Quantity over Quality? Not all CPR classes are the same.

As a former daycare provider, I know a daycare center prides itself on how many teachers they can say are CPR and First Aid certified. When a potential parent is touring and the director can say that a large percentage of the staff is certified…well, how much better can it get?

I was certified for several years and I thank God I never needed to employ either skill.  Why? I would not have had a clue where to begin.  Our certification consisted of the following: CPR dummies were slapped down in front of each of the 20 ladies and the instructor told us to imitate him. Most people chatted and giggled throughout the brief rundown and then certification cards were passed out.  It terrifies me to look back and realize that in an emergency situation most of us would have been extremely unprepared. What’s worse, is that a majority of these women had their own children enrolled at the center.

In May of 2011, a law was passed in Minnesota adding stricter requirements for CPR certified teachers and childcare providers after a 4 year old girl choked on grape and died because there was no one around to perform CPR. While this is a wonderful step in the right direction, it is now the responsibility of these centers to choose reputable classes and make their staff understand the importance of what they are doing. They need to realize that these classes are not just to satisfy mandates of this new law, but instead help children celebrate many more birthdays and keep horrible accidents from haunting both the parents and childcare providers.

Parents are trusting us with their most precious possession. It is both an honor and responsibility that must be taken seriously. When you say you are certified, they are trusting that you will know what to do in an emergency.  We cannot just sit around with our fingers crossed, hoping nothing will go wrong.  Daycare providers, nannies, teachers, as well as individuals need to realize the significance of attending a quality CPR and first aid class. Being certified is more than just wielding a card, it is about the knowledge and ability to potentially save a life.

What a Bystander was Taught Saves a Teacher’s Life

When paramedics in Dallas arrived at Sarah Zumwalt Middle School, they found a teacher in the midst of a heart attack. “He was in ventricular fibrillation, a fatal rhythm,” said Fire Department Lieutenant Greg Henderson. They also found that a fellow educator already was performing CPR. Said Henderson, “Bystander CPR is what saved this person’s life.”

The story is often the same in such cases, but sadly, they are few and far between. Only eight percent of heart attack victims survive, mainly because not enough people have taken the small amount of time to learn proper CPR. When the technique is applied quickly and in the right way, the survival rate triples and complications from loss of blood flow to the brain are minimized.

In this case, by happy coincidence, it turned out the victim and his colleague-savior were friends, and had taken CPR classes together, which included training in use of the Automated External Defibrillator, a portable device that aids in restoring normal heart rhythm when accompanied by effective CPR. More and more AED’s are being made available in public places, but not nearly enough people have been taught how to use them.

It’s estimated that only one-in-three heart attack victims receives quick CPR from a bystander. As mentioned, in a quirk of symmetry, their survival rate triples when they do. Sudden cardiac arrest is the number one cause of natural death in the United States, killing over 325,000 people a year. If you take the few hours required to learn CPR, those statistics indicate you have a pretty good chance to put your knowledge to life-saving use. A small investment of time for such an incalculably great return!

Lieutenant Henderson summed up the situation simply: “It’s stories like this that tell you how important bystander CPR is.” And, by definition, how important it is for us to learn it. And if your training took place more than a few years ago, it’s time for a new class, because proper technique has changed. The American Heart Association’s key focus is on  chest compression, because blood flow to the brain is so crucial.

How many compressions a minute to apply, how to time them and how much force is necessary are things you can learn in a very short time. What are you waiting for?

Even First Responders Can Become Disaster Victims, Atlanta Ice Storm Jan 2011

 

“I’m trained in CPR and always thought of myself as a first responder and a caretaker of others, but during Atlanta’s ice storm in January, 2011 I was the one who ended up needing assistance”, reflects Dr. Benjamin Albright. The icy parking lot in front of his busy Marietta chiropractic office lay at the bottom of a hill, hundreds of yards from the main street. “My feet flew out from underneath me. I fell flat on my back, and lay there in the parking lot unable to move I was so wracked with pain.” With no other employees, patients, or personnel around Dr. Albright lie there for nearly five hours before being rescued. “Basically, I worked on remaining conscious and calm. Slowly the ice numbed my pain and I was finally able to ease my cell phone out of my pocket and call 911.” Dr. Albright suffered a herniated disc, no laughing matter although the irony was not lost on him. “I have a great chiropractor!” he quips.

