C.p.r. / 1st Aid Aid

[davwil]

One of the first things I learned was CPR and First aid when I was in the Scouts.

I recently had a very minor "Incident " and I was afraid nobody around me knew what to do.

 

There are very straight forward and simple procedures to follow that can be learned from many good places. Please learn as much as you can!

 

It's better to be prepared than to be stuck there, not knowing not to do!

 

(PS: I'm OK Thanks)

 

OH, the question would be, "What level of certification do you have?":

[+tabulator32]

I learned basic CPR in high school. I learned rescue CPR for dive master. Then I learned how to teach rescue CPR for Dive Instructor.

 

That was a few years ago but the essential training for it sticks with you.

 

(Disclaimer: Of course, it always beneficial and recommended to get refresher courses.)

[+edscott]

Took a CPR course long long ago.. but since I am usually alone even the bits I remember will be useless... Hope it happens at a good cache.. not some soccer field micro.

[+Team Tired Boy]

This is something that we've been talking about doing. Thanks for the reminder.

[+The Leprechauns]

Eagle Scout, and Red Cross training both for individual first aid and for mass disasters. If I'm caching out of sight of my car, odds are that I'll have a first aid kit with me. If not, it's in the car.

 

EDIT: I should renew the CPR training; it's been more than 10 years. hmmmm.

Edited August 21, 2005 by The Leprechauns

[+Glenn]

My employer requires me to maintain a current Adult CPR certification. I once worked in a place that had an AED and I got that cert also. I've let the AED cert laps because I we don't have one in the building I currently work in.

 

OT: Shouldn't this be in the off topic fourm?

[davwil]

My employer requires me to maintain a current Adult CPR certification. I once worked in a place that had an AED and I got that cert also. I've let the AED cert laps because I we don't have one in the building I currently work in.

 

OT: Shouldn't this be in the off topic fourm?

I suppose it could be considered off topic, but I think of it as one of those skills like knowing how to use a GPSr or map reading or using a compass or what food do I take, that we all should have in our "kit" when we go out into the "unknown".

 

Just poking the ole' brain pan with a stick...

[Mach-1 & Redtail]

I would recommend taking a wilderness first aid course. It covers the basics of first aid, plus what to do in emergency situations while in the woods. This course teaches lots of useful techniques, plus how to be resourceful with things you carry in your pack. I currently hold advanced wilderness first aid certification that I obtained through SOLO (www.soloschools.com).

[+Ed_S]

Firefighter/First Responder (18 years). CPR/Defibrillator, etc. Also Advanced Automobile Extrication, Commercial Vehicle Extrication, among other things.

 

I can tell you from experience, doing CPR on a human is a whole lot different than doing it on a manniquin!!

[+JoesBar]

I too am a fire fighter/ paramedic. I think it's great that folks learn CPR. Prompt reconition of a heart attack can save a life. I suggest that if you are willing to help a stranger in that situation, you purchase a "face shield." There are a few different designs, but the idea is that you have something that allows air to pass but not other body fluids. Do a search for "CPR face shield." Althought the person you are most likely to help is a close friend or family member.

[+Glenn]

<snip>

I think of it as one of those skills like knowing how to use a GPSr or map reading or using a compass or what food do I take, that we all should have in our "kit" when we go out into the "unknown".

 

Just poking the ole' brain pan with a stick...

Why didn't you say so in the first place?

Thanks for the poke.

[+Renegade Knight]

My job requires that I remain current in both First Aid and CPR. They changed all the rules about CPR from when I took it in college 10 years ago to when I re-certified for my new job. If I had to do something today odds are it would be a mix of what I leanerd the first time and what I learned now. But I'll take refresher courses as time goes by.

 

I agree on the face shield. Peoples right to privacy also means that everone who comes into contact with them is at risk and therefore we have to treat everone like they have diseases that can kill us. I've seen paramedics not perform CPR and let someone die because an admin chose not to stock faces masks when they were needed. The press tried to put the heat on them but I agreed with the paramedics and I thought the blame belonged to the admin type who saved some money.

