’s performing CPR, using an automatic external defibrillator or providing first aid, knowing these lifesaving skills is critical, particularly as more individuals and families engage in swimming and other outdoor activities.”

As the nation’s premiere training organization, the Red Cross offers a variety of ways for people to learn and review these lifesaving skills. Individuals can:

• Take a First Aid/CPR/AED course.
• Attend a 30-minute Hands-Only Citizen CPR course at their local Red Cross.
• Watch the Red Cross Hands-Only CPR video.
• Download the free, new “S.O.S by the American Red Cross” app for Android mobile devices at https://market.android.com/.

CPR, AED and first aid training can provide the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. The next generation of Red Cross training courses include two-year certifications, free digital materials and skill refreshers. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org/training for information and to register.

Survey details: Telephone survey of 1,010 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on April 15-18, 2011 conducted by ORC International. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Comparison Sample From: Telephone survey of 1,018 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on March 26-29, 2010 conducted by ORC International. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

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Safety Comes First for Fourth of July Holiday

Your Fourth of July holiday plans may include taking to the highway, setting up a small fireworks display, or firing up the grill to cook something delicious. The American Red Cross provides useful tips that will help you and your loved ones have a safe weekend:

How to stay safe as you travel over the holiday weekend:

• Buckle up, slow down, and don’t drive impaired.
• Be well rested and alert; give your full attention to the road.
• Use caution in work zones.
• Observe speed limits.
• Make frequent stops.
• Be respectful of other motorists and follow the rules of the road.
• If you plan on drinking, designate a driver who won’t drink.
• Clean your vehicle’s lights and windows to help you see, especially at night.
• Turn your headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.
• Don’t overdrive your headlights.
• Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low.
• If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.
• Carry a Disaster Supplies Kit in your trunk.
• Find out what disasters may occur where you are traveling, especially if they are disasters you have never experienced before. Find out how you would get information in the event of a disaster (local radio systems, emergency alert systems).
• Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination. Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.
• Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your car gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route.

If you are travelling with your pet, our web site offers special things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable.

Use caution around fireworks:

• Never give fireworks to small children, and always follow the instructions on the packaging.
• Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
• Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
• Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
• Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
• Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
• Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.

To find out more about how to enjoy your holiday, visit www.redcross.org.

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Rock Out with 100.3 Jack FM and Support the American Red Cross

Get ready to rock out and support the American Red Cross!

Saturday, June 25, 100.3 Jack FM will present Jack's Throwback Show featuring Queen Nation (Queen Tribute band), Back in Black (AC/DC Tribute band), Fan Halen (Van Halen Tribute band), and Guns 4 Roses (Guns N' Roses Tribute band). The rockin' concert will happen at the Gexa Energy Pavillion located at 1818 First Ave. in Dallas, Texas 75210.

You can snag discounted tickets to the show by using keyword "REDCROSS" on the ticket purchase page. Total cost of a discounted ticket is $15.42, which includes additional fees and taxes. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales using this special promo code (Given to us by Jack himself!) will go to benefit the American Red Cross. Doors open at 6:00pm and the first show gets underway at 7:00pm.

Concert Details:

Queen Nation - 7:00pm
Fan Halen - 8:00pm
Guns 4 Roses - 9:00pm
Back In Black - 10:30pm

Location:
Gexa Energy Pavilion
1818 First Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75210

For more information, visit www.jackontheweb.com.

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Chefs' Picnic at the Lake to Benefit the American Red Cross

Set on the scenic shores of White Rock Lake at the historic Art Deco style Bath House, Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake, June 26 (noon-3pm) celebrates 100 years of White Rock Lake and the American Red Cross–Dallas Area Chapter, during the grand finale Comerica White Rock Centennial Celebration weekend.

Featuring a picnic lunch prepared by Dallas’ top chefs, served from the original Bath House concession stand, along with beer, wine and refreshments from Ben E. Keith, music, and exhibition of old-school photographs and memorabilia from White Rock Lake and the American Red Cross–Dallas Area Chapter and more, Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake will transport guests to a time when White Rock Lake was the staple of summertime in Dallas.

Leading a team of DFW’s finest Chefs, The Grape’s Brian C. Luscher along with Marc Cassel, Peavy Road; Jeff Harris, RedFork; Nathan Tate and Randall Copeland, Restaurant Ava; Diane and Justin Fourton, Pecan Lodge; and Hollie Dorethy, sponsored by Natural Grocers, prepare an extraordinary seated picnic luncheon with their unique spin on the traditional al fresco-fare.