 

Dr. Albright’s advice? “Don’t be a martyr or a hero. Unless you have a well-thought out safety plan for reporting to a job where your service is absolutely essential; stay home. Wireless technology and computers make it possible to do a wide range of business tasks from home. “While I was lying on the ice, my colleagues and staff were getting bookkeeping done, catching up on email, and doing professional reading,” Albright reports.

 

If you must work during a weather disaster:

  • Listen to the weather reports for alerts, warnings and watches and be ready to change your plans.
  • If you must travel, be certain your cell phone is charged and you’re going to a location where you can get a signal.
  • Tell someone where you are traveling to and when you expect to return.
  • Wear appropriate clothing in the event you have to walk, wait or otherwise be outdoors in bad weather.
  • Keep basic safety equipment in your car such as a flashlight, matches, a small shovel, a blanket, bottled water and high-protein energy bars.

Judith Kolberg, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Volunteer

Author, Organize for Disaster: Prepare Your Family and Your Home for Any Natural or Unnatural Disaster

Prompt Intervention Saves Lives in Grand Marais


Gary Radloff, a bailiff for Cook County in Grand Marais, MN. has become a local hero in the community. His quick intervention helped save lives when a man who just received a guilty verdict in a criminal case went on a shooting rampage. Two people were shot and two others received injuries during this courthouse assault, which could have been far worse, but for the brave actions of Radloff and other people.

 

Radloff, 70, was in the courtroom with Judge Mark Munger of Duluth and members of the jury when he heard gunshots being fired right outside the door of the courtroom. Radloff screamed for everyone to clear the courtroom, and immediately charged down the hall to confront the shooter Daniel Schlienz.

 

Schlienz had already shot a Grand Marais man, Gregory Thompson, who had testified in Schlienz’s trial, and he had also shot Tim Scannell, the County Attorney. Radloff reached the scene, where he, along with Schlienz’s mother Ginger Berglund, and Assistant County Attorney Molly Hicken overpowered Schlienz and disarmed him. By the time a Minnesota State Patrol officer arrived, Radloff had already brought the situation under control.

 

Radloff commented about his act of bravery, “I was just doing my job. The training just kicked in.”

 

Molly Hicken’s father, Jeff Hicken along with Michael Scott, a partner at a law firm said that Molly Hicken had helped remove the gun from the possession of Schlienz. Scott said he was told that Molly threw the gun out of the window. She was not struck by gunfire, but she received splattering of blood and suffered some bruises and bumps.

 

The victims, Scannel, 45, and Thompson, 53, were sent to the Essentia Health St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth. Scannell was reported to be in a fair condition following surgery, and Thompson was in good condition. Thompson received treatment for multiple gunshot wounds to the leg, and Scannell got shot in the groin and twice in the abdomen.

 

Radloff and Hicken were taken to the Northshore Hospital in Cook County, where they received treatment and were released. Agents from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension have scoured the crime scene at the courthouse, which was shut down for the day. They questioned a number of witnesses to learn more about the shooting that rocked one of the least populous counties in Minnesota.

Winter Play Safety Tips for Children

 

Snow is one of nature’s greatest toys for all ages. You can mold it, build with it, slide on it, throw it, and so much more. No matter how old you are, it is important to be safe when playing outside in the fresh powder. These six simple guidelines can help everyone make the most of their time in a winter wonderland.

  1. Refrain from Eating Snow- Even if you start to get thirsty, it is never a good idea to pick up snow and eat it. There are several reasons for this. Contrary to what most people think, some forms of snow can dehydrate the body. To melt the snow our bodies have to heat it up. This takes heat away from keeping us warm and lowers the body temperature. Snow in urban or suburban areas can be dirty and make us sick. The only time someone would ever need to eat snow would be if they were out in the wilderness. Then they would have to put it into a water bottle and put it against their body to melt it before drinking it.

