Notes

Risk Bites For Health Care Professionals and the General Public
Originally produced by Professor Andrew Maynard of Arizona State University, Risk Bites explores the challenges and risks associated with emerging technologies. It covers such topics as human health risks, the perception of risk, benefits of public interest technology, and the challenges of ethical innovation. The podcast has an easy-to-digest format, making it an excellent resource for health care professionals and the general public.

Videos

The creators of Risk Bites videos have a goal of increasing the reach of videos related to risk. To achieve this goal, they actively optimize their videos to increase their search ranking. Typically, this is done with the use of VidIQ, a video optimization plugin that guides the creators through the process of search engine optimization. The videos are often viewed by people who aren't necessarily in the field of risk research.

The videos are high-quality, with good audio and narratives. While this isn't quite the same as a major channel with millions of subscribers, it's still a great way to reach a niche audience.

Podcasts

The MDDUS podcasts explore a number of issues related to risk in general practice. The series is hosted by Jamie Smith, Creative Director of Enterprise Screen. Episode one focuses on fictitious patient Mrs Roberts, who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. In the podcast, you'll learn about the risks associated with this diagnosis and how to manage them.

Books

If you like fiction, you might want to start reading Risk Bites books. These books have compelling plots, and the author Mona Risk has a knack for writing them. This series focuses on different types of risks, including those associated with vaccinations and the use of sunscreen. The titles are well-rounded and aimed at educating readers of all ages.

Emerging technologies

New technologies and science have spurred economic development throughout history. While these technologies often address pressing global issues, they also introduce new risks. It is important to understand these risks and take measures to mitigate their impact. Examples of emerging technologies are artificial intelligence and synthetic biology. Both technologies have the potential to treat neurological disorders and fight infectious diseases. They can also help solve issues of food security and create biofuels. However, the risks associated with these technologies and their potential for misuse are significant. For example, accidental leakages of a harmful synthetic organism could cause massive damage. In addition, bioterrorism threats could arise from individuals or organized groups.

Professor Andrew Maynard is a well-known science communicator who engages diverse communities through his work. He hosts the popular podcast Mission: Interplanetary and contributes to a variety of media outlets. He also produces the YouTube channel Risk Bites.

Dog bites

Dog bites can be a serious and potentially life-threatening injury. Recent studies estimate that as many as 5 million people are bitten every year by dogs. Most of these victims are children and the elderly. These injuries are often severe and can result in nerve damage, infections, and long-term psychological trauma. Young children are particularly at risk for extensive scarring, which can be both disfiguring and emotionally devastating.

Dog bites are most common among children, and children have a significantly higher risk than other individuals. Studies show that children account for 59% of dog bite attacks and are disproportionately represented among those who need to receive medical care. Therefore, it is vital that owners give basic obedience training to their dogs.

Rabies

Rabies is a serious disease that can be transmitted to humans through animal bites. The vast majority of rabies cases and deaths occur in rural and developing areas. In these settings, lack of surveillance and reliable information make effective rabies control strategies difficult. The current study aims to determine the incidence of animal bites that are considered at risk of transmission and the rates of compliance with post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). It surveyed the health records of individuals who presented with signs of possible rabies exposure.

As soon as possible after an animal bite, contact local law enforcement or the county health department. In the case of a bite by a wild animal, a veterinarian or a trained nurse should assess the wound. Sutures may be needed, and antibacterial ointment should be applied at every bandage change. If the wound is clean, a physician or trained nurse should evaluate it and consider whether the bite is infected with rabies. In addition, a tetanus shot should be administered if the patient has not had one in five years. Rabies can be spread by foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons, as well as by dogs and cats.

Safety procedures

Several counter-measures were employed by the employers to prevent risk bites, including limiting access to the premises, providing protective equipment, and counselling the victim after the bite. These measures, known as risk controls, were applied to individuals, a whole organisation, or a combination of both. The prevention methods used depend on the nature of the incident. For example, if the dog attacked a person and then ran away, most organisations would focus on changing individual behaviour, such as changing the route a dog takes. Other counter-measures included banning the dog from a certain location, installing a letterbox outside the premises, and making staff more resilient to the incident.

Several organisations reported that they had investigated the incidents. Although investigations were often conducted, many incidents were too superficial or focused on individual behaviour. Ideally, the investigation would be carried out by a separate person from the person who sanctions the incident. This would help to reduce the focus on individual behavior and blame and understand the causes of the incident. The results of the investigation would also allow for the broader learnings from the incident.
Homepage: https://www.ted.com/profiles/41091426