[+El Diablo]

I first learned CPR and advanced first aid over 20 years ago when I was a Deputy. I have since renewed it several times. Currently 1 year expired.

 

I have actually performed CPR 3 times. Twice with success, once without. The victim died 3 days later. The 2 sucesses were near drowning victims, a 19yo female and a 26yo male. The one that didn't make it was an 82yo male in full cardiac arrest. Back then there were no face shields.

 

El Diablo

[+webscouter.]

Currently hold an instructor certificate from the American Red Cross in all CPR and First Aid courses. Try to teach at least 6 course a year.

 

For those of you who took CPR many years ago please go take another course. There are many things that have changed and todays CPR is more effective and less exhaustive than years ago. Also the lifts have changed to make it safer to do on trauma victims.

[+AuntieWeasel]

Took a CPR course long long ago.. but since I am usually alone even the bits I remember will be useless...  Hope it happens at a good cache.. not some soccer field micro.

I go it alone, too. I think about this sometimes, as I have a harmless arrhythmia that nonetheless occasionally scares the poop out of me. In the event of a more serious problem, my general plan is:

 

1. Gasp

2. Clutch my chest

3. Fall over

[magellan315]

Also check with your medical insurance company. Mine has a series "wellness" iniatives, including they will pay $25 if you take an American Red Cross first aid class. I'm not as concerned about finding someone who has had a heart attack in the woods, as I am about bleeding, broken bones, and hypothermia.

[+1stimestar]

I first got my training in the military. Lapsed for several years after I got out. Then I got it again when I was a girl scout leader. Then let lapse. Now I have it and keep it current as I am a doula and attend laboring mothers at home. Now that I live in Alaska though, I also want to take the wilderness first aid course. However it requires 40 hours, 3 days out in the wilderness and I can't commit to that amount of time right now. I am hoping to next summer though. In my glove box I carry face shield, gloves and basic first aid things as there is a pretty good chance that I will come across something sooner or later that requires them. I drive 65 miles a day, in Alaska...

[+LaPaglia]

Current CPR, Current Red Cross First Aid Instructor Cert.

 

All my kids are Current CPR and I took the boys through the Air force Survival school. Even learned how to clean gang green (sp) with maggots. Kelly was too young at the time. Survival training has paid off more than once. Its comforting to know that when my boys go camping he has the training and the experiance to come out alive from almost anything.

 

Their mom sleeps better an night when they are out camping.

 

Even Kelly can take care of herself in the wild. Be it the Wild part of downtown Denver or the wilderness.

 

If you can't teach your childred these skills, CPR First Aid, Survival then take them somewhere they can learn it. Then pray you wasted your money and they never HAVE to use it.

 

 

Ok that went places I had not planned

Edited August 21, 2005 by LaPaglia

[+One of the Texas Vikings]

I learned basic CPR in high school. I learned rescue CPR for dive master. Then I learned how to teach rescue CPR for Dive Instructor.

 

That was a few years ago but the essential training for it sticks with you.

 

(Disclaimer: Of course, it always beneficial and recommended to get refresher courses.)

Hey.. I did too. I'm a PADI Master Instructor...

[+Snoogans]

CPR/1st Aid Certified for 18+ years.

 

AED Certified for about 5 years.

 

I'm a first responder on my job, so I hafta keep em current EVERY year. I can do it in my sleep.

[+lefty2448]

I got my first aid training and CPR instruction in the Coast Guard. I since have gotten first aid and cpr from the red cross a few times, but havent touch it in ten years. Gotta get-r-done.

[+reveritt]

I have had the basic Red Cross course, about two years ago. I guess I could muddle through.

[Team WorldPeaceTurtle]

Luckily I (and most of the Team) are required to maintain current CPR and First Aid certification through work. We keep a First Aid kit handy and don't usually stray too far from the car (still pretty new at this); so far our only "injuries" have been mosquito bites or minor scrapes from branches.