Proceeds from Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake benefit the American Red Cross–Dallas Area Chapter and the Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration which will help fund ten capital projects to include enhancing hike and bike trails, improving parking lots, renovating White Rock Dog Park, restoring the park forests and more.

Sponsors to date include Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration, Ben E. Keith, The Grape, Highland Park Cafeteria and the American Red Cross–Dallas Chapter.

Purchase your tickets online!

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Vigilantes Donate to Blood Donors

The Dallas Vigilantes want to thank American Red Cross blood donors for helping keep area hospital shelves supplied this summer. The Lone Star State’s Arena Football League entry knows the importance of having a good backup if one of its players goes down as it is for hospitals to have blood on hand at all times. The Vigilantes are giving complimentary tickets to their regular season closer, Saturday, July 23, at the American Airlines Center against their conference rival Arizona Rattlers.

“The Dallas Vigilante’s are happy to be partnering with the Red Cross with this ticket giveaway,” said Jim Tolbert, Sports Marketing Consultant, PCI. “Come enjoy the game on the 23rd and save a life. That’s a winning combination.”

Tickets will be given away at select locations. Individuals can call 1-800-RED CROSS to find participating Red Cross donor centers or blood drives.

“The Vigilantes have been kind enough to provide enough tickets so that 1,000 donors can get a voucher for two seats at the 2011 closer,” said Alison Cook, American Red Cross. “Arena football is a high-scoring event, fun for the whole family. And indoors where it’s cool. This game could be a preview of the two teams’ meeting in the playoffs and we thank them for sharing.”

While blood is needed year-round it is needed especially in the summer, with schools out, people on vacation or the weather being too hot for some to donate. With the beginning of summer vacations, the supply of type O negative blood at the Red Cross has dropped significantly. A decline in blood donations is typical during the summer as donors become busy with seasonal activities and overlook donating blood. For this reason, it is important for eligible donors with blood type O negative to make and keep appointments to give blood this summer. Donors may subscribe to Red Cross texting by sending redcross to 42227 or registering online at redcrossblood.org.

How to Donate Blood:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS or log on to www.redcrossblood.org for more information or to schedule a blood donation appointment. All blood types are needed to ensure the Red Cross maintains an adequate blood supply. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old (16 with completed Parental Consent Form). New height and weight restrictions apply to donors younger than 19. Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more.

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World Blood Donor Day is June 14th - "Celebrating the gift of Blood"

Supermodel Niki Taylor, a Red Cross volunteer and blood recipient

In 2011 alone, nearly 6 million people across America may require a blood transfusion. With no substitute for human blood, those in need rely on the kindness of donors. Through their generous actions, these blood donors prove how one person can make a difference in the lives of many, as one blood donation can help save more than one life.

To raise awareness about this critical issue, American Red Cross Blood Services is partnering with Nexcare™ Bandages on the third-annual Nexcare give Program. This nationwide initiative thanks blood donors and encourages others to give. The campaign kicks off June 14, 2011, World Blood Donor Day, and runs through the end of the month at Red Cross blood drives and donor centers across the country. During this campaign, Nexcare is providing, for free, a limited-edition collection of five fashion bandages emblazoned with the word give to demonstrate how doing good looks good too.

Supermodel Niki Taylor, a Red Cross volunteer and blood recipient, is serving as the face and voice of this year’s campaign. She credits her survival to the donors and doctors who helped save her life.

“As someone who owes her life to donors who gave blood to help someone they didn’t even know, I think giving blood is a critical community service that cannot be overlooked. Currently, however, only about eight percent of those who can give do so each year,” said Niki Taylor. “Through the Red Cross and Nexcare give program, I hope to educate people about the impact each person can have, and help them realize that helping to save a life is always in style.”

The Red Cross must collect 22,000 units of blood each weekday, and another 15,000 each weekend in order to help save the lives of patients like Niki.

Please give today.

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American Red Cross Begins Preparations for 2011 Hurricane Season

New Volunteers Encouraged to Join; Existing Assets Being Tested

After one of the most devastating and deadly tornado seasons in the nation’s history, and an ongoing and unprecedented response from the American Red Cross, no chances are being taken as Hurricane Season 2011 begins. In Dallas, the local Red Cross chapter is doing their part to get themselves and the community prepared in advance.

