Breaking Falls Safely – Home Playground Equipment

Although we often hear of the children injured on public playgrounds, over 50,000 youngsters suffer from accidents annually on home playground equipment. Time and planning are essential when considering installation of such equipment. Although it is beneficial to provide your children with a physical outlet, securing their safety should always be the first matter of business.

Since the majority of injuries are the result of falls, exceptional care must be taken when selecting protective surfacing. Never place playground equipment over asphalt or concrete. If a child falls on these surfaces, serious head injuries can occur. Choose softer surfaces with some give. Some people consider grass such a surface, however, turf has a tendency to lose its shock absorption capabilities over time as it becomes compacted. Although grass is better than concrete, consider the following surface coverings instead:

§ Finely crushed gravel

§ Sand

§ Fine woodchips

§ Playground approved rubber matting or rubber mulch

It is not necessary to cover the entire playground surface in shock absorbing material, as this can be quite expensive. Identify the places where a fall may be likely and cover these areas 6 feet in all directions. If the highest fall point is up to 6 feet, you will need at least 6 inches of surface material. Use 12 inches of material for any height over 6 feet.

If you have swings on your play set, these must also have safe landing spots. Make a 6-foot outline from the outer edge of the swing set on both sides. Make an outline in the front and back of the swing that is twice the measurement from the ground to the swing hangers.

An alternative to spot protection, although more expensive, is to use a rubber matt, rubber tiles or rubber mulch over the entire play area. Rubber playground mats are available in various thicknesses. Be sure to select a thickness that is adequate for the height of your equipment.

Check the depth and condition of your surface material often in order to avoid unnecessary injuries.

 

Going to the Beach? Remember, Safety Comes First!

In my opinion, there’s nothing more fun to do in the summer than take a beach vacation.  Growing up, my family and I would visit the beach multiple times a year and we all loved it!  Splashing in the waves, walking on the wet sand, collecting shells – it can’t get much better than that!

Even though beach vacations are a lot of fun, they can also be very dangerous unless certain precautions are taken.

Before visiting the beach, please refer to the 15 safety tips I’ve listed below.  Not only will following the tips make your beach trip more enjoyable, they may also save your life.

 

  1. To avoid sunburn, use a sunblock before going out in the sun.  SPF 30+ is recommended.  Reapply it every hour and also after exiting the water.
  1. Bring a first aid kit with you.  In case you cut your foot on a shell, or even get stung by a jellyfish, you’ll be able to treat it with some basic first aid items from the kit.
  1. To protect your eyes, always wear UV protective shades.
  1. Always bring bottles of fresh water with you and drink the water regularly so you won’t get dehydrated.
  1. Bring along some shade, such as an umbrella or tent.  A wide-brimmed hat will also keep the sun off you.
  1. Always watch where you step.  Most beaches don’t allow glass bottles but there are always those who won’t follow the rules.  To avoid getting cut by a piece of glass, watch where you step.
  1. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards.  According to statistics, it’s much safer to swim on beaches that have lifeguard services.  If you ever get in trouble, raise your hand for assistance and a lifeguard will come to help you.
  1. Remember to swim between the flags.  The common flag system for beaches is: Double Red (2 Red Flags) – Extremely Dangerous Conditions
    Red – Dangerous Conditions
    Yellow – Caution (Moderately Dangerous Conditions)
    Green – Mild Conditions
    During the day, flags may be moved so be sure to always check where they are before you go out in the water.
  1. You should never swim alone.  You need to always swim with another strong swimmer when you venture into the water.
  1. Never dive in.  Two-thirds of ALL catastrophic neck injuries happen in open water.  The sand isn’t as soft and forgiving as you may think it is.
  1. Remember to take a break every hour, whether it’s a sun, water or bathroom break.  If you sit on the beach or stay in the water for a long period of time, fatigue, sunburn and heat exhaustion could occur.
  1. When exploring the beach, avoid rocky outcrops.  They can be extremely dangerous in a large surf area.  You should never stand on one that’s wet.  Not only could you slip off, you could possibly be swept off by a wave.  Because the outcrop is wet, that’s a sign that waves will be washing over it.
  1. You should NEVER mix alcohol and swimming.  Alcohol will affect your judgment and you won’t be able to hold your breath.  Approximately 50% of drowning incidents are alcohol related.
  1. Be aware of rips, which are swiftly moving channels of water returning to sea.  Rip currents are the cause of more than 80% of near-drownings in our oceans.  If you’re not exactly sure how to identify a rip, here are some characteristics to look for:
    – There may be rippled effects in the water.
    – The water may be darker due to the sand stirred up off the bottom.
    – There may be calm patches in the surf, and waves will be breaking on either side.
    – The water may be foamy and filled with debris that extends beyond the surf break.
    If you’re ever caught in a rip, remember to stay calm and conserve your energy.  Take a deep breath and swim parallel to the shore.  If you fight the current, it’ll wear you out.  So remember to not panic!
  1. It’s not out-of-the-ordinary for marine life forms, birds and turtles to wash up on beaches.  If you see this happen, do not touch or get close to the animals.  You could hurt them or they could hurt you.  Contact the local authorities and they can take care of the situation.

