Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the result of tiny sensory hair cells in the inner ears being damaged by noises that are too loud and last for too long. NIHL is related to both the decibel level of a sound and the duration one is exposed to it. Distance plays a role as well.

So, what exactly is a decibel? A decibel is the intensity, or loudness, of a sound. Decibel levels begin at zero (near total silence) and increase by a factor of 10. This means that sounds that are 10 times more intense than near silence are 10 decibels. At close range, sounds that reach 120 decibels (about the sound of an ambulance siren) are painful to our ears. To put this in perspective check out this decibel scale:

Researchers have found that a person who is exposed to noise levels at 85 decibels, or higher, for an extended period of time are at risk for hearing loss. Scientists believe that sounds at 100 decibels can cause damage after only 15 minutes.

If you have to raise your voice to be heard by someone standing right by you, your ears are hurting, a buzzing or ringing sound develops in your ears, or you’re not hearing as you normally would until several hours after the noise exposure then you know the noise is too loud! To protect yourself from noise and hearing loss there are some simple steps you can practice in everyday life:

Sources: NIDCD, Hyperacusis Network

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Three Class 1 Recalls: Welch Allyn AED 10 Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and MRL JumpStart AED

Date Recall Initiated: December 15, 2008

Product: Welch Allyn AED 10 Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and MRL JumpStart AED

These AEDs were manufactured from October 3, 2002 through January 25, 2007.

Use: This device is used by emergency or medical personnel, or by others who have completed CPR AED training courses. It is intended to treat adults in a heart attack (cardiac arrest). The device analyzes an unconscious patient’s heart rhythm and automatically delivers an electrical shock to the heart if needed to restore a normal heart rhythm.

Recalling Firm:
Welch Allyn Protocol, Inc.
8500 SW Creekside Place
Beaverton, OR 97008

Reason for Recall:
The device may experience:

These issues could lead to a sudden stoppage of the device, may prevent defibrillation of a patient in cardiac arrest, which could lead to death.

Public Contact: Customers who have the recalled devices should contact the company at 1-888-345-5356 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Customers may also visit the company’s recall website at www.welchallyn.com/AED10Recall for more information or to learn if their unit is subject to this recall.

FDA District: Seattle

FDA Comment: The company sent a recall notification letter to distributors and customers on February 26-27, 2009.

Class 1 recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of the product will cause serious injury or death.

For More Information please visit FDA MedWatch.

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The TV show House has been on for quite some time (well, except for that brief hiatus during the writers’ strike) but it’s been on long enough to know it’s a television medical drama.

Hugh Laurie plays Dr. Gregory House, M.D., a brilliant diagnostician whose unconventional thinking and flawless instincts afford him a great deal of respect. House may not have the best bedside manner but as an infectious disease specialist, he thrives on the challenge of solving medical puzzles in order to save lives.

In a single episode of House you can see many of the medical products and supplies – electrodes, AED pads, medical gloves, backboards, splints, bandages, etc. – Paramedics, EMT/EMS Professionals, Firefighters and Hospital Personnel use everyday on the job.

The question is, when watching the TV show House, or a similar medical drama such as ER, how many of those situations would you really experience in real life on the job? Are the medical situations portrayed in these medical dramas handled the same way you would handle them?

Source: House - Watch Full Episodes

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You’re responding to a fire and of all things you find a crocodile at the scene. Sounds pretty wild but that’s just what happened to some firefighters on the North Beaver Volunteer Fire Department. Responding to a call at Mount Jackson Grade School, which has been closed more than 20 years, firefighters not only came face to face with an estimated 6 foot long crocodile but more than 50 rabbits and four dogs, oh and some turtles too - all being kept as pets.

According to Chief Paul Henry the animals were owned by a man who was allowed to keep them on the property, however the man’s name is not being released.

The school, which was in decaying condition, was partially destroyed in order to extinguish the blaze that broke out around 2 pm. Firefighters from North Beaver Township, New Beaver, Bessemer, Wampum and Enon Valley were on site well into the evening. Also joining the group was an officer from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to deal with the turtles found in the building as well as Wes Osborne, of Crit-R-Done animal control company to handle the croc.

Osborne, who’s only had to deal with alligators in the past, said he used a special pair of protective gloves to handle the crocodile, duct-taped its snout shut and placed it in a heavy plastic bag.

The firefighters managed to rescue all of the animals with the exception of one dog who was taken by the blaze. Most of the animals are expected to be returned to the owner.

Source: Beaver County Times & Allegheny Times

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Did you know March is Red Cross Month? In honor of the month long event the Red Cross launched the Change a Life Contest. It’s easy to enter, just share your story about how a Red Cross experience changed your or someone else’s life. It only takes a few moments and a few heartfelt words to enter.

Submit your story to http://american.redcross.org/changealifecontest before March 16 to be entered for a chance to win a couple of really great prizes donated by country music sensation Keith Urban and Philips Healthcare. A panel of judges will choose the two winning entries.

So, what exactly are the prizes? By simply submitting your Red Cross story you’ll be entered to win a 2-night trip for two to Washington, D.C. to join Keith Urban and his band on August 20, 2009 while they perform their Escape Together World Tour concert. If that wasn’t cool enough your hotel accommodations are included and you’ll also get backstage passes at the concert, as well as tour the National American Red Cross headquarters, including the Red Cross Disaster Operations Center. That’s a pretty awesome first place prize.

If you’re a second place winner you’ll receive a 52” Philips HD LCD television, DVD player and a library of Red Cross preparedness, health and safety DVDs compliments of Philips Healthcare. Not quite backstage with Keith Urban but just as cool and appreciated.

Submit your Red Cross experience before March 16, 2009 and be entered in the Red Cross Change a Life Contest.

Enter the Red Cross Change a Life Contest

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