Beginning on Monday, June 13, 2011 and ending on Saturday, June 18, 2011, the Dallas Red Cross will not only be testing their own internal systems, but also encouraging North Texans to join the Disaster Volunteer Reserves program before evacuees head north to Metroplex shelters.

“The Disaster Volunteer Reserves Program is perfect for people with busy schedules,” said Cheryl Sutterfield-Jones, chief executive officer, American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter. “Volunteers take about three hours of training to be ready to respond when a large disaster happens such as a hurricane or tornado; something that would exceed the ability of our day-to-day responders to handle. When that catastrophic disaster happens, we’ll call for the Reserves.”

With 16 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes predicted for the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the American Red Cross is encouraging those who have never taken Red Cross training to join the Disaster Volunteer Reserves now. Go to www.redcrossdallas.org/volunteer to fill out an application and enroll in the next Disaster Volunteer Reserve course.

On top of training new volunteers, the Red Cross will also be testing the response time of their existing volunteer pool. On Monday, June 13, 2011, beginning at 10:00a.m. and concluding at 2:00p.m., “Hurricane Alfred”, a fictional storm taking aim at the Texas coast, will provide the scenario background for 15 volunteers who will assemble in the Disaster Command Center at the American Red Cross, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Tex., and call each pre-trained volunteer with a request for availability. This helps the chapter understand how many volunteers would be available if evacuees needed immediate shelter in North Texas.

Concluding the week of activities, a Hurricane Summit will be conducted at the Red Cross in Dallas on Saturday, June 18, 2011 from 9:00a.m.-3:00p.m. Red Cross workers from Dallas, Fort Worth, Tyler and surrounding areas will attend. The purpose of the Hurricane Summit is for leadership volunteers to receive a full briefing on the hurricane evacuation process, how to best work with state and federal officials and evaluating the capacity of each Red Cross chapter. Additionally, a Disaster Volunteer Reserve course will be conducted from 9:00a.m.-12:30p.m. All activities will take place at the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter, 4800 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, Texas.

For additional information on Red Cross programs and/or services, go to www.redcrossdallas.org.

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Dog (and cat) Days of Summer!

What a relief to know we have so many ways to beat the heat in already scorching temperatures. We can head to the pool with the family or take in some complimentary air conditioning at the local movie theater or mall. Unfortunately, our four-legged friends have fewer options than we do, so we have to do the work to make sure our pets are prepared as much as we are.

Pets large and small can get dehydrated quickly and heat stroke can be fatal if not attended to right away. Pets need to always have plenty of fresh, clean water available and a shady place to be able to get out of the sun. It’s always best to keep pets indoors in extreme heat and be sure they do not get over exercised.

Remember that while Fido may be a part of the family and you want to take him with you on every trip to the lake or summer cookout, ask yourself if it’s really be the best choice for him. When temperatures are high, it’s not good for dogs to be on asphalt for extended periods. It can cause your dog’s body to heat up more quickly and can burn sensitive paw pads. Really, would you want to walk across a parking lot barefoot in the hot Texas sun? Neither does Fido.

Also remember that it is never safe to leave an animal in a vehicle for any period of time. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and cracking the windows does not help. Animal’s bodies overheat so quickly that if left in a car – even for a quick run into the store – it could be a potentially fatal situation for them. If that isn’t enough, keep in mind that leaving pets unattended in cars in extreme weather is illegal in several states.

If a pet becomes overheated, they need immediate attention as heat stroke can set in and become fatal very quickly. Symptoms of overheating include:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Increased heart and respiratory rate
• Drooling
• Mild weakness
• Stupor or even collapse

As the situation becomes more serious, symptoms may also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature over 104 degrees. Pay especially close attention to animals that are flat-faced. They are unable to pant as effectively to cool down and are more prone to heat stoke. Other animals that are at higher risk such as elderly, overweight, or pets with heart or lung diseases should be kept in air conditioned rooms as much as possible.

And one final tip to get your party animal stylin’ for summer: A lightweight summer haircut for dogs can help prevent overheating. A one inch length is usually a good standard to go by as you never want to take it down to the skin. A shorter length like this will keep them cooler while still leaving them with some protection from the sun. For cats, a few extra brushing sessions will help prevent problems for them that can be caused by extreme heat.