Babysitting and CPR / First Aid

Babysitting is an important job. It requires first and foremost, the love of children, but beyond that, there are many qualifications you must possess in order to be a good and responsible babysitter. Children of all ages have needs that require tending to. You will need to be aware of the different age groups, and what you can expect to be dealing with for that age before sitting for them.

Babysitting is a big responsibility. The biggest aspect of babysitting is to keep the children safe and away from harm. You want them to be happy and healthy when you hand them back over to their parents. To be a good, responsible babysitter, you will want to  make sure you know and understand:

Ÿ  How to administer first-aid

Ÿ  How to perform CPR

Ÿ  What to do if a child is choking

Ÿ  How to reach the parents – have all contact numbers

Ÿ  Home safety tips

Although the word may imply one thing, babysitting is more than just sitting at someone’s house with their kids. You must be interactive with the children. You must keep them entertained, provide care, possibly feed them a meal, and keep up with their general upkeep. If you are at an age where you are able to drive, you may even be requested to drive the children to an appointment, or pick them up from school. Babysitting can mean a variety of tasks with one basic task remaining the same – watching and caring for children.

If you plan on babysitting often, maybe building a clientele of regular families you baby-sit for, it is a good idea. You may want to find families that use you regularly so that you get to know the family and the children well, and they get to know you. When children get to know you and are used to seeing you, it can make your time with them easier, as well as less frightening for them.

Here is a list of tips for babysitting:

Ÿ  Learn what children of the age group you’ll be babysitting for, like to do – what games they like to play? What activities you can do with them?

Ÿ  Learn their bedtime routines

Ÿ  Keep a list of what foods they like and don’t like; and what they can eat and cannot eat

Ÿ  Do they need to be given medication while in your care? Get the details of what, and how to administer the medicine

Ÿ  Keep a list of numbers handy – the parents’ phone numbers, emergency contact, poison control, neighbors or friends

Ÿ  Have some activities in mind that you can do with them. Keep them occupied so they don’t have time to get upset

The more prepared you are to take care of other people’s children, the better the job you will be able to do

 

Why not register for a CPR and First Aid class with In-Pulse CPR?  Our classes are geared towards ages as young as 13 years old.

 

 

Signs of a potential Heart Attacks

If you or someone you know is having a heart attack, you may have only a few minutes to act. A heart attack can strike suddenly, and sometimes without warning. It’s important to know what to do in an emergency. There are many different causes of heart attacks… And there is a lot you should know.

If you, or someone you know, experience any of the following symptoms, it is important to seek professional help immediately:

-Upper abdomen pain that lasts a long time.
-Discomfort or pain that spreads past the chest to the shoulders, teeth, jaw, or neck.
-shortness of breath, or inability to catch breath even after several minutes have passed
-extreme dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
-sweating and/or nausea.
-uncomfortable pressure, fullness or squeezing pain in the center of the chest (or where the heart is located).
-Sometimes the pain might go away and then come back. If it doesn’t go away, or it keeps coming back repeatedly, seek help.

But the really terrible thing is, sometimes there are no symptoms at all.

