Executive Summary
The First Nations Health Council recognizes the importance of injury prevention, including but not limited to, falls, motor vehicle crashes, violence, water/boating safety and suicide attempts.
Background and Current Initiatives
Injuries are higher in the First Nations population compared to the provincial average. Motor vehicle crashes, for example, are one of the leading causes of injury and death for Aboriginal people, especially males between the ages of 15 – 24. Injuries are also aggravated in rural and remote communities because of few health care facilities, hospitals or first aid being readily available.
During the Gathering Wisdom for a Shared Journey’s World Café Forum, the Health Council hosted an Injury Prevention table where communities could express their injury prevention concerns which would guide the Health Council’s direction.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the injury prevention program is to reduce the number of injuries amongst First Nations.
Three areas came up repeatedly at the Gathering Wisdom Forum in the areas of first aid, violence, and water safety.
The First Nations Health Council recognizes that rural and remote communities have difficulties receiving prompt emergency first aid services. In partnership with the Canadian Red Cross, the First Nations Health Council is in the process of developing a plan to bring First Aid/First Responders training to all communities within the next 3 – 5 years. Once the plan is drafted and reviewed by the First Nations Health Council, more details will be available to communities on the available training.
In collaboration with the Red Cross, schools will be able to access materials so students can learn about water safety. The First Nations Health Council will be consulting with the First Nations Education Steering Committee to ensure all communities interested in water safety will be able to access the information.
The Red Cross also has a program called RespectED that trainers qualified individuals in the areas of abuse, harassment and interpersonal violence. RespectED is a program that promotes healthier relationships and safer communities through education and partnerships. Jody Olsson, Wellness Coordinator of the First Nations Health Council, is developing is working with the Red Cross to provide initial training to members of teams of crisis response teams in the Fall.
Health plan action items addressed through the Injury Prevention Initiative
Action Item 13 – Improve First Responder programs in rural and remote First Nations communities
Action Item 14 – Develop an informational campaign to increase awareness about seatbelt us and safe driving
Committees serving the Injury Prevention initiative:
The First Nations Health Council holds a seat on the provincial Fall Prevention Steering Committee. This committee focuses on senior falls prevention. Through this committee, we hope to make regional health authorities aware of the concerns of First Nations communities and create culturally appropriate programs in consultation with First Nations communities. In addition, the FNHC participates in the First Nations Regional Injury Prevention Working Group through the Assembly of First Nations.