Learn more Hot Weather Tips for your pet from the ASPCA. While you’re there, check out their section on Disaster Preparedness for Your Pet to be sure the whole family is ready for anything!

Be Red Cross Ready with our Pets and Disaster Safety Checklist!

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Corporate Partners Help American Red Cross Get Ready for 2011 Hurricane Season

As floods, wildfires and tornadoes continue to ravage the U.S., and with forecasters predicting an above-average hurricane season, the American Red Cross is getting prepared with the help of the corporations and foundations that support the Red Cross through the Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP) and Disaster Responder (DR) program.

Members of these programs pledge donations on an ongoing basis in advance of major disasters, such as the deadly tornadoes, major flooding and wildfires that have devastated the country this spring. These companies understand that proper supplies and systems have to be in place to respond effectively. With pre-positioned supplies ready, the Red Cross can immediately take action when hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and other disasters strike.

According to the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project, the 2011 hurricane season may see above-average activity in the Atlantic. The report estimates approximately 16 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 major hurricanes will occur during the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30.

“We want to thank our Annual Disaster Giving Program and Disaster Responder members for helping us to be ready for any disasters that occur this year,” said Gail McGovern, president and CEO of the American Red Cross. “Their generous contributions over the past decade allow us to get immediate relief to victims before the first donations come in.”

Since March 31, the American Red Cross has launched 41 large disaster responses across 28 states after this spring’s devastating wildfires, flooding and tornadoes. The Red Cross has—

• Served more than 2.7 million meals and snacks;
• Opened more than 260 shelters and provided more than 28,000 overnight stays;
• Provided more than 60,000 mental health and health consultations;
• Distributed more than 1.2 million relief items like toothbrushes and shampoo, tarps, coolers, rakes and other cleanup supplies; and
• Deployed more than 11,000 trained disaster relief workers from all 50 states.

Working with partners around the globe, the American Red Cross also helps to build the local capacities of sister Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, by collaborating to train and organize volunteers and educate communities, and establish partnerships with other public and private organizations to strengthen and complement core international services and initiatives.

During a domestic disaster, the Red Cross sends volunteers and supplies into affected areas to shelter, feed and provide emotional support to disaster victims and emergency personnel. Generous gifts from ADGP and DR members offset a range of expenses, including warehousing supplies, shelter and feeding costs, deploying the fleet of disaster response vehicles and reconnecting individuals separated during disasters.

Members of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program are 3M, Altria Group, Aon, Cisco Foundation, ConAgra Foods, Costco Wholesale Corporation, Darden Restaurants, Inc., Dr Pepper Snapple Group, FedEx Corporation, GE Foundation, The Home Depot Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Kraft Foods, Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Merck, Morgan Stanley, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, Northrop Grumman, Ryder Charitable Foundation, Southwest Airlines, State Farm, State Street Foundation, Target, The TJX Companies, Inc., UnitedHealthcare, UPS and Walmart.

Members of the Disaster Responder program are American Express, Archer Daniels Midland Company, AXA Foundation, General Motors Foundation, Starbucks Coffee Company and Starbucks Foundation.

People can join Annual Disaster Giving Program and Disaster Responder members in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, emotional support and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation.

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Kids and cars feeling the heat

This time of year as the sun starts peeking out from behind the clouds and the temperatures start to rise, another trend also goes on the rise. While families should be creating memories of summer, all too often it is interrupted by news stories of children being left in vehicles, usually with very tragic endings. With summer officially right around the corner and the temperatures outside already beginning to soar, you need to plan now to make sure your children stay safe.

When a child is left in a hot car it is almost always an accident resulting from several different scenarios. Summer arrives, schools get out and routines change. Perhaps you took your child to daycare that day when your spouse usually does. Along the way, the child fell asleep and you headed to the office and started your day like you do every other day without a second thought. Perhaps it’s the weekend and your kids are engaged in a playful round of hide and seek. One of the kids climbs into an unlocked vehicle parked in the neighbor’s driveway thinking it’s a good hiding place and end up locked in a trunk without anyone knowing.

It is very easy for little mistakes to be made as everyone switches from school mode to summer mode and it takes just minutes for that “little” mistake to turn into tragedy. It only takes 10 minutes for the temperature inside an enclosed vehicle to rise 20 degrees. Even in temperatures as low as 60 degrees, the interior can raise the temperature inside the car up to 110 degrees.