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain. The length of time a heart attack can last varies immensely. Sometimes it can be shorter or longer, but generally it lasts more than fifteen minutes. Some people that experience a heart attack may have symptoms and warning signs hours, days, or weeks in advance. The earliest of these warning signs is generally continuous episodes of chest pain when the person is active. The pain usually disappears with rest.

Heart attacks are commonly caused by an artery becoming blocked. It’s the artery’s job to provide blood and oxygen to the heart. When one is blocked, it can easily injure or destroy part of the muscle that makes up the heart.

When fat, plaque, and cholesterol build up in the artery walls, this is called atherosclerosis. It tends to develop gradually over time. The arteries narrow and harden, they become less elastic and unable to stretch to support the flow of blood. If blood can’t reach the body, that part of the body eventually ceases to function from lack of oxygen. Sometimes the atherosclerosis can rupture, causing blood to clot, killing off tissue. This is a common cause of heart attacks.
There are certain things that can be done, if professional help is not available. This is why it’s important to make sure that you are educated on what to do in case of a heart attack.

If you, or someone you know, may be having a heart attack —CALL 911 

 

While waiting for paramedics to arrive, have the victim sit at rest.  If they are not allergic to aspirin and it is not contraindicated for them, give them an aspirin.  But don’t forget – they MUST chew it.

If the victim goes unconscious and stops breathing, you will need to start CPR.  Performing effective CPR in a timely manner can save the lives of those around you.

His Team Lost, but He Won!

 

Leo Staudacher hadn’t planned on watching the Michigan-Notre game on television, let alone in a hospital ICU unit. But he was very grateful to have seen the end of the game at all. The 69 year old Bay City man was watching the game at Michigan Stadium when he collapsed from sudden cardiac arrest, the leading cause of natural deaths in the United States.

 

Mr. Staudacher’s three sons were with him at the game, but none of them knew what do. That’s not unusual or shameful – most people aren’t trained in CPR. Thankfully for Leo Staudacher and his family, a nearby spectator knew CPR and began performing it on the unconscious man while others went for help. Stadium security personnel used an Automated Electric Defibrillator (AED) to shock Mr. Staudacher’s heart back into normal rhythm. But it was the bystander who started CPR quickly who made full recovery possible.

 

Sudden cardiac arrest almost always results in death, unless life-saving measures are begun within six minutes of the event. Even in cities with outstanding emergency medical services, that’s often not possible, meaning the difference between life and death hinges on someone close by knowing CPR. Studies have found the survival rate among heart attack victims increases 300% when CPR is begun within minutes.

 

Statistically, Leo Staudacher was an anomaly, lying in his Ann Arbor hospital bed, watching the Wolverines score a come-from-behind victory over his beloved Notre Dame. “My family watched while they shocked me with the paddles,” he said later, “but it was the fans and their prompt CPR that saved my life.”

 

Most of us wonder at times about the meaning of our lives. Anyone who has learned the simple process of CPR and has had the privilege of using it to save another human being can answer that age-old philosophical question. The idea that a few hours of training could lead to years added to someone’s life – years during which incalculable good might be done – is both humbling and compelling. The fact is, there’s nothing that stands between you and me and an act of heroism except learning CPR. How many of the 325,000 Americans who die of sudden cardiac arrest every year would survive if more people knew CPR? Hard to say, but one thing is undeniable: your training could save one person whose life has infinite value.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

In 2011 Atlanta, GA suffered from more severe weather than it has in many years. It seems as though the weather here in Atlanta gets worse every year; with everything from snow storms that last for weeks to a battery of tornados, and thunder storms that rage across the state like an angry bull.

Be Ready For Severe Weather When It Arrives

Severe weather can be frightening but, more than that it can be deadly. Being prepared for severe weather such as tornados, snow storms, floods could mean the difference between life and death for yourself or your loved ones.

Severe Weather Emergency Kits

Before severe weather actually arrives put together several Emergency Kits. Think of places where you might need to keep them in order to be able to get to them in an emergency such as: your home, garage, office, car, barn, or outside storage building, somewhere that you might be able to get to them in a time of need.

