EducAid Training Services

Strengthening Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Preparedness in Emergencies - Canadian Red Cross Free Psychological First Aid training from the Canadian Red Cross. Build skills to support mental health before, during, and after emergencies.

This information is necessary for every family to know. 🪫 🔥 🧸

Yesterday morning's fire in southeast Edmonton was the result of a lithium-ion battery, causing nearly $500,000 in property damage.

At 2:29 a.m., we received reports of a multi-residential structure fire in the Mill Woods neighbourhood. Our crews arrived on scene to an affected townhouse unit and immediately called a second-alarm fire to bring in additional firefighters for support.

The fire was brought under control at 4:08 a.m. and officially declared out at 9:06 a.m. No injuries were reported; however, 11 displaced residents from the wider complex were assisted by the City of Edmonton's Emergency Support Response Team.

Investigators confirmed the cause was a lithium-ion battery malfunction. This marks Edmonton’s 20th lithium-ion battery fire this year, bringing cumulative local property damage from these devices to over $2,100,000. The incident mirrors a growing safety concern across North America, with Toronto Fire Services reporting 93 battery fires so far this year and New York City logging 282 as of late August.

"Although currently less frequent than some of our other leading causes of fires, lithium-ion battery fires are extremely dangerous to residents and property and are a rapidly growing concern for the fire service," said Graeme McAlister, Deputy Fire Chief, Community Safety and Risk. "Fire moves fast. From the first sign of a problem, you could have less than a minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. The best way to be safe is to understand the risks of lithium-ion batteries and to always practice caution with them."

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly found in power tools, e-bikes, smartphones, laptops and toys, store significant energy and burn at extreme temperatures if damaged, misused or improperly charged.

Crucial Battery Safety Precautions:

🔋 Use approved equipment: Always use manufacturer-certified batteries and chargers. Avoid charging devices overnight or leaving them plugged in longer than necessary.

📍 Protect escape routes: Never charge devices in entryways, hallways or near doors where an active fire could block your exit.

⚠ Watch for warning signs: Stop using a battery immediately if you notice excessive heat, swelling, leakage, strange odours, colour changes or unusual noises.

♻ Dispose safely: Never toss lithium-ion batteries into household trash or recycling bins. Drop them off for free at a City of Edmonton
Eco Station or participating retail partner.

🚨 Emergency action: If a small device smokes, safely move it away from flammable materials if possible, evacuate and call 9-1-1. For active fires or larger batteries, leave the building immediately, activate the building alarm and call 9-1-1 from a safe distance.

For detailed safety resources, visit edmonton.ca/HomeFireSafety or edmonton.ca/Batteries.

Have you wondered what your legal obligations are if an emergency happens? This provides a great overview! ⛑️ 🚑 🧸

Do you know your worksite's Occupational Health and Safety requirements? This FREE e-learning tool helps employers understand their legislative responsibilities. https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/el017

Looking to certify your staff in first aid? We would love to help! Visit www.educaidtraining.ca and click on BOOK NOW to see our full public course calendar or reach out to inquire about arranging a private session for staff.

Today is International Opioid Awareness Day. Opioids are crisis that can affect anyone. Do you know what to do if someone you care about is impacted? There are many free resources available. Let’s use today to start the conversation but in case it impacts someone you know and care about, let’s keep the conversation going! ❤️🧸

Driving can be dangerous but with the right supports, young people can learn skills that keep them confident and safe on the road! Not in the Leduc community? Check with your local library to see if they offer a similar program. 🚗 🛻 🧸

Ready to ace your learner's test?

Help the young driver in your household get test-ready with our fun and interactive study group! 🚗 Using Alberta Driver’s Flash Cards, we’ll make sure they’re confident and prepared to pass with flying colors.

Join us Thursday, Sept 10 from 5:30 - 7:30 for Grades 8-12. Plus, enjoy pastries and hot chocolate while studying!

We need more Matthews in the world! Thank you for being someone who does something to help! ❤️🧸

On August 15, Emergency Health Services Alberta recognized Matthew for his quick thinking and courageous actions when he encountered an unresponsive individual while walking home from school.

Despite having no formal first aid training, Matthew immediately called 9-1-1 and began CPR with guidance from Emergency Communications Officers until paramedics arrived on scene.

Matthew demonstrated the critical first links in the Chain of Survival: early recognition of a medical emergency, activation of emergency services, and immediate CPR. His willingness to act without hesitation provided the patient with the best possible chance of survival.

EHS-Alberta proudly recognizes Matthew for his outstanding response and commitment to helping others in a time of need.

Know a young person in Leduc looking to explore independence and stay safe? Check out these awesome learning opportunities happening in July! The link to register will be found in the comments. 🧸❤️

Questions? Feel free to reach out!

🤩𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗦𝗧 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘!

To help communities across Canada prepare for and respond to the mental health and psychosocial impacts of emergencies, we are offering FREE online Psychological First Aid courses, an initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

🖥 2 courses: self-care and caring for others
⏱️ Self-paced online courses (45–90 minutes)
📄 Certificate provided upon completion
🗣 Available in English and French

*Free access is available on a first-come, first-served basis for the first 1,000 people who register before October 31, 2026.

Learn more and sign up today: https://brnw.ch/21x3flv

Be safe when out on the water! 💦 🚤 🛶 🛟 🧸

If you're heading onto the lake without a lifejacket, without checking conditions, or while impaired, you're putting yourself and others at risk. Every year, emergency crews respond to incidents on the lake involving folks with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) who underestimate the water or weather, overestimate their abilities, or ignore basic safety precautions. Drowning can happen faster and quieter than most people realize, so before heading out on your SUP, the want to remind paddlers:

🛟 it is MANDATORY to either wear a personal flotation device (PFD) with a whistle OR carry a PFD, whistle, and floating throw rope on board (Transport Canada supports leash use but NOT as a replacement for lifejackets and PFD's)
🛟 inflatable PFD's are prohibited for people who are under 16 years of age (those under 16 still must wear an alternative type of PFD)
🛟 try to paddle with a partner and always let someone know where you're going
🛟 pay attention to marked swim lines and floating barriers that indicate deep water
🛟 beware of other lake traffic including boats and Sea-Doos
🛟 monitor for weather changes - winds can change rapidly and can easily blow a SUP off course
🛟 stay close to shore, especially if you are inexperienced or there's windy conditions

Remember, a paddleboard is NOT just a pool floatie - it's a personal watercraft and should be treated with the same level of responsibility as any other vessel. Paddleboarding is meant to be fun, but the risks are real, so please make smart choices to keep yourself and everyone around you safe and sound.