 

  1. Be Aware of When You Start to Sweat- Between the heavy clothing and running around in the snow, our bodies start to sweat. This is the body cooling itself down. It sounds easy enough just to take off our winter coats to cool off, but it can do more harm than good. When we sweat, our pores open up and make our skin susceptible to cold. This is why it is best to dress in layers when playing outside in the cold. Shedding layers helps to cool us down without letting too much cold get in. If you start to sweat too much, it’s time to go back inside and rest.

 

  1. Protect Your Hands and Feet- It’s fun to make a snowman or lay down and make a snow angel, but long exposure to snow can hurt human skin and cause frostbite. Frostbite is when the skin cells freeze and die. It’s almost like a burn from cold. Wear gloves when you need to touch the snow and never go outside barefoot. It looks easy in Christmas movies, but it can cause a lot of harm.

 

  1. Keep Your Head Covered– A lot of heat escapes from our heads in the cold weather, making our body temperature go down much faster. Our mouth, nose, and eyes are wet and are more susceptible to the cold. Wear a hat or a hood when going out to play in the snow to keep your head from getting sick. Your ears will thank you too.

 

  1. Stay Active- Moving around keeps the blood pumping and warms up the body naturally. Don’t just sit and watch everyone else have fun. Build a snowman, go sledding, or make a snow fort. If you start to feel tired, go inside and rest for a few hours and then go out again. Snow is for playing in for short bursts and then going inside to warm up.

 

  1. Go Out With a Friend or Parent– Playing in snow can easily dehydrate and tire someone out so going out alone is never a good idea. Sledding and ice skating are lots of fun but they can be dangerous. Every year they cause unexpected injuries for even the most experienced at winter sports. If you are in the woods or not in view of a house, you should have an adult with you. If you are in a well populated area with other people, a friend will do fine.

Dealing with Epilepsy: A First-Aider’s Guide

There are few conditions that a first aider will come across that are scarier than a classic grand mal seizure. While you can bandage a wound, place someone in the recovery position, or administer CPR, the sight of someone shaking on the ground is extremely daunting if you are not use to it.

First, though, you should not panic. Your first priority is to remove any hazards that could be hit by the seizing person. These could include knives, scissors, and other sharp objects or electrical goods such as hair curlers, electric fires, and other hot items. If you cannot remove an item, such as a door or wardrobe corner, cushion it with either your body or a blanket. Ensure the head is cushioned if possible. Do not try to restrain the person or hold down the tongue as this may cause potentially severe injuries.

Your next priority is to dial 911. The operator will ask you for your location, the age of the casualty, and whether he or she is still breathing. Give as much information as you can. You may already know whether this is the casualty’s first seizure or not and how long they typically last. Alternatively, you can ask whoever is with the person.

Having made the area safe and called for help, you must consider the comfort and dignity of the person. A seizure always creates a lot of attention, and ideally the casualty’s dignity must be preserved. Set up screens if they are available or close the area off. Remove any bystanders who are just staring. If they refuse to leave the area, ask them to consider whether they would like to be stared at in a similar situation.

If the patient is still fitting when the paramedic arrives, a line will normally be placed in the casualty’s arm. Alternatively, a suppository may be administered if the fitting is too severe or a vein is hard to find. This will help the patient to recover from the procedure.

If the seizure abates before medical help arrives, put the patient in the recovery position. Keep the casualty warm by covering with a blanket. He or she may be very confused upon waking up from the seizure. Some may become frightened or momentarily aggressive. Explain what has happened and that help is on the way. Suggest the patient stays still until help arrives.

Whatever happens, when dealing with a seizure, you must keep calm. The vast majority of seizures will not cause any serious harm to the casualty. Staying focused and following your first-aid training is the best way to help an epileptic recover.

 

Ballpark CPR

Ballparks are always a fun gathering place for many people and families. The excitement of seeing your child playing baseball can bring out a sense of pride, and enjoyment. But, as fun as ballparks are, they can also be dangerous. There are many different types of injuries that can occur at a ballpark, one of them being heart trouble.

 

If you can imagine, your son steps up to the plate. He has the bat in his hands and is staring intently at the pitcher – waiting for that perfect pitch. The ball flies across the plate at high speeds, and just as it looks like the ball will connect with the bat, instead, it connects with your son’s chest. You hear the thud of the ball making contact with your son’s small body. You know it hurt, but you never imagined that it would have caused your son to fall to the ground, lose consciousness, stop breathing, and lay at the plate on the brink of death.