In the event of a disaster you will likely need several of these kits. It is advisable that you make one large kit to keep in or around the home, (underground if at all possible) and several smaller kits in other places: office, car, outdoor tool building.

Kit One the Largest and Most Important Kit

Things You Will Need:

* Large Duffle Bag Style Bag

The Bag itself should be a duffle bag style that is weather proof, water proof, and tough. It should be large enough to hold everything in the kit and it needs to have reflective material on the outside or glow in the dark spray paint will work just fine. There is always the chance that you will be trying to find this bag in the dark without a flashlight.

* Water

One of the most important things that we can have in our emergency kits is clean water. Each kit should have at least 3 gallons of water per person in food grade plastic containers. Additional water should be kept for sanitation purposes.

* Food

A three day supply of food for each person should be enough in most situations but, rationing your food during a situation where you aren’t sure when you’ll get more would not be a bad idea. Food that won’t spoil, doesn’t need to be refrigerated, cooked, and doesn’t require a lot of preparation or water to be eatable is best for the emergency kits.

 

Types of Foods That Will Keep Well For Several Days:

Cereal Bars                Canned Meats                     Canned Juices    Canned Fruits                   Canned Vegetables              Energy Bars

Crackers                             Candy Bars                           Canned Soups

Peanut Butter                     Beef Jerky

 

* Important Documents of course you won’t keep original documents here but, a sealed dry packet containing copies of all family members important documents could prove to be very helpful in many situations.

Social Security Cards                            Copy of Wills

Bank account numbers                       Insurance Policies

Birth certificates                                   Contracts

Marriage certificates                           Titles

Death certificates                                 Phone numbers

Household inventory                           Passports

 

More Necessary Items

* Whistle possibly the most important items in your kit. Each person should have a metal police type whistle on a string around their neck during bad weather. If someone were buried or lifted and thrown the sound of that whistle can be heard much farther than a voice.

* Battery Operated radio or even better they kind that can be charged by turning a handle.

* Flashlights and glow sticks (You can buy flashlights that operate buy turning a handle as well)

* Extra batteries

* Dry, comfortable clothing and shoes

* Blankets or water proof sleeping bags if possible

* Plastic rain ponchos (they’re cheap easy to store and very light weight)

* Can opener (manual type)

* Plastic ware

* Sharp Kitchen Knives Be certain that these are wrapped several times in towels or stored in some type of plastic container to prevent someone from getting cut while moving the bag from place to place.

First Aid Kit

In an emergency situation it’s not always possible to get to a doctor right away and a first aid kit could be all that you have so make it as good as you can. You will need at least 2 of these, place one with the large kit and one with the car kit.

The best container for this is a high quality fishing tackle box that is water proof and spray painted with glow in dark paint.

Different types and sizes of Bandages

2” Gauze pads 10pk                        4” Gauze pads 10pk

2” Roll Bandages 3-4 rolls              3” Roll Bandages 3-4 rolls

Vaseline                                             Tweezers

Assorted Band-Aids                         Scissors

Thermometer                                  Needles (one pkg)

Soap                                                 Latex glove

Clean White Towels in Plastic bags

Safety pins (assorted sizes) Use to hold bandages in place.

 

Medications

Any prescription medication that family members must have should be kept here as well such as insulin, prescription glasses, and medication for high blood pressure.

Over The Counter Medications

Activated Charcoal (for poison control)

Syrup of Ipecac (to induce vomiting incase of poisoning)

Triple- antibiotic                             Peroxide

Alcohol                                            Pain Reliever (non-aspirin)

Antacid                                            Imodium (for relief of diarrhea)

Laxative

 

Depending on where you’ll be keeping your kits and how much space you actually have the more you are able to put up for an emergency the more comfortable and ready you and your family will be.

 

It’s a good idea to at least have 2 smaller kits in different places the smaller kits should contain as many of the items as possible and still be portable. Keeping in mind that clean water, food, light, and a whistle are very items to have important during a disaster.

 

Making sure that you and your family are safe is a full time job we hope that this article has helped to lighten that burden.

