Your first aid skills?

[Jon_Dahl]

Since we are sort of a global bunch here, it would be interesting to know how many of us are able to give first aid and how to resuscitate.

I don't have such skills, but next month I'm going to RC's first aid course. I've also been thinking about getting first aid kit to my bicycle and maybe get a bag valve mask at home.

About one year ago my neighbour had some major heart problems, I think it was vibration or whatnot... I didn't know really what to do, and his condition was worsening by every second. I called to emergency number, but I couldn't hear what was being said because my neighbour literally wailed so much. And I couldn't leave him either. He passed out, and I was sure that he was dead. But he wasn't.

So please tell about your FA skills, so I know what countries to avoid just kidding, but the subject itself is still serious.

 

[Fast Learner]

I learned most of my basic first aid skills in Boy Scouts as a teen, but the vast majority of it has stuck with me. I'm a little fuzzy on things like when you should raise the person's head vs when you should raise their feet, that kind of thing, but most of it is solid. Fortunately, too, I've picked up the corrections to most of it, too -- the whole "snake bite kit" method of handling snake bites, for example, usually causes more harm than good -- so I suspect that most of the time my actions are helpful.

I also take CPR refreshers every 5 years or so, which means it's fresh and clear in my mind. That's one where things have seriously changed from my days as a Scout.

 

[Fast Learner]

I learned most of my basic first aid skills in Boy Scouts as a teen, but the vast majority of it has stuck with me. I'm a little fuzzy on things like when you should raise the person's head vs when you should raise their feet, that kind of thing, but most of it is solid. Fortunately, too, I've picked up the corrections to most of it, too -- the whole "snake bite kit" method of handling snake bites, for example, usually causes more harm than good -- so I suspect that most of the time my actions are helpful.

I also take CPR refreshers every 5 years or so, which means it's fresh and clear in my mind. That's one where things have seriously changed from my days as a Scout.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

I've taken first aid classes maybe half a dozen times for one reason or another. I can perform CPR, for all the good it's likely to do. I've only had to do it once, and the person died anyway; I've been told that's just how it goes.

 

[Thanee]

I know how to call the ambulance!

Having a First Aid training is part of acquiring a driver's license here... unfortunately, there is no requirement for a refresher course every couple years, so, pretty much everything is forgotten after a while.

Apart from the moral implications, it is actually considered a legal offense here to not give First Aid to someone in need (unless it would endanger yourself, and so on).

Bye
Thanee

 

[Hand of Evil]

Bandaid is about it or throw asprin at the issue.

Why did I just have a picture flash or me throwing asprin at a person in need of first aid.

 

[Fast Learner]

I've taken first aid classes maybe half a dozen times for one reason or another. I can perform CPR, for all the good it's likely to do. I've only had to do it once, and the person died anyway; I've been told that's just how it goes.

Yeah, my last trainer taught that, unfortunately, CPR is only useful for reducing brain and body damage while a defibrillator is on its way. Generally CPR has to be started within minutes and defibrillation must begin within 3-5 minutes of the start of CPR, and even then the survival rate is only about 30%. Without defibrillation the survival rate is in the 4-6% range, and that's only with emergency care arriving soon.

Good on you for trying. I know that if the person was one of my loved ones I'd sure be incredibly grateful, regardless of the result.

And remember people, you want 100 compressions per minute: you can use the song Stayin' Alive as your mental rhythm guide, or if you prefer, as my last trainer suggested, Another One Bites the Dust.

 

[Fast Learner]

Just saw the poll and as an FYI, most studies now recommend only chest compressions for everyone but trained emergency personnel: odds are that more damage will be done while you stop compressions in order to provide breath than if you'd just kept pressing. Don't sweat the mouth-to-mouth, just get in there and pump hard enough to crack that sternum!

 

[Thunderfoot]

Yes, I am a trained First-Responder and Wilderness First-Responder.

The difference is in the wilderness you have greater latitude since you can't call 911 and hope the ambulance gets there in time.

1st Resp can take vitals, open an airway, bandage, splint, administer O2, CPR and Clearing an Airway. But most importantly, dial 911 Also, they can assist EMTs or Paramedics in transport but ONLY under supervision and at the direction of professional response or medical personnel.

Wilderness 1st Resp can - clear a spine, transport injured, brace and traction, administer O2, clear an airway, CPR, Bandage, Tourniquet (A last resort technique), vitals, create SOAP notes and assign/assist non-trained personnel in any of the above techniques. Of course contacting 911 is a good idea, but is not necessarily practical or possible.

Yes, I can save your butt AND put it in a sling.

 

[Kzach]

I have done about a dozen first aid courses. I started out as a St. John's Ambulance Cadet at twelve which I did for about a year. Then it was required for me to work on tourist boats to have a first aid certificate. Then it was required for me to work in security.

I'll tell you one thing, though, knowing it and doing it are WAAAAAAY different. Recalling what you know in a pressure situation is a lot harder than many people realise. Much respect to paramedics.