 

The coaches run to the rescue. They do a quick analysis of the situation and start CPR. Within seconds they realize that this is a job for the park’s defibrillator. Before you know it, they have the machine, and they have him shocked back into a normal heart rhythm. An ambulance is called and he is now on his way to be checked out by doctors and monitored in a medical setting.

 

When you hear the whole story, you realize that the ball just so happened to make contact with your son’s chest at the perfect second, right in-between heartbeats. This rare occurrence interrupted your son’s normal, regular heart rhythm and triggered cardiac arrest. But thanks to the baseball officials, they recognized it right away, started CPR and got the defibrillator that revived your son.

 

You are forever grateful for the coaches’ quick thinking with CPR, and you are thankful that you had joined the mission of lobbying to get a defibrillator for the field. CPR is the first act and defense for cardiac arrest. Sometimes a defibrillator is needed, but to begin CPR immediately could be the lifeline that an individual needs who is suffering a heart attack. Proper training and knowledge could be the determining factor in saving someone’s life.

Crossing the REAL Finish-Line

He was only a tenth of a mile from the finish line of a half-marathon race in San Jose when the 40 year old man collapsed. A Stanford University Hospital nurse was nearby and quickly determined the man had no pulse and wasn’t breathing. She started CPR immediately, and soon, Emergency Medical Technicians from an ambulance standing by at the race took over. The man was breathing and awake when he was loaded into the ambulance for the trip to a nearby hospital.

 

The EMT’s were unequivocal in their assessment of the situation: “CPR is what saves lives,” said one. “The fact that it was done quickly is probably what saved that man’s life.” Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause if natural death in the United States, and is nearly always fatal – unless CPR is started within minutes. Then, the successful (meaning no serious complications) survival rate triples.

 

Maybe you’re thinking it was only because the bystander who started CPR was a nurse that the outcome was so positive. Not so – her training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation was no different from what’s available to anyone. That means you or I, with a minimal expenditure of time, can learn how to save a life. What could possibly be more satisfying, more meaningful, than that?

If you learned CPR more than a few years ago, you should know the technique recommended by the American Heart Association has changed. No longer does it insist on  alternating chest compressions with mouth-to-mouth breathing. It instead focuses on chest compressions – the key being to keep blood flowing to the brain, to head off permanent damage and disability. Knowing how many compressions per minute and the force required for effectiveness takes training.

 

Various Medical Associations have said everyone has a “moral obligation” to learn CPR. Maybe that’s true, but obligation or not, think what it would mean for you to know one day that your action had saved a life and kept a family together. That very real possibility is more than enough reason to commit just a few hours of your time to learn CPR. Especially at this time of year, what greater gift could you offer?

 

Ever considered a career in Nursing?

  • by Maria McCutchen
  • Dec 27, 2011
  • 0
  • Category:

Since the day of Clara Barton, a pioneer in the field of nursing, nursing has not only become a degree that many strive to attain, but is a very respected career. Nurses are always needed in multiple types of medical settings. Nurses are always in demand.

 

Nursing is a challenging field, yet very rewarding. It is not only a field that requires good interpersonal skills, but a well-rounded knowledge of the human body, good nursing practices, and a degree. You can obtain different degrees in nursing, depending on how far you want to take your training.

 

Although there are many different areas of nursing to get involved with, and several different degrees, the two most common degrees in nursing are:

 

Ÿ  LPN, or Licensed Practical Nurse – A licensed practical nurse takes the least amount of time to obtain, and the least amount of education. However, you are also able to perform the least amount of duties as a nurse. Schooling requires prerequisite courses; such as biology, psychology, English, and a basic anatomy course. Your duties are basic, limiting you to basic patient care. State laws only permit limited care to patients by LPN’s.

