This Will Save Your Life

I usually don’t look forward to my required bi-ennual first aid class, but this year was different. I had a really engaging instructor named Elizabeth who had some computer problems, so basically had to do the whole presentation off the fly with make-shift mannequins and improvised demonstrations. 

I’m glad the video didn’t work, otherwise, I don’t think I would have written this.   

First Aid methods seem to always be changing every time I take the class, so I thought I would update you on what the latest research shows will help you save lives.  

CPR has extraordinarily been dumbed down (and for good reason)

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can be life-saving. (The whole goal of CPR is to circulate the blood to your tissues, namely brain, so you don’t get massive brain damage or die from lack of oxygen.) CPR is incredibly simple.  

If I had to sum up the whole class, it would be this: 

1.  Assess the scene (so as to make sure you don’t get electrocuted going into the puddle of water where the downed person is) 

2.  Assess the downed person and give a moderate shake (as they simply might have fallen asleep from exhaustion like pulling three shifts in a row.)

3.  Task someone around you with calling 911 and have someone get an AED.  An AED (or automated external defibrillator) essentially shocks the body to help establish normal heart rhythm.  If you have access to one and someone is in cardiac arrest, you should use it.  ​

If you find someone is unresponsive and they are not breathing, you need to do CPR. Don't worry about giving them mouth to mouth. Unless you have a face shield, it's generally not recommended (or unless it's a loved one.) 

Check out your favorite British tough-guy Vinnie Jones explaining how to do CPR:   

Here are some other interesting fun facts about dealing with nosebleeds, cuts, burns, and frostbite.  

​·AED device increases chances of living by 2-3 times.

​·Cut?  Assuming a band aid won't do, apply guaze to soak up the blood, apply a wrap, and make sure bleeding stops.  If it doesn't, go to the ER.  If it's obviously a deep gash, you need a tourniquet.  You can leave it on without interruption for 6-8 hours.  Do not take the tourniquet off until you get professional medical help. 

·Are you on fire (and not on NBA 2k18)?  Stop, drop, and roll still works.  

·Treating a burn?  Apply cool water, but not cold water. 

·"A person in good physical condition can perform CPR for maybe 10 minutes."  This is why I asked Elizabeth, the instructor, “why can’t we use our legs and feet for CPR work?”  She said placement could be a problem and regulating the depth of chest compressions could also be problematic. 

·Be assertive in a life or death situation!  If you don’t, a lot of people won’t do anything, run away, or gawk. 

·Removing ticks are simple.  Pinch the skin around the tick while pulling upward and hold this until the Tick let's go.  Don’t burn the Tick if it's attached.  They can vomit their contents into your body which can lead to infections. 

·Frostbite.  Soak in warm water, not hot water.  Go to the ER. 

·Ingest some weird berries or did your toddler get into the cleaning cabinet? Poison Control Center or the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222). 

You should know the basics of what to do in dangerous situations without having to think.  You need to react. If you have a chance to take a first aid class, I highly recommend it. Often, they're free or pretty cheap.  If you ever hike, camp, or have kids, it's definitely worth it.