Rolling down or cracking a window does not make it safe. When the outside temperature is in the mid 80’s, the interior can still reach deadly levels in minutes. Add the fact that children’s body temperatures can rise three to five times faster than an adult means they don’t have a fighting chance.

Remember to always keep all doors and trunks to your vehicle locked even if you are at home. If the car is accessible in an open garage, parked in a driveway or on the curb, it can be an attractive hiding place or fort for playing children without you ever knowing.

Then National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also recommends the following tips to help you and others ensure your child never gets left behind in a vehicle.

• Teach your children that a vehicle is not a play area.
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle - front and back - before locking the door and walking away.
• If you are dropping your child off at childcare, and normally it's your spouse who drops them off, have your spouse call you to make sure the drop went according to plan.
• Ask your childcare provider to call you if your child does not show up for childcare.
• Do things to remind yourself that a child is in the vehicle, such as writing yourself a note and putting it where you will see it before you leave the vehicle; placing your purse, briefcase or something else you need in the back seat forcing your to check when you leave the vehicle; or keeping an object in the car seat, such as a stuffed toy. When the child is buckled in, place the object where the driver will notice it when he or she is leaving the vehicle.

You can take the steps to prevent tragedy during these hot Texas summer months. Take the word and pass it along – never leave a child unattended in a vehicle and if you see a child alone in a hot vehicle, call the police. If they are in distress due to heat, get them out as quickly as possible. Cool the child rapidly and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Get prepared with the NHTSA’s “Keeping Kids Safe Inside & Out” with all of their heat safety tips!

Learn about the dangers of heat related injury and illness from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

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The heat is on! Are you ready?

Right now can be an exciting time of year as school gets out, family summer vacations begin, and everyone flocks to the neighborhood swimming pool for a little relief from the heat. While summer officially starts on June 21, the fun and sun are already here. Lots of sun.

In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Heat related injuries such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion can happen quickly and are very dangerous. You and your family need to make sure you know the difference between these potentially life threatening conditions and what advisories to listen for in the weather forecasts so that you can plan ahead for extreme conditions.

A heat wave is typically a prolonged period of excessive heat often combined with excessive humidity. During a heat wave, temperatures are generally 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for a region, lasting for a long period of time. Here are a few weather advisory terms you want to familiarize yourself with as things heat up.

• Heat Index – The temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by as much as 15° F.
• Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).
• Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
• Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).

When these advisories are issued, it is often recommended to slow down, stay indoors and limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities. This is especially good advice during the hottest part of the day which typically occurs during the late afternoon and early evening hours. Other ways to protect yourself include:

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol which can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.

If your job or daily activities require you to be outdoors in extreme heat, it is imperative that you understand and know the warning signs of heat related injury and illness. If you notice any of the symptoms in yourself or someone else, immediate action must be taken.

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion.
• Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature. Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

At the first sign of any heat related injury or illness, the first priority is to move to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink and make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition and if the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

As in many dangerous situations, the “buddy system” is always a good idea. When working or involved in outdoor activities, have someone with you and watch out for each other. Get to know your neighbors and regularly check in on those that are that are at higher risk when the temperatures climb such as elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions.

Lastly, schedules and routines often change as summer kicks off so be sure you add any extra reminders to prevent leaving your child or pet in a hot car. Remember, animals and children should never be left unattended in a vehicle for any period of time.

Get Red Cross Ready now with our Heat Wave Safety Checklist!

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety

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Red Cross Helping After Tornadoes Tear Through Massachusetts

Relief efforts continue across the country as floods, tornadoes devastate communities

The American Red Cross is responding in Massachusetts where tornadoes cut a destructive swath through the western part of the state yesterday. At least 480 people spent Wednesday night in Red Cross shelters in Massachusetts.

About 19 communities reported tornado damage with the heaviest damage around Springfield, the third largest city in the state. Red Cross workers responded immediately, assisting area residents as well as the hundreds of emergency responders on the scene. Disaster teams opened shelters throughout the area and are providing food, drinks and emotional support. Damage assessment will begin today. Additional workers are being deployed to the region from Red Cross chapters in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

“This has been an extraordinary response effort that we expect will continue for days to come,” said Paige Thayer, deputy director of chapter support for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter in Massachusetts. “We have a terrific team of volunteers who will continue to provide relief services to those in need.”

The Red Cross response in Massachusetts comes on the heels of a multitude of large disaster relief operations this spring. Overnight, at least four states reported more than 100 people in Red Cross shelters.