Ÿ  RN, or Registered Nurse – a Registered Nurse is able to perform all tasks related to nursing. They are responsible for operating medical equipment, administering IV’s, giving medication to patients, including pills and injections, starting IV’s, even assist in surgery. An RN’s education is more extensive than an LPN’s. Most hospitals require that RN’s have a four year bachelor’s degree, while others will allow the two year nursing, or RN degree from a respectable college. RN’s must pass all their nursing courses, and must pass their nursing boards. RN’s are responsible for operating medical equipment, administering IVs, giving medications and injections to patients, administering care plans, and signing off on other nurse’s work. Some RN’s even assist in surgery. While some medical facilities only require a basic, two year RN degree, many are requiring their nurses to have a four year bachelor’s degree.

 

Nursing, though a demanding career, is ideal for many. The pay is very respectable, the degree gives you flexibility to move about and branch out into other areas, sometimes with extra training, and it is a very rewarding field of helping others. You can even choose to work different shifts to make your personal life easier. It can be a great field for those with kids and a family, single moms, and others who need flexible hours.

 

If you love helping and caring for others, nursing may be a field for you to consider. There are multiple areas of nursing to get involved with; from labor and delivery, surgery, physician’s offices, heart cath labs, and many more. Whatever your interest is, you are sure to find a need for nurses there.

 

 

 

Hiking Preparedness

Written by Susan Patterson


Without proper planning, a hike can quickly turn into a nightmare. Avoiding unnecessary accidents and incidents is possible with adequate preparation. Remember, it is equally vital to prepare for a day hike, as it is to prepare for a longer journey. Know your route well and always take a friend along. Hiking alone is dangerous and should be avoided at all times.

Conditioning

Nature presents many challenges, many of which can surprise you during your hike. Before embarking on your adventure make sure, you are in top shape. If you have not been walking regularly, or your walk is only on straight and flat land, begin walking at least 30 minutes daily three weeks prior to your hike. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your walking until you can easily walk an hour without any discomfort. This will strengthen your leg muscles and your heart. Add a pack with some weight for extra training if your hike is long. Swimming is also an excellent overall conditioner and can be incorporated into your workouts.

Footwear

Keeping your feet comfortable and well supported is essential for a happy hike. Never try out a new pair of hiking boots for the first time on a hike. Wear your boots for several weeks prior and make sure they are fitting correctly. Old and worn out boots will promote blisters and should be avoided, as well. Wear hiking socks to absorb moisture and provide additional comfort. Always pack a second pair of socks in case your feet get wet.

Pack

Packing light and smart is a golden rule for hikers. First things first be sure you have a pack that is comfortable. Even if you know the area where you are hiking well, always bring a compass, guidebook and trail map. It is easy for even the best hikers to become disoriented. Dehydration happens quickly and with little warning, be sure to bring plenty of water. High-energy snacks provide quick energy and take up little room in your pack. Trail mixes, energy bars, candy, and beef jerky are excellent choices. A first aid kit and an understanding of basic first aid procedures must be included. A Swiss army knife is an invaluable tool that should not be overlooked. Leave room in your pack for gloves, a rain suit and some form of fire starter. Avoid bulky or unnecessary supplies that will only weigh you down.

 

 

 

 

CPR Saves Senior Citizen’s Life in Tampa

Written by Benjamin Roussey

 An 89-year old man has been admitted, in serious condition, to the burn unit at Tampa General Hospital, following a fire that gutted his home.

The elderly man named Charles “Luke” Davis lived on 22nd Avenue South in St. Petersburg where he became trapped by a major fire. Neighbors smelled smoke but failed to rescue the man due to the raging fire that had engulfed his entire home.

Neighbor Marcus Byrd says, “Me and the next door neighbor opened the back door and tried to go inside. But I ended up getting burned and couldn’t get in.”

Fortunately for Davis, the Fire Rescue units of St. Petersburg happened to be close to the site dealing with another call – enabling them to respond to this call quickly. They took less than five minutes to reach the site. Two firefighters crawled into the home through the back door.

Firefighter Chris Spafford says, “It was very smoky. I couldn’t see anything. There was a pretty good amount of heat. The only thing that really led me to the victim was, I heard him cough.”

Spafford along with his fellow firefighter Brad Williams brought the victim out of the burning home into the backyard.

Davis was in a state of respiratory arrest and the firefighters used CPR to revive him.