Protecting yourself Against Bloodborne Pathogens in a Health Care Setting

 

Occupations at Risk

If you work in a number of occupations, particularly in nursing or as an emergency medical technician (EMT), you are at a pronounced risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathnogens (BBPs). Other occupations that stand the risk of infection from BBPs include police officers, firemen, clinical or laboratory workers, plumbers, hair stylists, and maintenance and custodial employees.

Defining BBPs

BBPs are microorganisms, or bacteria or viruses, that are transported by the blood and can cause illness and disease in humans. The primary llnesses produced by bloodborne pathogens include hepatitis B and C and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In healthcare settings, BBPs are most often transported as the result of the health care worker mistakenly puncturing himself with a needle or syringe. Getting squirted with a patient’s blood can also result in infection as well.

Hepatitis B

While no cure exists for hepatitis C or HIV, hepatitis B can be treated. However, health care workers who do contract hepatitis B, many times, do not initially exhibit any kind of symptomology. In fact, they can go as long as six months before feeling sick. Once symptoms do appear, patients often suffer from tiredness, a low-grade fever, nausea, and a loss of appetite. The skin typically takes on a yellow cast due to jaundice as well. Cirrhosis or damage to the liver often follows. Fortunately, workers in medical facilities who are at risk of BBP exposure can obtain hepatitis B shots free of charge.

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C, another common infection resulting from BBPs, like hepatitis B, does not typically present any symptomology shortly after it is contracted. When symptoms do present themselves, they may include stomach pain and swelling, dark-colored urine, nausea, fever, fatigue, jaundice, and a loss of appetite. In many instances, hepatitis C or HCV infection, like hepatitis B, will lead to scarring or cirrhosis of the liver.

 

Human Immunodeficiency Virus – HIV

HIV, another common BBP infection, may not produce any symptoms for as long as a decade. In addition, blood tests, after exposure, may not confirm the patient to be HIV positive until three months after the patient is infected. Symptoms, when they do occur, can include headache, fever, tiredness, diarrhea, muscle aches and stiffness, the development of rashes, a swelling of the lymph glands, and a sore throat.

Where BBPs Gain Entry

BBPs can enter routes in the skin, such as abrasions, acne, sunburned areas, open sores, and cuts. The pathogens can also gain entry through mucous membranes, such as the nose, eyes, and mouth. Again, in health care settings, an unintended needle puncture is the most common reason for infection.

Lowering the Risk of Exposure

Besides personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, masks, lab coats, and face shields, hand washing offers one of the most beneficial measures of safety. Always make sure then that you use an antibacterial soap and wash immediately after removing PPE. A hand sanitizer can also be used in lieu of soap and water, but, again, you should wash your hands as soon as you can after using the sanitizer to ensure you are maximally protected.

Decontaminating an Area

Healthcare workers should decontaminate work areas where BBP exposure is possible after their shift or immediately following a spill of possibly infectious material or blood. Using a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water is recommended in cleaning the area. An EPA-recommended disinfectant can be used instead of the water and bleach as well. Rags used to clean and decontaminate the area should be disposed of as biological waste.

Reasons for Sharps Injuries

Most injuries that resulted from using sharps were primarily connected with either the use of a blood-drawing device or syringe. Nurses, in many instances, were injured when disposing of sharps in containers, administering injections, using heel sticks or finger sticks, or performing venipuncture. Nurses indicated that sharps mishaps often occurred because of factors such as insufficient lighting, uncooperative patients, workplace distractions, and a disorganized work area. Feeling under pressure with respect to time constraints was also reported as a contributor to sharps accidents.

 

References:

https://www.massnurses.org/health-and-safety/articles/bloodborne-pathogens/p/openItem/1258
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001324
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001329
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001627
https://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/data_General_Facts/ppe-factsheet.pdf

Bloodborne Pathogens, BBPs, University of Louisiana at Monroe 3rd Quarter 2009 Safety Meeting

 

She “was not responding” to CPR

This weekend I was home watching TV, flipping through the channels, when a program caught my attention. This program was reviewing the case of a gentleman who had lost his wife in a diving “accident”.  They were trying the evidence presented at his trial.  His apparent lack of emotions,  the situation that left her alone in the water for a period of time and other topics were covered.  The part that stuck in my mind the most was the part where they asked the husband if he had performed CPR on his wife, and for how long.

