June 11, 2009 Ottawa - St. John Ambulance urges Canadians to follow four steps to fight the flu virus in light of today’s WHO announcement of the H1N1 level 6.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with warm water and soap
- Cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand
- Keep common surfaces and items clean and disinfected
- Stay home if you’re sick, unless directed to seek medical care.
“From a preventative health perspective, these four steps are essential in containing the flu virus,” says Ian Bennett, CEO, St. John Ambulance, National Office. As a key partner with Canada’s national health and safety organizations, St. John Ambulance recommends the same four flu-fighting steps as Public Health Agency of Canada’s steps.
“Throughout St. John Ambulance operations – volunteer community services and instructional services – infection control is paramount to service delivery and the health and well-being of clients, students, patients, volunteers, and employees” says Brian Cole, Director of Community Services. When an outbreak or pandemic is declared, additional precautions, including screening tools and applicable personal protection are implemented.
St. John’s Infection Control measures are based on research findings and Health Canada guidelines to ensure a consistent, high standard of infection control.
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More information:
www.fightflu.ca
www.sja.ca
Jennifer Lavoie
Director of Marketing and Communications
St. John Ambulance Canada / Ambulance Saint-Jean
400-1900 City Park Drive Ottawa K1J 1A3
1-888-840-5646 ext 228
jennifer.lavoie@nhq.sja.ca
www.sja.ca