Red Cross workers are helping people in the northwestern region of the country, where rising rivers are forcing people from their homes. More than 250 people spent Wednesday night in Red Cross shelters in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In North Dakota, as many as 60 Red Cross workers from all around the country have arrived to operate shelters, provide food and offer emotional support to the many people whose lives have been disrupted. Additional staff and supplies are being deployed to the area. “This is the beauty of the American Red Cross,” said West Dakota Chapter Executive Director Janel Schmitz. “In these situations, the Red Cross deploys volunteers from across the country to support the response effort. Someday, our volunteers will return the favor to them.”

Red Cross teams are distributing food throughout affected neighborhoods in Montana, and assessing damage to homes. Particularly hard hit is the Crow Nation in southeastern Montana where some residents are stranded in their homes. The Red Cross is delivering food and water to the area every day.

In Joplin, MO, Tuscaloosa, AL and Minneapolis, MN, more than 175 people stayed in Red Cross shelters Wednesday night. Devastating tornadoes tore through the states in the past several weeks. As part of these tornado responses, Red Cross workers are delivering meals and snacks as well as comfort and clean-up items, and operating emergency aid stations to provide health and mental health services.

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to get help to people affected by disasters. Please consider making a donation today to help to those in need. Visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Small Hands Raise Big Change to Help Japan

A big thank you to students at Lawson Elementary School in Grand Prairie, Texas for raising $250 to support Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.

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American Red Cross App Puts Emergency Care Instruction in the Palm of Your Hand

Red Cross Teams Up with Dr. Oz and Sharecare to Launch Lifesaving App

Just in time for the busy summer season, a new smartphone app launched today by the American Red Cross, Dr. Mehmet Oz and the medical website Sharecare makes it even easier for the average person to help in an emergency.

The ‘S.O.S by the American Red Cross’ app is a free app that provides real-time emergency care instructions and an expansive resource guide for emergency care information in order to help save lives. The app is available only for Android mobile devices.

Once activated, app users are guided through a victim assessment and receive step-by-step video narration and follow-along demonstrations by Dr. Oz. More than 30 protocols for the most common emergency care situations were adapted for the Android app. 3-D animations, provided by Visible Productions, Inc., are included for the more complex protocols, specifically Hands-Only CPR and Choking along with an audio and visual counter for real-time CPR compressions.

The Resource Guide covers more than 50 common emergency care situations with easy to understand instructions for treating seizures to broken bones.

“The beginning of summer, with its outdoor activities and extra travel, is the perfect time to launch this app,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “This collaboration has produced a lifesaving tool for those who have never taken Red Cross training and an ‘onsite coach’ for those who have. This new app is an excellent complement to the knowledge and skills learned in Red Cross courses,” Markenson added.

“People need to see themselves as first responders to emergency situations in their home and workplace. Knowing CPR will save the lives of your loved ones, colleagues and even random strangers. This collaboration meets people where they are at – on their smartphones – and uses the best modern teaching tools to provide CPR education. As a heart surgeon, I see the American Red Cross and Sharecare’s efforts as game changing and invaluable. The life you save will probably be someone you love,” said Dr. Oz.

"Sharecare is proud to have assembled the necessary organizations to build and distribute this mission critical app and is committed to working with prestigious partners like the American Red Cross to develop information and applications across multiple platforms to help people live their healthiest life," said Jeff Arnold, chairman and chief architect of Sharecare.

In addition to the emergency protocols and resource guide, the S.O.S. app features 9-1-1 dialing that auto-launches a map with location information, while on the call with the emergency dispatcher.

To get the app, Android users can go to https://market.android.com/ and download the ‘S.O.S by the American Red Cross’ app for free. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org for information on Red Cross training offerings.

About Sharecare:
Launched in 2010 and based in Atlanta, GA, Sharecare's mission is to greatly simplify the search for high-quality healthcare information and answer the world’s questions of health. Created by Jeff Arnold and Dr. Mehmet Oz, in partnership with Harpo Studios, HSW International, Sony Pictures Television, and Discovery Communications, the Sharecare interactive social Q & A platform allows people to ask, learn and act upon questions of health and wellness. The company's innovative approach provides a wide array of expert answers to each question ranging from hospitals to MDs to non-profits to healthcare companies to active health consumers, ultimately creating a community where healthcare knowledge is built, shared and put into practice.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

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