He said he had performed CPR on her for a few minutes, but discontinued because she “was not responding”.  “I wasn’t going to waste time on someone who was unresponsive” was what he said.  I felt so sad. Either he was just a “jerk” or he really didn’t know the “what” and “why” of CPR.  CPR is NOT performed on someone who is responsive,  most rescuers will NOT see a response from their measures. Responses come (if they are going to happen) with the assistance of an AED and the medical professionals at the hospital.

It is so very important that people learn proper CPR and the importance of performing it.  Knowing the “how” is important, but also the “why” and “what”.   PLEASE, if you take a CPR class, don’t leave unless you understand the reasons as well as the technique.   I know for a fact that you will not leave uninformed from an In-Pulse CPR course.

The Best Way To Stay Safe On A Cruise Ship

Cruise ships have the best safety record in the travel industry, but despite international maritime rules and regulations, U.S. Coast Guard guidelines, and stringent international laws, cruise ship accidents or incidents still occur. If your cruise ship captain steers too close to the shore, hits a rock, is distracted by a 25 year old blond and lives by the motto “every man for himself”, you probably can’t anticipate that in advance. But there are measures you can take to optimize your general safety on a cruise ship. Your crew, though far better trained than you, commonly works 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week for weeks or months on end. Fatigue undermines judgment, so keep yours sharp!

 

  • Always participate in the required safety drills.
  • You will be provided with the ship’s map. Take the time to study it and walk the ship to orient yourself with the location of life rafts, lifeboats, and stairwells.

 

If you’re nervous about the safety record of a cruise line or particular ship:

  • Book through a travel agent. They are most familiar with cruise line reputations.
  • Check the Centers for Disease Control’s “report card” for your cruise ship by going to www.cdc.gov/inspectionquerytool/inspectionsearch.aspx
  • Tap your social media networks for personal recommendations
  • Read consumer reviews at www.Cruisereport.com

 

It is way more likely that you will have food poisoning, a fall, twist an ankle on an onshore excursion or get robbed than run aground or sink so take practical precautions. Don’t eat anything that smells funny, hold onto the rail, watch the booze, and stow valuable in the ship’s safe if you are not using them such as excess cash, jewelry, and your passport.

  • Keep your ticket. The tiny print on the bottom is your contract with the cruise line. If you feel you have been wronged, you’ll need your ticket and a personal injury lawyer.

 

Knowing that you can communicate with loved ones can bring you and them great peace of mind if there is an emergency. Here are your options:

–          If you can, wait till you reach port and use your cell phone

–          Direct dial from your stateroom phone. It is convenient but will cost you $7-$20.00 per minute.

–          Obtain your cell phone provider’s cruise coverage rate before your trip

–          Send text messages from your cell phone. It is faster and cheaper than calls.

–          Take advantage of the pre-paid internet use option for sending emails.

–          Use Skype or another VOIP service.

–          Purchase a cruise ship phone card to make calls ship-to-shore. The card will reduce your costs. Ship-to-shore rates without a calling card can be as much as $20.00 a minute which may or may not concern you in an emergency.

 

—–Judith Kolberg- Writer, Author, and Book Coach. www.squallpress.net, info@squallpress.net

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.

 

  What is CPR?    Why do we need CPR training?   Why do we need AED training?   Why do we need First Aid training?   Who needs Bloodborne Pathogens training?   What employers need to know   Survival Stories   Staying Healthy   Avoiding Injuries   Tributes to those who help make our lives safe More...     Sign Up for a CPR Class  
Disclaimer:
Use of any advise on this site is purely at your own risk.  The information supplied is designed to accompany CPR and first aid training not to replace.  In-Pulse CPR, Inc disclaims any liability for losses you incur as a result of inaccuracy of the information provided on this website.  Information on this site is for education, supplemental to examination by and advice of medical professionals.   Any information regarding first aid treatments is not meant to replace the advice of medical professionals including physicians, paramedics, emergency room attendants, nurses or other licensed medical personnel.