He was rushed to the Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg at first, and then moved to Tampa General to treat burns to his throat.

Davis is a retired city worker, and lives alone. The neighbors look after Davis, and he recently attended two different Thanksgiving dinners at his neighbors’ homes.

Dana Sims considers Davis as an uncle and spends time with him. He says that Davis got the nickname “Luke” long ago.

Sims recalls, “He was called Luke Lightning. When he was 13, in Mulberry, Florida where he was born, he was struck by lightning. So when he recovered, everyone started calling him Luke Lightning.”

A number of people in the neighborhood like to call him Mr. Luke. People are hoping that Mr. Luke’s luck holds out and he can manage to recover well from his injuries.

Proper precautions and training can prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens

written by Pearl Salkin |

If a lab technician at a major medical research center in the United States drops a glass beaker on a counter and it breaks, it’s highly unlikely that any bloodborne pathogen that might be present will find a series of human hosts and cause a worldwide epidemic. Such facilities fall under the governance of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), which sets a standard that saves workers and the public from these biological hazards.

Basically, a bloodborne pathogen is a microorganism that is infectious. When present in blood, any one of numerous microorganisms can cause disease in humans. If precautions are taken at sites where transmission of these pathogens is likely, the risk of spreading the infection is virtually eliminated.

While the scourge of AIDS and HIV, the virus that causes it, have made scary news headlines for 30 years in the U.S., two other bloodborne pathogens strike fear in the hearts of those who are informed. Those two terrifying culprits are hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV). Though they certainly get less fanfare, they have been spreading across the country and around the globe at an alarming rate.

The simplest way to safeguard against the proliferation of bloodborne pathogens is to stop them in their tracks at sites of possible contagion. In the workplace, that means adequately training anyone who has a likelihood of coming into contact with human blood in the proper procedures for dealing with what can be a deadly substance – human blood that could contain readily contractible pathogens.

OSHA has identified occupations and industries that warrant the issuing of both general and educational guidelines, and specific rules, such as the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act. The details of their edicts cover a gamut of subjects involving training. They range from how to minimize the risk of occupational exposure to what methods should be employed when an accident happens and a cut in the skin involving contaminated sharps becomes a health threat.

Obviously, people who work as lab techs, doctors, nurses, dental hygienists, EMT’s, hospital housekeeping personnel, tattoo artists and the like often come in contact with human blood routinely and should receive instruction on the latest methods for preventing their own infection and making sure others in contact with them and/or their workplace are protected, too.  Often overlooked is the good Samaritan who rushes to a small retail store’s first aid kit when a fellow employee accidentally slices his finger open with a box cutter.  But there are others who seem to fall through the safety net, such as lumberjacks, mechanics, machinery operators, warehouse staff, craftsman, butchers (the list is endless) that have a potential to be exposed to another coworkers mishap.

According to OSHA – Occupational Exposure means reasonably anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.

In light of the disastrous consequences of second-guessing a workplace’s preparedness to handle an incident that seems minor on the surface – bandaging a co-worker’s cut – a business owner or institution or organization director or manager should look into expanding first aid training.   Just because a workplace isn’t under an OSHA bloodborne pathogen infection mandate doesn’t make that workplace a safe one. Training that covers every preventative measure that can be taken to protect employees and the public is a prudent investment.

Safety on the beach

written by Pearl Salkin |

What could be better than spending a beautiful spring day at the beach? Kids living at the coast or lakeside have perennially played hooky on a hot May day to enjoy the sand and the surf. Similarly, grandmas and grandpas in Miami and throughout the Sunshine State often find the call of the warm waves irresistible and head for their favorite spot of sandy turf. While some fresh sea air and a natural helping of vitamin D can be good for the body and spirit, it’s wise to be aware of the dangers that lurk in the deep and on dry land, too.

Lightning – The expression “a bolt out of the blue” never rings truer than when someone is struck by lightning that seems to come from a cloudless sky. The National Severe Storms Laboratory, a research and education division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has confirmed the notion that lightning can strike a person or object that is 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Scientists say that the highest point on a plane – like a tree on a golf course or a person standing on a beach – is more likely to be struck during a thunderstorm than a short shrub or a person lying down and making a lower vertical profile. They also must admit that they don’t know everything about lightning’s behavior. Strikes are often unpredictable and random.

