Autumn, also known as fall, is that time of the year between summer and winter when temperatures start dropping. The first day of fall this 2023 was September 23rd. This season is characterized by shorter days, a distinct blend of colors in the landscape due to fallen leaves, and the celebration of thanksgiving and Halloween.

Its fall and you are wondering what to do. The summer heat is gradually declining and now you are spending more time outdoors with a rake or leaf blower because suddenly it seems all the trees have become tired of their leaves. Do not be dishearten, there is so much more you can do this fall.

Thought about getting lost in a corn maze or going apple picking. Why not take a leaf peeping bike/road trip or collect colorful fall leaves while you are at it. The outdoors holds so much excitement and fun things to do. You can Play a game of touch football, run a race, or pick pumpkins while visiting a pumpkin patch. You could also consider renting a cabin in the mountains. That would be exciting, but you really do not need to go all the way into the mountains to have a fun time during autumn, you could just pitch a tent in your backyard and enjoy time with your family without leaving your home. But do not forget fall is when we celebrate Halloween so make sure you add it to your October “to-do” list.

Thinking of throwing or going for a Halloween party? What’s your costume this Halloween?

THE RED CROSS WANTS YOU TO BE SAFE: There are a lot of things to do in the fall but do not forget to be prepared for possible emergencies. These First aid steps from the American Red Cross could be very useful in helping an injured or ill person before emergency services can arrive.

1 CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression, obtain consent, and use personal protective equipment (PPE).

2If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout. Note: CHECK for no more than 10 seconds.

3AIf the person does not respond, responds but is not fully awake, is not breathing or is only gasping, or has life-threatening bleeding or another obvious life-threatening condition, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so. Then, give CARE based on the condition found and your level of training and continue your check to determine if additional care is needed.

Note: For a person who is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR and use an AED immediately.

3BIf the person is responsive or responds to stimulation and is fully awake and does not appear to have a life-threatening condition:

  • Interview the person (or bystanders, if necessary), ask questions about signs and symptoms, allergies, and medications and medical conditions (SAM)
  • Do a focused check based on what the person told you, how the person is acting and what you see.

Note: Do not ask the person to move if you suspect a head, neck, or spinal injury. Do not ask the person to move any area of the body that causes discomfort or pain.

Note: As you check the person, take note of any medical identification tags.

4After completing the CHECK step, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so (if needed). Then, give CARE based on the condition found and your level of training.

BE PREPARED. Sign up for a get First Aid/CPR/AED certified, here you will be exposed to the latest techniques and get yourself a two-year certification in first aid from the American Red Cross.