Page 36 - Perth County Emergency Preparedness Guide

Emergencies: Be Prepared

COPING WITH THE AFTERMATH
WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MIGHT EXPERIENCE

• Realize that people react in different ways following an
emergency.

• Recognize that the way you are feeling and reacting to the
event is normal.

• Talk to family members and friends.
• Be there to listen to others as well.
• There may be a lot of cleanup and recovery work to do but
don’t overdo it. Take time to rest.
• Remember that emergencies are very stressful events.

• If physical and emotional reactions continue to persist after the
event or if you have experienced particularly traumatic losses,
it may be necessary to seek counselling and professional help.
Don’t hesitate to do this; help is available.

COOL-AID Program

The “Cool-Aid” program is a form which, once completed, is a way to help identify potential
high-risk patients in emergency situations. See form on following page.

The information on the form is used to assist paramedics in rendering the proper medical
treatment if you are unable to communicate with them at the time of the emergency. It
includes information about medical conditions, past history, current medications and allergies.

If you require additional “Cool-Aid” medical
information kits, or information on this
or any other community program that
Perth County Paramedic Service offers, contact

us at 519-273-7382 or on-line
at www.perthcounty.ca/ems

34 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS GUIDE - ARE YOU READY?