It would be prudent to pay attention to weather warnings far in advance of approaching storms. If the sky above is clear but storm clouds seem to be gathering in the distance, don’t wait to hear the first clap of thunder. It’s time to seek a safer place.

Jellyfish and sharks and sharp seashells, oh my!

A walk along the beach or a dip in the ocean or river can be an invigorating and refreshing experience on a hot summer day. Or it can be a dangerous encounter with some of nature’s not-so-nice offerings.

The ocean is full of wondrous creatures. Sharks and jellyfish are just two. But an encounter with either will not be pleasant and could possibly be life threatening.

Only in rare circumstances would a jellyfish sting be more than a little painful and irritating. When stung by one at a beach that has a lifeguard on duty, first aid is readily available. If there is no lifeguard or roaming beach patrol, a quick trip to the supermarket for some vinegar is the common way to treat a minor sting. But in rare circumstances, a sting can be life threatening, causing a person to experience sudden cardiac arrest. If no trained first responder is nearby, the victim should be given CPR until professional help is on the scene.

Shark attacks are always dangerous. The best way for swimmers and surfers to protect themselves is to avoid areas and situations known to attract sharks. Among the many tips offered by George H. Burgess, senior biologist in ichthyology (the study of fishes) at the Florida Museum of Natural History, the University of Florida, and other experts in the field are these:

Don’t swim during popular shark feeding times – at dawn and dusk. Don’t go too far from shore or where there are sandbars or steep drop-offs. Don’t wear shiny jewelry that would give an impression that you are a fish with scales. Don’t go into the water if you see large groups of fish, seabirds or dolphins. Sharks devour them and you wouldn’t want to be dessert. Don’t swim or surf alone. Many a buddy has saved a buddy’s life.

Seashells are fascinating creations. But if you cut your foot on a broken one, that could result in a painful and bloody mess. In that case, seek some first aid. Lifeguards are trained and equipped to handle all sorts of mishaps. If no help is onsite and the injury is minor, use common sense. Try to keep the wound as clean as possible. If the gash is gushing, use pressure to stop the bleeding and seek immediate medical attention.

Paying it forward – Sudden cardiac arrest survivor saves a classmate

Survivors of sudden cardiac arrest usually feel lucky to be alive. Their rescuer was in the right place, at the right time and ready to use their CPR skills to save the victim‘s life.. While the successful outcome of each individual who has come back from the brink is surely something to celebrate, one young recipient of CPR now knows how wonderful it feels to be on the giving side of saving a life.

Tyler Byall was a high school junior in Fort Wayne, Indiana last year when he went into cardiac arrest while asleep. His mother, Kristi Polcsak, immediately performed CPR on him, keeping him alive until paramedics arrived to transport him to the hospital. Thanks to Polcsak’s quick action and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) by the paramedics, Byall made a complete recovery.

On September 21, 2011, one year and one day after his own life threatening incident, Byall was wrapping up another normal school day at North Side High School when classmate Abey Luttman was standing near her locker. Luttman went into sudden cardiac arrest and Byall went into action. Byall began CPR on Littman and was assisted by a teacher and others as school nurse Sunny Stachera retrieved the school’s AED. Stachera used the AED, and Littman was soon transported to the hospital, where she was treated and released days later.

Both Byall and Littman were truly blessed to have come through such a life-or-death ordeal. Coincidentally, each of them now has an implanted defibrillator, something that many cardiologists are now employing to make sure that their patients have smooth sailing into the future.

Byall’s story as victim and victor has shed much needed light on how important the immediate and most heroic efforts by bystanders and family members are in saving a life.

In October, the Fort Wayne School Board honored Byall and the others who helped save Littman’s life. And they did it with more than just some words of gratitude and a certificate. The story of survival was brought to the attention of the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, Indiana chapter. That acclaimed organization, in recognition of the fast-acting intervention by Byall and his co-rescuers, donated a piece of medical equipment that is worth more than its weight in gold, a Powerheart G3 AED to the Ward Alternative School in Fort Wayne.

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