We realize that the summer has only just started. However, it’s never too early to discuss the vital importance of back to school safety. Before you know it, students will be headed back to the classrooms. For those attending college and university in September, it’s important to know that the act of going to school will be a different experience than what you’re used to.
College and university life is packed with late nights, new friends, and (if we’re being honest) a few not-so-great decisions. Having life-saving skills on campus is essential.
Here are four safety tips every college and university student should know:
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Know when you’ve had enough to drink.
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For post-secondary school students, the weekend is often considered the time to “get your drink on”. However, it’s important to know that consuming too much booze can turn a fun night into a 911 call. Alcohol poisoning is very real and very dangerous. If someone passes out and can’t be woken up, never just let the person “sleep it off.”
Instead, roll the person over onto his or her side. This recovery position allows for the person’s airway to clear and prevent him or her from choking on vomit. When rolling a person in the recovery position, remember to support and protect the head, instructs the Canadian Red Cross. “Try to roll the person as one unit (head, back, and legs at the same time),” they inform, “Roll the person into a position where the body will stay safely on its side.”
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Have Naloxone on hand.
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Canada’s opioid crisis is a major concern. According to Canada’s Health Infobase, “there was a total of 52,544 apparent opioid toxicity deaths reported between January 2016 and December 2024.” Opioids are turning up in everything from party drugs to counterfeit pills on college and university campuses. Carrying a Naloxone kit can literally save a life.
As defined by Health Canada, “Naloxone (pronounced na-LOX-own) is a fast-acting medication used to temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, also called an opioid poisoning. Naloxone can begin to take effect within 2 minutes. If a response to an initial dose is not seen within 2-3 minutes, subsequent doses can safely be given.” Naloxone is free at most Ontario pharmacies and universities, no questions asked.
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Keep a first aid kit in your dorm room.
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There really is no place that a first aid kit doesn’t belong. However, with all of the campus goings-on you’re bound to endure, it’s wise to ensure you have one in your dorm. Make sure your first aid kit is equipped with Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, Polysporin, tweezers, ibuprofen or acetaminophen, cold & flu tablets, hand sanitizer, a tensor bandage, an instant cold pack and a thermometer.
Canadian Safety Supplies sells a very affordable 147-piece Standard Dorm Room kit. It contains just about everything you need!
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Don’t overload your outlets.
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It’s tempting to plug your microwave, hot plate, laptop computer and ring light into one power bar. But overloaded outlets are one of the leading causes of dorm fires. Never plug multiple heat-generating appliances into the same outlet. Opt for CSA-certified surge protectors instead. As well, always unplug stuff when you’re not using it. Your ramen isn’t worth an electrical fire. Trust us!
Of course, it will never hurt to be trained in first aid. At SOS First Aid, we offer Red Cross-certified Standard First Aid and Emergency First Aid courses across the GTA. To register, please don’t hesitate to call 905-844-9813 or email [email protected].
