Safety First: Preparing for Emergencies in 2025

As we step into the New Year, it’s a good time to focus on preparedness and ensuring safety in our work environments. For me, this involves finalizing 2024 documents, organizing records, and exploring new resources on logger safety and continuing education. One such resource that has proven valuable is the Tree Care Industry (TCI) Magazine. Although it’s primarily geared toward arborists, it often contains insights applicable to loggers.
In a recent issue, an article on first aid for deep lacerations stood out. Here are some key takeaways:
- The human body can’t tolerate acute blood loss greater than 20% of total blood volume (about 1 liter).
- Uncontrolled bleeding is the primary cause of death in one-third of trauma cases.
- Direct manual pressure is the most effective way to manage a laceration. Tourniquets are recommended as the best initial treatment for life-threatening extremity bleeding.
- Hemostatic dressings, which contain chemicals to promote blood clotting, are useful but require careful cleaning from wounds if the individual takes anticoagulant medication.
The same article also addressed heat-related emergencies, which, while not a current concern during sub-freezing temperatures across much of the nation, are critical to understand before summer arrives. Key points included:
- Heat exhaustion occurs when body temperature rises between 100-103°F, while heat stroke occurs at 104°F or higher.
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headaches, nausea, lightheadedness, reduced urine output, profuse sweating, and pale, clammy skin.
- Treatment for heat exhaustion involves moving the individual to a cooler environment, loosening clothing, and providing cool drinks.
- For heat stroke, immediately call emergency medical services and begin cooling the individual using ice packs placed on areas where large blood vessels are close to the skin, such as the groin, neck, and underarms.
These reminders underscore the importance of hydration year-round. Mixing powdered Gatorade with water is a simple way to stay hydrated, crucial for preventing heat-related illnesses and hypothermia. Having personally experienced heat exhaustion, I know firsthand the value of being prepared.

Another key aspect of preparation is maintaining an updated first aid kit. Recently, I inventoried mine and discovered expired medication—including Benadryl that had been out of date since April 2022. While it may be tempting to keep expired items, ensuring all supplies are current and effective is essential. Emergencies require quick, decisive action, and outdated materials can compromise outcomes.
A personal experience reinforced this lesson. During a chainsaw safety training session, I inadvertently disturbed a yellowjacket nest and was stung multiple times. Thankfully, a quick-thinking participant offered me Benadryl, which alleviated my symptoms within minutes. An EMT friend later advised that breaking Benadryl tablets and placing the pieces under the tongue allows for faster absorption—a tip worth remembering.
As we begin 2025, let’s prioritize readiness. Take time to review and restock your first aid kit, ensuring all medications and supplies are up to date. Visit the Red Cross website to refresh your knowledge of CPR and first aid protocols. By being prepared, you’ll be better equipped to respond to emergencies and protect those around you.
“Be Prepared in 2025”—it might just be the most important resolution you make this year.