[+WhatsRNutts]

I have adult and child CPR & AED as well as infant CPR through the military...it expires in 2 years. I also have Self aide Buddy care from the military which is pretty much advanced first aide, but it isn't a certified sortta class. and I always have a well stocked first aide kit in my vehicle and one in my house.

[+BillsBayou]

True story: (well, not really)

 

*ring*

*click*

"9-1-1 Is this an emergency?"

"I'm deer hunting and I just shot someone."

"Calm down sir, tell me where you are."

"Off Highway 90, Near Avondale. He's got one of those GPS things. I think he's a Geocacher. Oh God, I think he's dead."

"Sir, first things first. Are you sure he's dead?"

"Hang on, lemme check..."

[pause]

*BLAM*

"Yeah. He's dead. Now what?"

[+Criminal]

I've seen it done on TV, so I have the basics down pretty good.

 

Seriously though, I'm waiting for the next MOFA class to come around so I can take that.

 

EDIT, bad link

Edited August 22, 2005 by Criminal

[+2qwerqE]

I too am a fire fighter/ paramedic. I think it's great that folks learn CPR. Prompt reconition of a heart attack can save a life. I suggest that if you are willing to help a stranger in that situation, you purchase a "face shield." There are a few different designs, but the idea is that you have something that allows air to pass but not other body fluids. Do a search for "CPR face shield." Althought the person you are most likely to help is a close friend or family member.

I work in the education dept at the American Red Cross, and I handle retail sales as well. Please check your Local chapter for class listings.

 

Or you can even take a class online. The FA class online can be found here. If you live in the Indianapolis area, you will also find our in person classes listed there. The online FA class in completely done online, and you will receive a certification card in the mail a few days after you finish the class. You will see CPR classes offered online at that link as well, but please be aware that you still need to take the manikin skill session in person after you finish the online part, and for that you need to be local to Indianapolis. Or you can contact your local chapter for complete classes in your area. For those of you in other countries, I'm sure you can find the International Red Cross, or Red Crescent Society for your region online, though I am not sure if they all offer such training. Some may be disaster services only. You'd have to check.

 

If you want FA kits or face shields you can find them here: breathing barriers and FA kits Also, look in the 'S' listings for discontinued sale items. This link is for our Indianapolis office too, but we will ship nationally.

[+mrmnjewel]

"Retired" firefighter/paramedic here. Highly agree with recommendations to get and remain CPR and First Aid (at least) certified. Truth be told, it isn't a bad idea, if you're motivated, to go ahead and get certified to your state's lowest level of Emergency Medical Technician. Even if you never work a day on an ambulance. The training is very "real world" and will prepare you to handle and do basic life support level care until advanced life support (paramedics) can get on the scene to take over.

[bogleman]

CPR, First Aid/First Responder, AED ---------many, many other cousin related certificates. The AED is hard to find in the woods so it's good to be able to fall back to some good old school pump & blow.

[+carleenp]

I used to have a teacher certification in CPR because I worked in health care then and could get extra money teaching CPR for the company. But I let it and my regular cert lapse. I suppose I should take a refresher course, although I do remember it fine and don't need it for anything I currently do. Awhile back they did offer defibrillator and CPR training for my building (the State Capitol). They were making some available and want people around who can operate them. Maybe I will sign up. Can't hurt.

[+Savoy 6]

Paramedic in EMS for over 30 years with Firefighter /Paramedic and military medic thrown in. Did field medicine in USAF(yeah some of us zoomies like the field), SWAT medic.

 

Doesn't take much to help. A face shield for the A&B of ABC and some bleeding control stuff for the C. If you can afford a GPS why not a cell phone too. Yeah I know you can't always get a signal, but the life you save may be your own or a loved one or a stranger. Might even help your dog. A small hunter or campers first aid kit in your pack is all you need. More you add, the more weight you have to carry, keep that in mind. improvise is the best rule of thumb. don't get caught up in equipment, use what you or the victim has with them.

 

In case of emergency, first, check your own pulse.